10 Living Room Layout Ideas with Fireplace: Creative and Functional Fireplace Living Room Designs from My 10 Years of Interior Experience

In recent years, I’ve noticed a big shift in living room design — fireplaces are no longer just winter features, they’re focal points all year round. As a designer, especially when working with smaller spaces, I’ve found that a fireplace can actually spark big design creativity. In this piece, I’ll share 10 living room layout ideas with fireplace inspiration, drawn from my projects and supported by expert sources, so you can blend warmth, functionality, and style effortlessly.

1. Symmetrical Seating Around the Hearth

My Take: I love how mirror-image sofas or armchairs around a fireplace create an immediate sense of order and comfort. In my downtown renovation project, this layout encouraged cozy conversations and made the space feel balanced.

Pros: A symmetrical setup makes the fireplace the honest centerpiece and promotes social interaction. This style works particularly well for traditional and transitional designs.

Cons: Can feel overly formal if you prefer a more relaxed, eclectic vibe. Large matching furniture may also overwhelm small rooms.

Tip: You can soften the look with varied textures and throw pillows.

save pin

2. Floating Furniture with Fireplace Focal

My Take: Once I placed a sofa away from the walls, orienting it toward the fireplace, it transformed the traffic flow — even in a tight space. It gave an airy, deliberate feel.

Pros: Creates defined zones without partitions. Perfect when you want a cozy area near the hearth and an open backdrop.

Cons: You’ll need to consider rug size and walking paths carefully, or it can feel awkward.

floating arrangements that define cozy living zones can vastly improve small living room layouts.

save pin

3. L-Shaped Seating Facing the Fireplace

My Take: The L-shape lets people face both the fire and each other. In a family home I redesigned, it became the perfect “movie night” zone.

Pros: Maximizes corner space while maintaining a strong focal point. Ideal for open-plan layouts.

Cons: Limited flexibility in rearranging furniture; one side may feel less included in conversations.

Note: Choose a sectional that’s proportional to your room’s scale.

save pin

4. Off-Center Fireplace with Angled Furniture

My Take: Embracing an off-center fireplace can be challenging, but angling the main sofa slightly toward it keeps the balance. I did this in a loft with tricky wall lines.

Pros: Adds visual interest and breaks away from rigid, linear setups. According to Architectural Digest, angled layouts can make a room feel more dynamic.

Cons: Can make TV placement tricky if not planned together with the fireplace design.

save pin

5. Minimalist Layout with Built-In Storage

My Take: I once designed a minimalist fireplace wall with hidden cabinetry. It kept clutter hidden while letting the sleek hearth take center stage.

Pros: Ideal for small rooms where both heating and storage are priorities. Clean lines keep the eye focused on the fireplace.

Cons: Custom built-ins can be more expensive upfront than freestanding solutions.

minimalist fireplace designs with hidden storage can dramatically reduce visual clutter and elevate the overall style.

save pin

6. Dual Focal Point: Fireplace and TV

My Take: It’s the most common request I get from clients — "Can I have both?" The answer is yes, with careful proportion and mounting height.

Pros: Combines two popular features into one wall. Saves space in small living rooms.

Cons: Viewing angle can suffer if the TV is too high; consider a tilting mount.

save pin

7. Cozy Reading Nook by the Fireside

My Take: Adding a chaise or a pair of armchairs beside the fireplace creates an intimate retreat. I’ve even integrated bookshelves into the alcoves for a library feel.

Pros: Perfect for relaxing evenings, maximizes underused corners, and adds charm.

Cons: Dedicated reading nooks can limit larger group seating unless space is generous.

save pin

8. Contemporary Open Plan with See-Through Fireplace

My Take: This is a showstopper. A double-sided fireplace links the living room with the dining area, as I did in a recent modern condo project.

Pros: Enhances natural light flow and creates a connection between spaces. Adds wow factor for resale value (source: National Association of Realtors).

Cons: More complex installation and higher cost than standard fireplaces.

open-plan designs featuring see-through fireplaces work particularly well in modern renovations.

save pin

9. Rustic Style with Natural Materials

My Take: I adore using stone and reclaimed wood to frame a fireplace. It instantly gives the space a grounded, welcoming feel.

Pros: Adds texture, warmth, and authenticity. Stone also has excellent heat retention.

Cons: Materials can be heavy and may require reinforcement in upper-floor spaces.

save pin

10. Corner Fireplace with Flexible Seating

My Take: Corner fireplaces can actually free up wall space for windows or storage. Pairing it with lightweight chairs keeps the layout adaptable.

Pros: Great for small or oddly shaped rooms. Lets you enjoy both the fire and an exterior view.

Cons: Fireplaces in corners can feel secondary unless styled with intent.

save pin

Summary

Ultimately, a small living room with a fireplace isn’t a limitation — it’s an invitation to be smarter with design. As Houzz points out, thoughtful furniture placement can make a modest room feel open and inviting. Which of these living room layout ideas with fireplace would you love to try first?

FAQ

1. What’s the best living room layout with a fireplace for small spaces?

Try floating furniture or an L-shape that directs focus toward the fireplace without blocking walkways.

2. Can I place a TV above the fireplace?

Yes, but keep in mind viewing height. HGTV suggests mounting it at eye level when seated, even if that means adjusting mantle design.

3. Is a corner fireplace a good idea?

Absolutely — especially if you want to free up wall space for larger windows or storage units.

4. How do I arrange furniture around an off-center fireplace?

Use angled furniture placement to balance the layout, and consider matching side elements to visually anchor the space.

5. What’s the trendiest fireplace style right now?

Minimalist linear fireplaces are in, according to Architectural Digest, often paired with built-in storage.

6. How do I make a fireplace the focal point?

Center main seating on it, use accent lighting, and style the mantel or surrounding wall intentionally.

7. Are see-through fireplaces energy efficient?

They can be, but check manufacturer specs. Modern double-sided units often use advanced insulation technology.

8. Where can I see examples of modern fireplace layouts?

You can explore modern fireplace layout examples in 3D to visualize different configurations before committing.