It's easy to warm up to the wonderful winter indulgence of a hearth in the bedroom
Lisa FrederickJanuary 7, 2012
Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
More
Although I'm the first one to sing the praises of central heating, a small part of me thinks it's a shame that this modern convenience did its part to render bedroom fireplaces unnecessary. What could be more satisfying, and more soothing, than cozying up to a hearth in the comfort of your boudoir? Fortunately, this little luxury has enjoyed a resurgence in recent decades, and there are all kinds of inventive ways to make it happen. Browse these ideas for inspiration.
Thanks to the formal furniture arrangement, this space has the feel of a living room that just happens to include a bed.
More: See the latest bedroom photos | Find an interior designer
Yes, you can have a fireplace in a tiny bedroom. Here, a grid of white tiles on the surround reinforces the strong architecture of the space; the gourd-shaped light fixture adds needed curves. Fireplaces do restrict furniture placement, so tucking the bed into the bay window and adding built-in storage are smart decisions.
Call it "mountain mod." This room marries the best of the lodge look (antler chandelier, stacked-stone fireplace, exposed beams) with contemporary accents such as the Barcelona chair.
A chrome-trimmed fireplace adds to the upbeat, contemporary feel of this room and infuses it with a hint of glamour.
This limestone surround feels unfussy, yet makes a statement. It also doesn't overwhelm the monochromatic palette or the clean, uniform styling of the shelves (I'm loving that white-paper-covered book technique).
The way this fireplace is tucked within its own niche, complete with bookshelves on either side, makes it feel like a Lilliputian library. I can see stretching out on a thick, soft blanket right on front of it and getting lost in a book for hours.
A freestanding fireplace enhances this room's old-fashioned, very American charm. It feels almost Colonial in its spareness, yet of the moment.
Some rooms are simply, classically pretty. They don't shout; they whisper. This retreat, with its beautiful millwork, restrained palette, and unassuming fireplace anchoring the far wall, falls into that category.
A small, convex corner hearth is a great way to maximize space and add architectural interest.
The arrangement here, with a small-scale sofa pushed against the food of the bed, is slightly unconventional, but it works. You could bask in the fireglow just as well from both spots.
Next:
Make Your Fireplace the Focal Point
