How much space should be on either side of a fireplace?

Author: Emmanuelle Marks III  |  Last update: Monday, October 13, 2025

2. Leave Room For Your Fireplace Surround. Regardless of how small you go with your fireplace opening width, don't forget about the surround. When you envision the design of your fireplace, be sure to add 12 to 24 inches on either side of the fireplace for a surround.

What is the clearance for a fireplace side?

11 All wood including joists, beams and studs, and any other combustible materials must have a clearance of no less than 2 inches from the front and sides of masonry fireplaces. A minimum of 4 inches of clearance to combustibles is required from the back face of a masonry fireplace.

What do you do with space on either side of a fireplace?

Place a console table or bookcase on one side of the fireplace and place the accent chair on the other side of the fireplace. I'd do a wall art gallery or large art pieces on the walls on both sides of the fire place.

How much stone should be on each side of a fireplace?

A) by measuring the opening from side to side (don"t include any metal flange that you want to cover up). Once you have this measurement, decide how much surround facing that you would like to show between the legs of your mantel and the firebox opening width. A good rule of thumb is 6 - 8".

What should I put on either side of my fireplace?

What should I put on either side of my fireplace?
  • 1. Tall bookshelves on each side for books and accessories (open to wood in white or off white with wallpapered backing)
  • 2. Small pieces of art (for a simplistic look)
  • 3. Small bookshelves/chests on each side to house DVD's, games, knickknacks, etc.

The Key Rules for Hanging Art in your Home! - Interior Design Tips

How much space should be on each side of a fireplace?

2. Leave Room For Your Fireplace Surround. Regardless of how small you go with your fireplace opening width, don't forget about the surround. When you envision the design of your fireplace, be sure to add 12 to 24 inches on either side of the fireplace for a surround.

What can you do on either side of a chimney breast?

Install built-in shelves or cabinets in the alcoves on either side of the chimney breast to display decorative items, books, or personal belongings. Incorporate well-placed lighting, such as wall sconces, pendant lights, or floor lamps, to highlight the chimney breast and create ambiance in the room.

What is the 10 2 fireplace rule?

This rule means that the chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building within 10 feet.

What's the code for the fireplace mantel?

The building codes will typically determine the height to place the mantel from the hearth, and the distance from the firebox. As a general rule, the mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Then adding an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes.

What is the best stone to put around a fireplace?

Granite is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces. The stone does require regular sealing, but it is relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. You'll find hundreds of unique colors and patterns in granite slabs, sure to fit any design aesthetic.

What is the air gap around a fireplace?

The Air Space. Code has long required a 2" air space between the outside of a masonry chimney and any combustible material. And that air space "shall not be filled, except to provide fire blocking", reads the current International Residential Code (IRC)*.

How far should a sofa be from the fireplace?

It's recommended that there are at least three feet between the fireplace and the furniture. Even if you're using a screen or glass doors to protect from popping embers, the heat produced by the fire can damage furniture. Also, the intense heat produced by the fireplace can be enough to ignite a fire.

What is a fireplace spacer?

The spacer fits around the outside of the appliance, allowing it to stand on its own. It also allows the fire to be fitted flat to a wall, without any worries about fire or other concerns.

What is the code for a fireplace surround?

The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

What is the minimum distance between fireplace and wall?

The minimum distance from walls when installing a fireplace is determined based on the specific requirements of the manufacturer. However, in general, it is recommended that the back wall of the fireplace be at a distance of at least 20 cm from non-combustible materials.

How much space between TV and mantel?

The minimum mantel height from the top of the fireplace viewing area is 12″, for a total minimum of 19″ to the bottom of the TV. By adhering to this minimum distance between the fireplace and TV, and by taking advantage of Acucraft's Cool Touch tech, you can protect your TV from accidental overheating.

What is the rule of thumb for a fireplace mantel?

A good rule of thumb is to not make the height any less than half of its depth. Example: If your mantel depth is 10", you do not want the height to be any less than 5". Otherwise you run the risk of the mantel looking thin and chunky, and visually making it look out of balance.

What is the minimum distance from fireplace to mantel?

National building codes specify minimum distances between the top of the fireplace opening and the bottom of the mantel to prevent fire hazards. While codes can vary, a common specification is that mantels must have at least a 6-inch clearance from the fireplace opening for every 1/2 inch that the mantel protrudes.

What is the clearance code for a wood fireplace mantel?

Woodwork, such as wood trim, mantels, and other combustible material, shall not be placed within 6 in. (152 mm) of a fireplace opening ... is not less than 12 inches (306 mm) from the inside surface of the nearest firebox lining.

How close is too close to a fireplace?

The specific minimum distance required can vary depending on the heat emission of the fireplace, as well as the type of materials used in the construction of the furniture and the surrounding area. Generally, a clearance of at least 36 inches is advised to allow for proper airflow and reduce the risk of overheating.

What is the 7 times rule for chimneys?

(c) An existing chimney may only be utilized with one or multiple gas appliances if the interior area of the chimney is no greater than seven times the area of the smallest flue to be connected to that chimney. burning appliances is used with an appliance using fuel gas, an accessible cleanout shall be provided.

What do you put on either side of a fireplace?

Consoles and More. Sleek console tables on either side of the fireplace in a transitional living room function as a place for art and sculpture says designer Jonathan Savage. Benches underneath each console allow for additional seating to be tucked away, but also easily accessible.

What looks good on a chimney breast?

Feature wall

If your fireplace is no longer in use, they can still make beautiful design features. Consider decorating your non-active chimney breast by installing a mantelpiece (if you don't already have one), putting flowers, logs, ornaments, books, bunting or even artwork in the hearth.

What is a fireplace alcove?

Alcoves look like someone has cut sections out of a wall, leaving the fireplace protruding from the wall, while the alcoves are the parts of the wall on either side that are slightly behind. They are very popular features as there are a lot of different designs for alcoves as they look incredibly unique and stylish.

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