A fireplace in a small room: Is it possible?
All fireplaces, whether gas, electric or multi-fuel stoves, serve an irreplaceable purpose in homes. They allow you to heat zones of your property independent of central heating; they serve as beautiful design features and can even double as mood lighting.
But what if you’re worried about the size of your room? Those living in flats or smaller, new buildings may hold off from purchasing their dream fire for fear it will be unsuitable for their room.
Can you have a fireplace in every room?
Yes, of course! While some fireplaces offer more installation opportunities than others, a small room doesn't mean you have to forfeit on heating. You just need to make sure you choose the safest, most suitable appliance for your home.
At Fires2U, we believe that every room deserves the warmth of a good-quality fireplace. From compact lounges to smaller, cosy rooms, the key to selecting the right appliance depends on your room’s requirements.
What do you need to consider when installing a fire in a small room?
Type of fireplace
1. Wood-burning stove
Wood-burning stoves are highly regarded for their substantial heat outputs and rustic appearance. However, for smaller rooms, it's crucial to choose a stove with an appropriate output to avoid overheating.
Generally, a stove with an output of 3-4kW is ideal for heating small rooms without causing discomfort. Wood-burning stoves also require the most specific installation processes.
HETAS notes that wood-burning stoves need to be installed on a non-combustible hearth, which must extend at least 300mm to the front and 150mm to either side of the stove.
Ventilation is another crucial factor to consider. Small rooms may need additional ventilation to ensure the stove operates safely, and this might include installing air bricks to provide the necessary air supply
2. Gas
Gas fires are an equally excellent choice for small rooms due to their variable heat outputs and compact designs.
These units can provide efficient heating without taking up too much space! Many models offer a heat output range that can be suitable for smaller rooms, typically around 2.9kW to 4kW.
Installation requirements for gas fireplaces vary depending on the type and model. Traditional gas fireplaces require a chimney or flue to vent the exhaust gases safely.
However, for small rooms, we highly recommend slimline gas fires. These models are designed to fit into narrow spaces, however, we would advise, before you purchase, to check with your Gas Safe register installer to make sure it will be suitable for your room.
Homeowners also have the option to install one of our flueless gas fires. These don’t require a chimney or flue because they use a catalytic converter to clean the exhaust gases.
Flueless fires are very easy to install and ideal for rooms where installing a traditional flue would be impractical. However, proper ventilation is essential, and they must be installed by a Gas safe register installer, too.
3. Electric
Electric fireplaces are particularly well-suited for compact rooms due to their lower heat outputs (which can be more accommodating) and minimal installation requirements.
Electric appliances remove the need for a flue or chimney because their operation depends solely on an electrical outlet.
They can be installed in any room, regardless of size or construction constraints, and often come with heat outputs ranging from 1.5kW to 2.0kW. Electric fires are a great add-on to central heating when you want to warm the room up on a cold morning (before the heating has kicked in!)
For example, models like the Celsi Ultiflame VR Elara and the Elgin & Hall Amorina Marble Electric Fireplace Suite are perfect choices for compact living areas, with mutual outputs ranging from 1.6 to 2 kW.
Type of fireplace
1. Corner/panoramic
Corner and panoramic fireplaces are a brilliant way to make use of otherwise underutilised space.
Panoramic fireplaces (also known as three-sided fireplaces) allow the flames to be seen from multiple angles, which can unintentionally make a room feel larger by drawing the eye across the flames’ extended view.
However, when considering a corner fire for your small room, it’s crucial to consider the above factors (the implications of installing an electric, wood-burning or gas fire and whether this is suitable for your room).
2. Inset
Inset electric fires leave only the front of the fireplace visible, as they’re designed to be built into a wall or existing chimney breast. It’s this design that helps maximise the available space in the room.
By fitting into pre-existing spaces, inset electric fireplaces become particularly advantageous for smaller rooms. They also eliminate the need for a chimney or fuel, requiring only a standard electrical outlet for installation and a space in which to place it.
3. Hole-in-the-wall fireplaces
By being mounted higher on the wall, typically 3–5 feet above the floor, hole-in-the-wall fireplaces free up valuable floor space in small rooms.
Their positioning is great for creating a striking visual impact for both lounges and bedrooms, while their recessed design allows for more floor space or additional furniture.
Hole-in-the-wall fireplaces are also available in both gas and electric models.
Shop for small fires with Fires2U!
Don’t let anything hold you back from purchasing the fire of your dreams. If you’re looking for advice on the types of fireplaces best suited to small rooms, contact us. Our team is on standby to help you make this important decision.
