10 Fireplace Hearth Design Ideas

10 Fireplace Hearth Design Ideas

by — Kari Apted
Published on August 16, 2021
Updated on February 20, 2025

“We no longer build fireplaces for physical warmth. We build them for the warmth of the soul; we build them to dream by, to hope by, to home by.” – Edna Ferber

Virtually every fireplace needs some type of hearth. Whether you have a wood burning fireplace, a gas fireplace, or even a faux fireplace, a hearth is an essential component of your fireplace design ideas.

These fire-resistant zones protect your home from fires caused by sparks and embers. Hearth options exist to fit any decorating style and budget. Look through our carefully selected collection of fireplace hearth ideas for inspiration on building or remodeling your hearth.

1. Bricks

Brick is one of the most common materials used in building a fireplace hearth or surround. Inexpensive and durable, brick can carry off nearly any design style, from rustic to contemporary. When building a brick fireplace, a brick hearth feels like a natural addition. Classic red brick adds a country or farmhouse feeling to the room.

Cozy brick fireplace with a rustic wooden mantel, warm candlelight, and soft textures creating a welcoming, country-style hearth — Source: @barn_owls_and_butterflies via Instagram

White brick fireplace with a rustic wood mantel, cozy fall decor, soft knit pumpkins, and warm neutral accents for a farmhouse feel — Source: @bloomingdiyer via Instagram

Exposed brick fireplace with a black wood stove, greenery wreath, and cozy blue and white decor creating a modern rustic living space — Source: @home_on_the_crescent_ via Instagram

Rustic brick fireplace with an arched opening, large metal clock, and a cozy seating nook, blending vintage charm with modern comfort — Source: @renovatingno.13 via Instagram

Vintage black cast iron fireplace set against exposed whitewashed brick, featuring ornate details and a herringbone-tiled hearth for contrast — Source: @row_of_trees_ via Instagram

Festive brick fireplace with a roaring wood stove, garland, stockings, and a glowing Christmas tree, creating a warm holiday ambiance — Source: @the_old_chapel_garton via Instagram

Rustic brick fireplace with a crackling wood stove, glittering stockings, festive garland, and a twinkling Christmas tree for a cozy holiday scene — Source: @victoria_gleghorn_martin via Instagram

Rustic stone fireplace with a glowing fire, festive garland, plaid stockings, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree for a cozy holiday vibe — Source: @victoriashomedecorandmore via Instagram

To update an original brick hearth finish, paint the brick. Popular paint colors for exposed brick fireplace elements include white and various shades of grey. If you have a wood stove instead of a traditional fireplace, hire a mason to lay a brick hearth beneath the stove and on the wall behind it.

2. Concrete

Using concrete on a fireplace surround is a great way to cover up a dated brick or stone hearth. Concrete is also less expensive than some hearth surround materials. Concrete adds a smooth, modern vibe to your fireplace hearth.

Modern concrete fireplace with a glowing fire, festive stockings, twinkling garland, and a bold bison painting, creating a cozy holiday scene — Source: @kodiakdesignstudio via Instagram

Minimalist concrete fireplace with a rustic wooden mantel, neutral tones, and a cozy built-in fire, blending modern and farmhouse aesthetics — Source: @landclanadventures via Instagram

Sleek modern concrete fireplace with a built-in wood storage nook, clean lines, and a minimalist aesthetic for a contemporary cozy feel — Source: @pm_solution via Instagram

Minimalist concrete fireplace with a sleek built-in design, warm fire, and cozy seating nook, creating a modern and inviting living space — Source: @surfacedesign.ca via Instagram

A concrete hearth can be stained or textured if you want something beyond a smooth, grey finish. Various glazes or sealants also change a concrete hearth’s color and sheen.

3. Marble

Marble is perhaps the most elegant material you can use for a fireplace remodel. White marble is a classic natural stone used to create an all-white fireplace surround. Marble comes in many different colors, including black, green, onyx, pink, and brown. Its veining patterns range from subtle to dramatic.

Elegant marble fireplace with a vintage white wood stove, classic decor, and built-in bookshelves, creating a cozy and timeless living space — Source: @acanthus_antiques_ via Instagram

Festive marble fireplace with a cozy wood stove, twinkling garland, and delicate snowflake decorations, creating a charming winter ambiance — Source: @love_littlecote via Instagram

Minimalist marble fireplace with a glowing wood stove, soft candlelight, and elegant paneling, creating a serene and timeless ambiance — Source: @reviving_no37 via Instagram

Elegant white marble fireplace with intricate detailing, silver accents, and a large mirror, creating a sophisticated and cozy living space — Source: @sophs_homediary via Instagram

If real marble is too expensive for your budget, you can apply adhesive tiles to create a fake fireplace hearth that looks like marble. You can also achieve a similar finish with heat-resistant paint. Watch this video for tips on painting a dated marble tile fireplace hearth:

4. Modern

A modern fireplace is simple, streamlined, devoid of unnecessary details. This doesn’t equal boring, however, as modern fireplace decor often becomes the room’s most dramatic feature. For example, an oversized glossy black marble fireplace surround makes a strong statement in an otherwise all-white room.

Modern fireplace with a sleek concrete finish, open flame design, and warm leather seating, creating a stylish and inviting living space — Source: @fireplaceboutique via Instagram

Explore a variety of architectural tile styles to add dimension to your modern hearth and mantel fireplace idea. These marble, granite, and other types of tiles come in a variety of geometric shapes and textures. They are great for adding detail to a monochromatic modern color scheme.

5. Mosaic

Mosaic art has been around since the third millennium BC and its classic beauty is still an excellent choice for embellishing a fireplace mantel and hearth. Naturally heat-resistant, mosaic is a great way to add artistic detail to a concrete or stone fireplace.

Vibrant mosaic fireplace with intricate stained glass tilework in bold colors, creating a unique and artistic focal point for the space — Source: @leannchristian via Instagram

Elegant mosaic fireplace with intricate white tilework, decorative ceramic plates, and a warm gas fire, adding charm and artistic detail to the space — Source: @passifloramosaics via Instagram

Rustic river rock fireplace with a cozy gas fire, earthy tones, and decorative ceramic accents, adding warmth and natural charm to the space — Source: @shattered.images via Instagram

Beautiful mosaic fireplace with intricate blue and white tilework, lush greenery, and rustic decor, creating a charming and artistic focal point — Source: @thepiquinggardener via Instagram

Mosaic-enhanced masonry fireplace design is often found in Mediterranean style homes. Mosaic fireplace tile can be made of any number of things, from small porcelain tile to broken dinnerware. It can be applied to most areas of a mantel or hearth in a way that embraces your interior design style.

6. Rustic

Rustic style conjures images of log cabins and country lodges, of lake houses and industrial lofts. Stacked stone is a common indoor and outdoor fireplace material. Its rough edges and color variety make a stacked stone fireplace perfect for all types of rustic dwellings.

Cozy rustic brick fireplace with autumn decor, warm pumpkin accents, and a charming farmhouse touch, creating a welcoming seasonal ambiance — Source: @makinghomemyhappyplace via Instagram

Rustic whitewashed stone fireplace with a dried floral wreath, antique candlesticks, and a sculptural accent, creating a cozy vintage charm — Source: @nagardesign via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse stone fireplace with warm autumn decor, rustic wood accents, and a festive harvest theme, creating a welcoming seasonal ambiance — Source: @rustageabby via Instagram

Rustic stone fireplace with festive Christmas decor, cozy stockings, and a warm fire, creating a charming holiday retreat — Source: @southernsurroundings via Instagram

A rustic hearth benefits from the addition of a similarly rustic mantel. A simple mantel shelf made from a big piece of rough hewn lumber fits the style. Wrought iron brackets and bolts are perfect metal embellishments to add to a rustic, cozy fireplace.

7. Stone

Flagstone, river stones, and stacked stones all make attractive fireplace hearths. It’s usually well worth the expense to hire an experienced mason to build an original masonry fireplace in your home or outdoor kitchen. While prefabricated stone fireplaces can provide a similar look, a real masonry fireplace’s workmanship is unmatched.

Grand floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with a rustic arch, exposed wood beam, and elegant chandelier, creating a timeless and airy living space — Source: @a_lyttle_french_haven via Instagram

Rustic stone fireplace with a wooden mantel, personalized farmhouse decor, and a festive Christmas tree, creating a cozy and inviting living space — Source: @comfyandcozyathome via Instagram

Rustic stone fireplace with a thick wooden mantel, cozy holiday garland, and a crackling fire, creating a warm and inviting winter retreat — Source: @cookesconcrete via Instagram

Cozy stone fireplace with a rustic wooden mantel, warm gas fire, and soft textures, creating a welcoming farmhouse-inspired living space — Source: @cottagemillfarmhouse via Instagram

Cozy stone fireplace with a warm fire, festive holiday decor, and a glowing Christmas tree, creating a magical winter wonderland ambiance — Source: @greatlakesgoldengirl via Instagram

Elegant white stone fireplace with festive greenery, cozy stockings, and a glowing fire, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere — Source: @prairiefarmhouseliving via Instagram

Stone can be rough-cut for rustic decor, or polished for a more refined appearance. Brick-shaped stones provide a unique hearth that marries the best qualities of a brick fireplace and stone fireplace. Add an upgraded fireplace insert to an old stone fireplace to improve its heat efficiency.

8. Tiles

Large or small, plain or detailed, tile has always been a good material to use on fireplaces and hearths. If you have a tile floor, the same type and size can be used to cover a raised hearth. Floor tiles also work well when applied to the wall surrounding the fireplace opening.

Charming green-tiled fireplace with festive stockings, mini potted trees, and cozy rustic decor, creating a warm and inviting holiday ambiance — Source: @dotsanddesign via Instagram

Elegant herringbone blue-tiled fireplace with a wooden mantel, festive holiday decor, and a cozy fire, creating a warm and stylish ambiance — Source: @floor_creations_inc via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse fireplace with a chevron accent wall, festive stockings, and rustic decor, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere — Source: @livingpeterson via Instagram

Bold patterned tile fireplace with a rustic wood mantel and deep blue accents, blending modern design with a cozy farmhouse aesthetic — Source: @gregoryscarpets via Instagram

Modern tile fireplace with a sleek black accent wall, festive stockings, and cozy Christmas decor, creating a warm and stylish holiday ambiance — Source: @hords_at_home via Instagram

Elegant white marble tile fireplace with a festive garland, cozy holiday decor, and a classic mantel, creating a warm and sophisticated ambiance — Source: @jbmartincontracting via Instagram

Modern stacked stone tile fireplace with a sleek, neutral-toned finish and a built-in hearth, adding texture and sophistication to the space — Source: @myers_flooring via Instagram

Cozy living room with a modern glass tile fireplace, warm earth tones, and built-in shelving, creating an inviting and stylish ambiance — Source: @segelhome via Instagram

Glass tile makes an elegant fireplace surround and wall treatment that pairs well with larger hearth tiles. Hand-painted tile is a traditional accent on Italian and Spanish hearths. Tile laid in a chevron or herringbone pattern adds subtle detail to a modern fireplace structure.

9. Victorian

In Victorian times, the most common fireplace mantel material was wood. While that sounds simplistic, Victorian wood mantels often included highly detailed carvings and trim. Wood is an excellent material to use if you want to build a faux mantel for a fireplace-like accent in any room. This video explains how to make a simple DIY faux fireplace and mantel:

Elegant Victorian cast iron fireplace with intricate floral tile inlays, a black-and-white checkered hearth, and built-in navy bookshelves for a refined look — Source: @1930shighamsestate via Instagram

Victorian cast iron fireplace with intricate floral tile inlays, a rich wooden mantel, and a glossy green tiled hearth, adding timeless charm and elegance — Source: @dalgany.cottage via Instagram

Elegant Victorian cast iron fireplace with intricate detailing, vintage floral tile inlays, and a bold black hearth, blending historic charm with sophistication — Source: @mattgibsonfireplaces via Instagram

Charming Victorian fireplace with delicate floral tile inlays, a crisp white mantel, and warm fairy lights, creating a cozy and elegant ambiance — Source: @townhousebythesea via Instagram

Elegant Victorian cast iron fireplace with intricate detailing, vintage floral tile inlays, and a bold black hearth, adding timeless charm and sophistication — Source: @wardantiquefireplaces via Instagram

Ornate Victorian cast iron fireplace with intricate detailing and glossy green subway tiles, blending historic elegance with a bold, timeless look — Source: @mattgibsonfireplaces via Instagram

Metal fireplace hearths also appear regularly in Victorian homes, usually coupled with intricate iron inserts. Decorative tile is another material that’s at home with Victorian design, with floral and greenery patterns a classic choice.

10. White

A white fireplace, hearth, and mantel works with any style, from classical to modern. Painting your current brick or stone fireplace white is a great way to refresh a dated hearth that no longer complements your decor.

Minimalist white brick fireplace with modern holiday decor, featuring a sculptural tree, glass ornaments, and a serene winter-inspired aesthetic — Source: @betsybuzz via Instagram

Modern white marble fireplace with a sleek minimalist design, warm natural light, and a woven cane chair adding texture and warmth to the space — Source: @damoncsf via Instagram

Elegant white fireplace with built-in shelving, soft blue and neutral decor, and refined accents, creating a cozy and sophisticated living space — Source: @damoncsf via Instagram

Cozy white brick fireplace with festive garland, warm holiday decor, and a crackling fire, creating a charming and inviting Christmas ambiance — Source: @littleupandtotheleft via Instagram

Elegant white fireplace with a classic mantel, herringbone tile surround, and black framed glass doors, creating a timeless and sophisticated look — Source: @noire_motif via Instagram

White-painted stone fireplace with a black wood stove insert, rustic mantel, and tiled hearth in progress, blending modern and farmhouse styles — Source: @professionaltileinstallations via Instagram

Couple an all-white fireplace with black-and-white encaustic tile on the hearth. Add a black wood mantel to balance the colors.

FAQs

How do I update my fireplace hearth?

Paint is one of the easiest ways to do a fireplace makeover. Use heat-resistant paint to change the look of the entire fireplace surround. Metal, brick, stone, and wood surfaces are all good candidates for a paint-based makeover. Update unattractive smooth tile with peel-and-stick tiles.

What is the code for a fireplace hearth?

According to the International Code Council, a fireplace hearth must extend a minimum of 16 inches from the fireplace opening. It must also be at least 2 inches thick and reach at least 8 inches beyond the firebox on each side.

Do I need a hearth on a tile floor?

If your floor is made from tile laid on top of concrete, you may not need to add a hearth to your fireplace design. However, many choose to for aesthetic reasons. A hearth designates a visual safe zone around the fireplace opening and provides a clear place to store wood and fireplace tools.