How Do You Design Built-Ins Around a Fireplace?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Fireplace built-ins should be designed around the architecture and functional requirements of the entire wall. Fireplace type, required clearances, heat, mantel proportions, television placement, storage, windows, electrical needs and existing trim should all be considered before cabinetry is designed.

THE FIREPLACE IS ALREADY THE CENTER OF THE WALL.

THE CABINETRY SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT.

Built-ins can strengthen a fireplace wall.

Or overwhelm it.

The difference begins with proportion.

START WITH THE FIREPLACE

Document:

Fireplace opening

Surround

Mantel

Hearth

Chimney breast

Wall dimensions

Adjacent windows

Doors

Existing trim

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS COME FIRST

Fireplace and heating installations may have required clearances and other safety requirements.

Cabinetry should not be designed by guessing around a heat-producing appliance.

Appropriate code, manufacturer and professional requirements should be addressed for the specific project.

DO BOTH SIDES NEED TO MATCH?

Not always.

Symmetry may work beautifully in some rooms.

Other rooms have:

A window on one side

A doorway

Different wall depth

Different storage needs

Intentional asymmetry can sometimes be the better answer.

WHAT ABOUT THE TELEVISION?

Determine early whether the wall must accommodate a television.

Consider:

Screen dimensions

Viewing height

Equipment

Cables

Outlets

Speakers

Future screen size

Do not build an opening so precisely around today's television that tomorrow's will not fit.

OPEN SHELVES OR CLOSED STORAGE?

Open shelves work well for:

Books

Art

Photographs

Display objects

Closed cabinetry can hide:

Electronics

Games

Toys

Media

Cords

General household storage

Many rooms benefit from both.

RESPECT THE HOUSE

In an older home, fireplace cabinetry can take cues from:

Mantel

Molding

Baseboards

Window casing

Doors

Existing built-ins

The goal is for the wall to feel considered as a whole.