2025 Fireplace Ideas and Trends That’ll Warm Your Heart … and Your Home

When the cold air seeps into the house and the long, cloudy days turn into long, chilly nights, it's only natural to yearn for a beautiful fireplace filled with dancing flames to cuddle up next to. It's in our human DNA, after all. But if your fireplace is outdated and unused, or you find yourself wistfully staring at the space where a new one would fit perfectly, it's time to embrace your favorite modern fireplace ideas and check out some fireplace trends. They’ll bring your visions of toasty gatherings around the fire to life in no time.

But choosing among the many fireplace ideas to find one that you’ll love for years to come can be tricky — especially if it means spending thousands of dollars. According to Homeguide, the typical cost for fireplace installation is estimated to be between $1,050 and $3,780, but you could certainly reach $30,000 or more for a custom luxury wood-burning fireplace.

So to help you maximize your design choices and budget, we’ve broken down the most common fireplace types and added a few of our favorite 2025 fireplace trends, which will add the “wow” factor you deserve. 

So What Is In Style for Fireplaces in 2025?

If you’re looking to give your fireplace a makeover or install one in your new home, these popular fireplace ideas might spark your inspiration. From more modern fireplace design ideas to ones that harken back to the 1800s, peruse these 2025 fireplace trends to see what strikes your fancy.

Keep in mind: If you focus on your personal preferences for fireplace finishes, they can take on whatever style you love most. Consider designing the fireplace with the rest of your home’s aesthetic in mind, and it will blend in or stand out as much as you prefer.

Q: What is the new trend for fireplaces? A: While there’s no one new trending look for fireplaces — it’s a timeless home feature, after all — statement surrounds with bold tiling, room-divider fireplaces that help create a sense of separation in an open-concept living space, and fireplaces with organic shapes or curved features are all fireplace trends for 2025 (think: colorful freestanding fireplaces).

Have a traditional fireplace but want to incorporate more modern fireplace ideas? Add some maximalist decor around the area or on the mantle.
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Traditional Fireplace

Modern fireplace ideas are great, but some fireplace trends never go out of style for good reason — picture a wood and plaster mantel with a surround made of tile, marble, or brick. Though you might picture this kind of fireplace in a formal living room with coffered ceilings, mixing and matching styles are very on trend, so don’t be afraid to pair a traditional fireplace with a fun, maximalist room. 

Craftsman fireplaces blend timeless design with quality craftsmanship, featuring elegant details like rich woodwork, stone surrounds, and a warm, inviting aesthetic.
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Craftsman Fireplace

Fans of woodwork and cozy, lived-in living rooms will love the look of a Craftsman-style fireplace. Though you’ll often see them made with darker wood and ceramic tile, there are plenty of ways to update it for a lighter look, if that’s what your personal style calls for.

Victorian fireplace ideas usually feature intricate designs and ornate details.
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Victorian Fireplace

From media to the runway, it’s clear that 19th-century designs are back in style. If you want to add some antique charm to your home, consider installing a Victorian-style fireplace, which isn’t as heavily ornamented as other styles and features a cast-iron insert. To top off the look, add an antique mirror above the mantel.

Simple fireplace ideas don’t have to be boring. This Scandinavian style is stylish and inviting.
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Scandinavian Fireplace

Obviously, the part of the world that invented hygge (the Danish concept of coziness) knows what it's doing when it comes to fireplaces. Scandinavian style is defined by simplicity and neutral tones, which you’ll see in the fireplaces, whether that’s a column-shaped Swedish fireplace or another kind of freestanding fireplace with built-in wood storage (so handy!).

To decorate a farmhouse fireplace mantle, layer rustic elements like distressed books, greenery, and neutral knick-knacks.
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Farmhouse Fireplace

Farmhouse fireplaces are typically clad with shiplap wood, or, if they’re brick, often whitewashed, so they look slightly distressed or antiquated. This fireplace design is great if you’ve got lots of fireplace ideas for decor — decking out your mantel and swapping it out for the seasons is key.

It may sound counterintuitive, but modern fireplace ideas also include retro styles, like this mid-century fireplace in a bold, yellow hue. 
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Mid-Century Fireplace

You’re probably familiar with the freestanding steel fireplaces made by Malm, which add instant color and a retro-cool factor to any home. Though mid-century modern fireplaces can also be built in, made of brick or stone, and defined by clean lines and a sleek look.

Fireplace ideas for those who prefer a minimalist style include sticking with natural colors and keeping the mantle clean with only a few decorative touches.
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Minimalist Fireplace

This may be what you envision when you think of modern fireplace ideas and styles — minimalist fireplaces have clean lines and zero ornamentation. They can range in material, from smooth plaster to a gorgeous hunk of marble to more industrial concrete. The mantel may also blend right in, or you could opt for one made of natural wood or even metal.

Want to make a style statement? Try a maximalist fireplace with patterned tiles.
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Maximalist Fireplace

Though neutral hearths are still en vogue, so are fireplaces that embrace color and pattern. You can apply this fireplace design trend to nearly any kind of fireplace, whether that means installing multicolored tiles, painting the brick surround a bold color, or giving the plaster a makeover with a fresh coat of paint.

Expressing yourself is always in style — and 2025 fireplace trends exemplify this — so feel free to infuse your space with your personality.
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Fireplace With a Statement Surround

Punchy personality pieces and fun, individualistic expression are both major interior design trends for 2025, so if you like something, don’t shy away when it comes to your fireplace. Using illustrated tiles or beautiful mosaic pieces to create a magical-looking surround is a sure way to get oohs and aahs from house guests.

Q: What are the most modern fireplace ideas? A: When thinking about modern fireplace ideas, there are a few ways to go. If you’re envisioning a sleek, clean-lined surround, you may opt for a double-sided industrial gas fireplace made with concrete and glass. Those chasing 2025 fireplace ideas, though, may be more interested in a colorful, pattern-forward look with tiles and a painted mantel.

Structural Fireplace Trends for 2025

Okay, now that we’ve got your mental mood board filled with beautiful fireplace ideas, you might be wondering what structural style it should take on, beyond just the look of it. The good news is, there are many popular 2025 fireplace trends. In fact, there are endless amounts of impressive fireplace ideas out there, so clear out your Pinterest boards to make room for an overload of fireplace envy.

Keep in mind that most people are naturally drawn to designs similar to the home's existing decor and architecture. But if you need a little guidance, you can’t go wrong with one of these fireplace ideas.

Open Fireplace

If your house demands a showpiece fireplace, consider an open fireplace to become the home's proud focal point. Unimpeded open flames cast a considerable amount of light and will immediately draw your guests over to enjoy the ambiance. Choose reflective materials for the surround to add extra sparkle and drama.

Black modern fireplaces combine sleek sophistication with bold minimalism, creating a striking focal point that seamlessly enhances contemporary interiors.
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Frameless Fireplace

Sleek, sharp, and linear installation rule when it comes to frameless fireplace trends. You’ll adore frameless fireplaces because they’re easily tailored to your preferences. Most are built either single-sided or as a see-through tunnel. These modern fireplace ideas look uber-sophisticated if paired with a black or dark marble surround or another dramatic and eye-catching material like steel.

If you can’t choose between gas or wood-burning fireplace ideas, convertible fireplaces let you easily switch between heating options.
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Convertible Fireplace

Can’t decide between a gas or wood-burning fireplace and want the benefits of both? Then a convertible fireplace is a brilliant solution. In just about 30 minutes, you can switch your wood-burning fireplace to gas. Then, later, when a gorgeous snowfall starts and your inner lumberjack calls, you can switch back to wood-burning and enjoy your axe and saw handiwork.

Multi-Sided Fireplace

If more is always more for you, then you’ll want full-view access to your fireplace through more than one pane of clear glass. Essentially a glass box, these show-stopping fireplaces let you view your fire from every angle and enjoy the warmth and light bouncing around each glass panel.

Modern gas fireplaces are cleaner-burning, safer, and significantly more energy efficient, with efficiency ratings reaching up to 80 percent.
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Traditional Gas Fireplace

Tradition never dies, so you’ll always be on trend if you prefer a classic gas fireplace — especially if your home has a rustic or cabin feel. Gas fireplaces are clean, easy to start, and look like a traditional wood-burning fireplace with hefty stone or rock surround and hearth details.

Q: How can I make my fireplace attractive? A: An easy, budget-friendly, DIY way to make your fireplace more attractive is to focus on fireplace mantel design ideas. The mantel is the perfect showcase for precious heirlooms, a holiday scene (snow globe collection, anyone?), or a rotation of one-of-a-kind collections each season. If you display things you already love and own, like family photographs or local artists’ work, you’ll never be stuck with the same look, even if the rest of your fireplace remains the same.

If you don’t want to build a fireplace into your wall, consider adding a free-standing fireplace, one of the more versatile 2025 fireplace trends.

Free-Standing Fireplace

This is one of the more versatile fireplace ideas in 2025, in that it can be wood-burning, gas, or electric. These are excellent at radiating heat around the room and don’t take up the wall space of a built-in fireplace — though that doesn’t mean they can’t be just as much of a focal point. Bonus: They typically come in a range of fun colors and lend a mid-century modern, funky, or contemporary flair to any room. Seeing as organic shapes are very much still in trend this year, a curved freestanding fireplace is definitely in line with fireplace trends for 2025.

Open-space floor plans may be on the way out, so if you want to add some dimension to your home, a room-divider fireplace is a great 2025 fireplace trend.
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Room-Divider Fireplace

This is a modern fireplace idea that uses the surround to create a floor-to-ceiling division, making the hearth act as a room divider in itself. This is a particularly fitting choice for open-concept layouts when you want to create a sense of separation without installing an actual wall that blocks natural light and closes the space off. Hint: This fireplace design can come in clutch for households where multiple people are working from home.

Smart fireplaces are one of the more eco-friendly fireplace ideas for 2025 because of their energy-monitoring features.
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Smart Fireplace

“Smart” devices are such a ubiquitous part of life that the descriptor isn’t always needed anymore. The trend has hit home appliances and fixtures, and fireplaces are no exception. But what separates a regular fireplace from a smart one?

A smart fireplace has advanced technology, such as app-based controls, voice activation, and energy-monitoring features. But these fireplaces combine function with form, offering sleek, minimalist designs that fit seamlessly into contemporary spaces.

You don’t have to be beachside to enjoy coastal fireplace ideas. Just add your favorite seaside colors, and watch the tranquility flow over you.
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Coastal Fireplaces

This 2025 fireplace idea isn’t for beach homeowners only. If you enjoy a seaside neutral color palette, then feel free to incorporate those colors into your fireplace. Incorporate natural materials such as driftwood, stone, or shiplap to evoke a waterside vibe. A whitewashed brick or tile surround can add texture while maintaining the airy aesthetic. For the final touch, place a wicker basket with rolled-up blankets nearby to create a cozy retreat that works for coastal cottages and city brownstones alike.

Popular 2025 Fireplace Ideas: Materials That Make a Statement

Fireplace ideas are as varied as the homeowners who build them. Want a funky fireplace that serves as an art piece? It can be done! Crave one of those classic stacked-stone fireplace designs with a recycled mantel? All you have to do is ask. Working with a home remodeling contractor will expand your design palette and steer you toward safe and budget-friendly options.

When searching for fireplace inspiration, you’ll often find fireplaces built from these materials:

Brick

Brick fireplace designs are inexpensive, come in unique colors, and can easily be painted or white-washed for entirely different looks. A brick surround is great for fireplace design ideas focused on a rustic or traditional style, but with a coat of paint, it can easily mesh with a contemporary or even minimalist aesthetic. 

Natural Stone

Durability and uniqueness are the hallmarks of marble, granite, and limestone. And while a rustic stone fireplace is a lovely choice for an English- or French-country style (think: The Holiday), natural stone can easily go from cozy to sleek when you use a polished piece of veined marble for an oh-so-contemporary and minimalist look.  

Plaster

Plaster is sometimes used to cover ugly fireplace finishes like dated rock. You can also opt for Venetian plaster to create a natural stone-like look — one of the less-expensive modern fireplace design ideas, in comparison to pricier stone options like marble.

Tile

Add plenty of personality to your fireplace with colorful ceramic or porcelain tiles. This fireplace material is so versatile: Illustrated tiles can help you create a fun statement fireplace (hello, maximalism!), for instance, while seafoam green tiles can lend themselves to a nice Craftsman surround (and lean into the green trend of 2025).  

Concrete

Apply concrete in the standard gray or add color for more presence. If you’re looking at fireplace design ideas using concrete, you probably already know this is a great way to go when you want to lean into an industrial or even rustic look — using it as a floor-to-ceiling surround for a room divider fireplace will add an instant cool factor to your space.

Metal

Steel and iron elements create strong, modern fireplace designs. It also tops the list of materials for modern fireplace ideas and is perfect for a minimalist look.

Wood

Reclaimed, hand-hewn, and rough-sawn are just some of the styles found in wood fireplaces. A live-edge wood mantel not only looks cool and cozy, but it also lends itself really well to a Scandinavian, farmhouse, or rustic style.

If after you update or add a fireplace and think a living room remodel is in order, the PODS Blog has articles like "Remodeling Your House? You Need This Step-By-Step Home Renovation Checklist" to help you navigate the process.

Q: How do I learn how to design a fireplace? A: Standout fireplace designs stem from customizing the three main aesthetic fireplace parts: the mantel, surround (material around the firebox), and hearth (space in front of the fireplace). A cohesive design should include finishes for each. Mantels are often made from distinctive wood, like reclaimed lumber. Surrounds are commonly created from unique rock or tile, and natural stone slabs like granite are go-to hearth features.

3 Common Fireplaces To Choose From

If your heart desires a comfy, cozy fireplace warming winter nights, there’s a version that will suit your budget and level of upkeep commitment.

Wood-burning fireplaces offer a classic and rustic charm, delivering the authentic crackling sound, natural warmth, and cozy aroma of a real wood fire.

There’s just something about a wood-burning fireplace that’s hard to replicate. That’s why they continue to have a devoted following, even though they aren't the most energy-efficient or cost-effective fireplace option. You’ll also need to factor in the time and money required for upkeep.

Chalk up the popularity to a huge dose of nostalgia and the way a wood-burning fireplace evokes emotion through all of your senses, but either way, there’s a reason holiday movies and real estate shows are filled with gorgeous wood-burning fireplaces.

Wood-Burning Stove

A wood-burning stove is similar to a wood-burning fireplace, but it’s enclosed and throws much more heat into the room. Stoves burn firewood better than fireplaces, and their efficiency ratings sit between 75 and 90 percent, depending on the model. In comparison, an open wood-burning fireplace’s output is as little as 10 or 20 percent efficient. You can also retrofit a wood-burning stove into an existing chimney, so it's a smart option for an efficiency update if you use it as a heat source.

Electric fireplaces provide a hassle-free way to enjoy warmth and ambiance without the need for a chimney or ventilation.

2. Electric Fireplaces

If you love a fireplace’s ambiance but don't love a wood-burning model’s mess, one of the flameless (don’t worry, a faux flame is included) electric fireplace designs could be your favorite option. Electric fireplaces are wall-mounted or placed as an insert. They’re affordable and energy efficient and have a convenient plug-in system that turns on with the flip of a switch. And since electric fireplaces emit less heat, they’re ideal for homeowners in warm climates who occasionally want to add a bit of festive atmosphere to the room.

Gas fireplaces offer the warmth and ambiance of a traditional fireplace with the convenience, efficiency, and cleanliness of modern technology.

3. Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplace designs are popular because homeowners relish the chance to enjoy the creature comforts of a fireplace but want to avoid the constant care. They’re sold with or without gas logs and have higher efficiency rates than wood-burning fireplaces. If the traditional fireplace look doesn’t match your keen out-of-the-box style, you're in luck because gas fireplaces are highly customizable and sought after because they add high impact to any decorating preference. 

Gas fireplaces are affordable alternatives to install from scratch (standalone models and inserts are available) or when you want to convert an unwanted wood-burning fireplace during a renovation. However, a gas fireplace does require a gas line and a carbon monoxide detection system because, of course, safety first.

Insider Tip: A fireplace install or update is an exciting home improvement project, but just like the soot you’ll clean from the wood-burning fireplace, the construction debris is messy, so you’ll need a solution to keep your home tidy while under construction. If you want more space (other than your kitchen or living room) to store the project’s materials and tools, consider reserving a PODS portable storage container for renovation and remodeling storage.

Your Fireplace’s Return on Investment (ROI) 

Interior fireplaces don’t add as much home value as they used to — many Realtors say between 6 to 12 percent of your home's value, though some say even less. But the financial investment isn’t the point for people who treasure a fireplace. Instead, they crave the warmth, light, and ambiance that only a fireplace offers, and the personal benefits outweigh the costs.

If you’re on the fence about updating or installing a fireplace and need a couple more pros for your pro/con list, know that, depending on the model and the amount of use, some fireplaces (especially stoves) might reduce your heating bills a little — although it’s not worth going off the grid anytime soon. Also, most potential homebuyers don’t fiercely hate fireplaces and avoid houses with them installed. In fact, they’re a proven selling feature in home sale marketing pictures and videos. It's hard to deny that a roaring fire is the highlight of any room.

Add an Outdoor Fire Feature for More ROI

On the other end of the spectrum, if your favorite fireplace ideas are of the outdoor variety, you may want to proceed with your plans. Outdoor living spaces with magazine-worthy fire features provide some of the best home-improvement ROI stats. For example, fire pits sometimes have an 80 percent ROI because of their appeal and lower cost of installation.

If you’re a homeowner with an eye toward resale in the future, remember that by extending your inside living space outside, you’ll spend more time enjoying multiple seasons in comfort and attract buyers with the extra square footage. Think about fall afternoons filled with football games on the TV/fireplace wall unit designed especially for you. And don’t forget, an outdoor fire feature is a perfect excuse to enjoy seasonal snacks like s’mores on a summer evening or roasted hot dogs for a Halloween dinner.

Outdoor fireplace designs are similar to their indoor counterparts — you’ll choose from wood-burning, electric, and gas. But outdoor fireplaces need weather-resistant materials, such as stone, to prevent damage and maintain their beauty. You’ll also need to decide whether you prefer a standalone model or if extending an existing fireplace outside makes sense.

So what’s it going to be? A bold, new gas fireplace with sexy finishes? A to-die-for chimney made of local stones and a fireplace big enough to stand in? Or, if these sound too extreme, a gentle dip into fireplace life with a lovely electric model is sure to chase away any wintertime blues.
For more inspired home remodeling and renovation ideas, visit the PODS Blog.

Dawn M. Smith writes about most home topics, including relocation, real estate, and home improvement. As a military spouse, she knows all too well the ups and downs of creating a new home after each move. From scouting the best neighborhoods and packing last-minute to choosing the perfect paint color, she gets it all done (usually in a hurry) with her family and Golden Retriever in tow. Dawn shares her lessons learned with the PODS Blog and other outlets like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and MilitaryByOwner.