How Much Wall Space is Needed For a Fireplace?

By Anthony, 11 Jan 2024

When it comes to wall space and fireplaces, the size of your fireplace should match the size of your room. Visual appeal, rather than any calculation, determines the sizing. For example, having a small fireplace in a large room will make the fireplace disappear. In contrast, having a large fireplace in a small room will make every other thing lost from view. Based on that, a small wall requires a small fireplace, and a large wall needs a large fireplace.

However, you should be aware of small walls in large rooms. For instance, spaces with open floor plans feature small walls to divide the space into multiple rooms. Placing a small fireplace on such a wall will make it look out of place compared to the rest of the area. Alternatively, select a different wall that can fit the size of your fireplace.

Standard fireplace dimensions

Fireplaces come in a range of sizes, the largest being 108” W x 77” H X 35D and the smallest 15” W x 16 “H x 4 “D when fully assembled. However, different types of fireplaces have different specific sizes:

  • Standard electric fireplace - 55” W x 31” H x 13” D
  • Electric firebox – 33” W x 20” H x 7” D
  • Outdoor fireplace: 36-180” W, 48-180” H, 36-72” D
  • Corner fireplace: 40-45” W, 42” H, 24” D
  • Fireplace insert 25-36” W, 13-19” D, 17-24” H

Now that you are up to date with the various general sizes of electric fireplaces, here is how much wall space each requires:

How much space is needed for a freestanding electric fireplace?

Electric fireplaces come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some have a modern look, while others resemble traditional fireplaces and are fitted with a surround and mantel for visual appeal and functionality. A common type of fireplace is a freestanding electric fireplace. Their popularity could be attributed to their straightforward installation, which involves you plugging it directly into a power outlet.

It needs to be proportionate to its surroundings to achieve the best look when installing a freestanding electric fireplace. Here is a trick to find out how much space you need.

 First, get the dimensions of the fireplace you desire. Next, identify a wall you want to place the fireplace in, then using masking tape, outline the shape of the fireplace on the space you want to mount the unit. After that, arrange your furniture around the outline to get a picture of how the room would look with the electric fireplace and how much space you would require. With a visual representation of the electric fireplace using the outline, you can also see if the electric fireplace is too big or too small for your space.

Wall-mounted electric fireplace space requirement

wall-mounted electric fireplace

A wall-mounted electric fireplace is a unit that offers a contemporary, sleek look without wasting floor space since it is placed on a wall. Its installation requirements recommend keeping combustible materials at least 1.5 inches from the electric fireplace.

Generally, most wall-mounted electric fireplaces use a depth of between 4 to 12 inches. Hence, it is advisable to find out how much depth space your wall has before shopping for a wall-mounted electric fireplace.

The wall space required for a wall-mounted electric fireplace is also influenced by whether you pair it with a TV above it. Installing a wall-mounted electric fireplace and a TV on the same wall would require more space.

Electric fireplace entertainment center size consideration

An entertainment center with an incorporated fireplace is a highly functional unit. It is a single component that offers storage space and a TV stand. As well as the aesthetics and warmth of a real wood-burning fireplace. With its multiple features, it makes your area more manageable.

Media centers are designed with shelves on the sides and a TV space above, meaning it takes up much more space than an ordinary fireplace. Therefore, you need to consider the width and height of your wall when purchasing a media center. It also helps to consider whether the media center storage slots can fit your TV and other devices, such as your gaming console, DVD player, or cable box.

Electric fireplace inserts space requirement.

An electric fireplace insert is a unit that turns a traditional fireplace into an electric one. Its installation is relatively simple. You slide it into a firebox, plug it into a power outlet, or hardwire the unit, and then it is good to go. When shopping for an electric fireplace insert, you need to measure the size of your firebox and use the dimensions to find a unit that fits it. You must check the recommendations from the unit manufacturer to know how much space clearance is required around the fireplace since it differs for different electric fireplace inserts.

How much space is required between an electric fireplace and a TV?

standard european style fireplace

There is bread and butter in the Hall of Fame for perfect pairs, and then there is a TV and an electric fireplace on the same wall. That is a trend that came and became every interior designer’s go-to move. Terming it revolutionary would be an understatement. If mounted correctly, an electric fireplace and a TV on the same wall transform an average living area into a 10/10 chilling zone.

It is recommended to have a TV and an electric fireplace between 8-10 inches apart. That makes them aesthetically pleasing as well as enhances safety in their operation. Suppose your electric fireplace gets too hot. We recommend at least 12 inches apart.

Sizing an electric fireplace and a TV on the same wall

An electric fireplace should be around the same length as your TV for the best aesthetics and balance. A smaller fireplace below a TV will look out of place. If your TV is 60inches, you should install an electric fireplace that is 65-70 inches long

Conclusion

After going through this article, it is evident that the correlation between wall space and fireplaces is essential if you want to enhance your living area’s aesthetics and functionality. While there is no precise mathematical means to ascertain the ideal fireplace dimensions for a given wall, it is clear that maintaining proportionality and visual appeal plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome.

We have touched on numerous aspects, from the standard dimensions of fireplaces to the specific spatial requirements for particular fireplace types. Which we hope helps you transform your living space into what you desire.

Current Rating:
0.00 Rated by 63 Readers

Comments