488 I nt e ri o r C o m p one nt s

Fireplace Types
The way a fireplace fits into an interior is important in determining how the total space will be arranged. Fireplaces
can be built in many forms, as long as the functional parts are not inhibited. Care must be taken to locate and
orient a fireplace properly to avoid room drafts that could cause smoke problems. In addition to the common
single-face opening, a fireplace can be open on two or three sides. If it is freestanding, it can be open all the way
around (Figure 15.26).

Fireplace Locations
A fireplace should be located so that furniture can be grouped around it without disrupting the room’s traffic pat-
terns. The placement of a fireplace is important because it also affects a room’s proportion. A fireplace with a
double opening can be used as a wall divider, emphasizing the division of space. A fireplace centered on a long
wall will make the room appear shorter. To prevent heat loss, a fireplace should be located toward the center of a
building, rather than on an outside wall.

A fireplace can be located flush into a wall or projected into a room. The flush type can be treated with various
materials for the surround and hearth, making the fireplace either an active focal point or visually unobtrusive. The

Figure 15.26 The placement, openings, and orientation of a fireplace can produce a variety of functional and aesthetic
features in an interior.