A wood burning stove is more than a source of heat. It’s a natural focal point, a mood-setter, and a visual anchor for any room. Whether you live in a cosy cottage or a clean-lined modern flat, knowing how to decorate around your stove can dramatically change the atmosphere.

If you're looking for a style refresh or planning your first install, here are 20 design-forward ideas to help you frame your fireplace beautifully.

And if you love the look but not the soot, check out our note at the end on switching to a clean-burning bioethanol alternative.

1. Create a Stone Veneer Fireplace Surround

Stone veneer is a timeless way to add texture and depth around your stove. It works equally well in rustic and modern homes, and you can often DIY the installation with slabs from garden centres or quarries.

Best for: Natural textures and traditional warmth
Tip: Mix sizes and colours for a custom look.

2. Build a Fireplace Entertainment Centre

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Mounting a flat-screen TV above the stove mantel creates a multifunctional focal point. Pair it with a brick or tile surround to balance old-world charm with modern convenience.

Perfect for: Open-plan living rooms
Want more layout ideas? Read our guide to combining TVs with fireplaces

3. Use a Corner Wood Burning Stove for Small Spaces

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Short on space? A corner stove maximises square footage while creating a cosy zone. Pair with a compact hearth and mantel to keep it functional without crowding.

Ideal for: Small living rooms or snug spaces
Add visual interest with a wall-mounted log store nearby.

4. Try a Wood Burner in the Kitchen

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Yes, really! Kitchen stoves are making a comeback. From adding winter warmth to serving as backup cooking surfaces, they blend nostalgia and practicality.

Styling tip: Blend your stove with surrounding cabinetry for a seamless, “built-in” feel.

5. Build It Into an Alcove

Set your stove into a brick alcove for a sleek, architectural look. Pair black tiles and cream walls for a striking, contemporary contrast.

Contrast idea: Black bricks + cream walls = bold but welcoming.

6. Embrace the Minimalist Look  

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Set your stove against a white-painted wall with black hardware for a high-impact, low-clutter finish. Black-and-white furniture and accessories complete the theme.

Furnishing tip: Minimalist spaces benefit from layered textures (think linen throws, wool rugs) to keep things cosy, not clinical.

Looking for real-flame designs that are easy to style around? Discover bioethanol fireplaces that fit perfectly into alcoves and modern hearths.

7. Contrast Rustic Fireplaces with Modern Details

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Rustic stone or river-rock surrounds can dominate a room, softening the effect with a white-painted mantel and modern styling touches.

Idea: Install a lightweight mantel to break up heavier stone surrounds.

8. Add an Antique Effect Mantel

 

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Use cast-concrete or reproduction limestone for a fireplace that feels timeless. Carved motifs and distressed finishes give it instant character.

Ideal for: French, Tuscan, or Spanish-inspired interiors

9. Design a Classic Country Living Room

Image by Jason Chambers

Think cream finishes, wooden beams, and cosy textiles. Keep logs stacked neatly in an alcove for charm and function.

Tip: Add throws and soft lighting to turn up the warmth.

10. Use a Stove as a Centrepiece in an Open Plan Room

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A double-sided stove in the middle of an open layout creates definition without walls. Bonus: it spreads heat more evenly across zones.

Structural work required? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
Renovation note: Structural changes? Always consult a builder.

11. Add a Splash of Colour

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Tired of black or grey stoves? Try a bold hue. Match your flue to the stove and contrast with neutral walls and floors to make the colour pop.

Bonus: Match your flue pipe to the stove for a seamless look.

12. Incorporate Metal Wall Art

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Give your stove purpose year-round with a stylish display above it. In summer, it’ll still look like a feature, even when not in use.

Styling tip: Use warm metals like copper or bronze for extra depth.

13. Add a Whistling Kettle

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Nothing says “cosy” like the soft whistle of a stovetop kettle. It’s charming, functional (adds humidity), and adds a pop of shine.

Choose: A bright enamel finish for a pop of colour, or brushed steel for modern minimalism.

Prefer a flame feature that works without the need for a chimney? Browse clean-burning bioethanol stoves designed for stylish living rooms.

14. Accessorise with Purpose

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Functional accessories can also be beautiful. A set of antique fireplace tools in cast iron or brass can double as decor.

Must-haves: Tongs, brush, ash pan, poker and a storage stand.

15. Choose a Compact Cast Iron Stove for Small Fireplaces

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Short on space? A small cast iron stove with a matching hearth fits perfectly into petite surrounds. Brighten it up with mosaic tile accents.

Small but mighty: Great for cottages, townhouses or even large kitchen-diners.

16. Try a Raised Hearth for Added Drama

Elevate your stove with a raised hearth in grey and cream tones. Bonus: it gives visual weight and a natural perch for seating or accessories.

Tip: Raised hearths also help protect surrounding floors.

17. Don’t Wallpaper Behind the Stove

Resist the urge! Wallpaper is not fire-rated and can be a safety hazard near any wood-burning appliance.

Safety first: Always double-check with your stove manufacturer’s clearances.

18. Play with Unusual Shapes

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Who says stoves have to be boxy? Try a cylindrical design in white, surrounded by pale flooring and light walls for a bright, airy Scandinavian feel.

Tip: Use geometric rugs or art to mirror the stove's shape.

19. Fill a Larger Space with a Wide Stove Insert

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In spacious rooms, opt for wider inserts or freestanding stoves framed with bold surrounds. It creates an artwork-like feature that feels dramatic but purposeful.

Modern look: Black frames or steel insets look amazing against pale plaster.

20. Make It the Star of the Show

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If you’ve got the space, lean into it! A freestanding, double-sided wood burner surrounded by tall granite slabs makes a bold architectural statement.

Accessory tip: Use matching metallic log buckets, tools and tongs for cohesion.

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Bonus Tip: Bioethanol Fires Make Decorating Easier

If you love real flame but want ultimate flexibility, bioethanol fireplaces are worth considering.

Here’s why:

• No chimney or flue needed
• Freestanding or wall-mounted
• Easier to install, clean, and decorate around
• Eco-friendly, with real flames and no smoke

Curious? Read our guide to bioethanol vs wood burning stoves

Conclusion

Decorating around a wood burner offers endless creative possibilities, from rustic alcoves and traditional country looks to sleek, modern centrepieces. With careful styling and thoughtful material choices, your fireplace can become the cosy, beautiful heart of your home.

And if you’re just starting your fireplace journey, remember: bioethanol fireplaces offer many of the same aesthetic benefits with a fraction of the fuss.

Looking for more fireplace inspiration? Browse our full range of ideas and products.