10 Cozy Bathroom with Fireplace Ideas: Turn Your Bathroom Into a Luxury Retreat with a Warm Fireplace

One of the quirkiest requests I ever got was from a client who wanted a fireplace in their bathroom so they could read by the fire while soaking in the tub. At first, I thought it was over the top — but once I saw it finished, I started wondering why more people don’t do it. Small spaces, like bathrooms, can actually make a fireplace feel even more intimate and luxurious. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 bathroom with fireplace ideas, based on real projects I’ve done and mistakes I’ve learned from along the way. And trust me, even a compact bathroom layout can pull this off with the right space planning.

1. Statement Mantel Above the Tub

Placing a fireplace just beyond the edge of your freestanding tub turns an ordinary soak into a spa ritual. I love using stone or marble for the mantel — it blends well with bathroom finishes, but it’s not the cheapest choice. The downside? You’ll want to seal porous materials carefully to handle steam.

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2. Dual-Sided Fireplace Between Bath and Bedroom

If you have a suite, a double-sided fireplace is magic. You can enjoy the flicker from both your bed and tub. It’s a clever way to maximize one installation, but it does require solid floor plan adjustments and a bit of extra framing cost.

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3. Compact Electric Fire for Small Bathrooms

In city apartments, I’ve added slimline electric models. They don’t throw as much heat as real wood or gas, but they add instant ambiance without venting worries. Plus, you can install them higher on the wall to save space.

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4. Fireplace Built into Shower Wall

Sounds crazy, right? I once integrated a waterproof electric fire into a large walk-in shower wall. It added drama, but sourcing the right moisture-proof unit was tricky. Worth it if you love bold design and have the budget.

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5. Minimalist Linear Fireplace

A narrow, horizontal gas strip looks super sleek in a modern bathroom. It’s understated, and you can run it the full width of a wall. The challenge: precise symmetry matters, so measure twice before building the wall niche.

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6. Fireplace + TV Combo

For clients who want full-on relaxation, embedding a fireplace below a recessed bathroom TV is a win. The key is proper wiring and ventilation, but the result is a miniature home theater in your bath time.

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7. Corner Fireplace for Awkward Layouts

Got an angled wall that stumps you? I’ve turned these into feature corners with small fireplaces. The triangular space actually frames the fire beautifully, and works even in more compact layouts designed with a good layout planner.

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8. Rustic Stone Hearth in a Cottage Bath

I once restored a country bathroom with an old stone hearth — it made the space feel like an alpine retreat. Real stone is heavy, though, so make sure your floor can take the load.

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9. Modern Black Surround with Matte Fixtures

If your bathroom is minimal, a black steel fireplace surround matches matte taps and showerheads perfectly. It’s crisp, but keep in mind darker metal shows water spots easily.

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10. Tiny Gas Stove-Style Fireplace

These freestanding mini stoves add instant coziness. Great for retro charm, and movable if you renovate later. Just remember they’ll need safe clearance and proper ventilation.

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FAQ

Q: Can I install a real wood-burning fireplace in a bathroom?

A: Technically yes, but I rarely recommend it due to ventilation, building codes, and moisture. Gas or electric is far easier.

Q: Do bathrooms with fireplaces increase home value?

A: They can — they’re a huge luxury signal. But ensure it’s done professionally to avoid being seen as a risky DIY project.