How High Can a Fireplace be Installed?

Not only are they a great, practical addition to a home, but fireplaces are also extremely flexible in their design. 

Many of our customers are surprised by just how customisable fireplaces are. You can select everything from the colour and design of the fireplace surround, to its pinpointed location in a room. That way, you can ensure your new unit ticks all your boxes, in terms of its aesthetics. 

One common example of fireplace customisation is its height. 

Installing a fireplace at different heights is a great way to achieve different visual effects, and best suit the specific visual layout of the room. 

To help you identify the most effective height for your fireplace, we’ve shared our quick guide to understanding different fireplace heights.

 

What are the advantages of different fireplace heights?

Different fireplace heights can unlock specific benefits, both aesthetic and practical. a

For instance, people may opt for different installation heights to achieve a particular:

• Visual aesthetic – e.g. Lower fireplaces feel more traditional, while higher fireplaces achieve a more modern, gallery-style aesthetic
• Compatibility with the room’s height – For taller rooms, higher fireplaces can create a more consistent, striking aesthetic
• Seating arrangements – If your seating is lower down (e.g. a low sofa), then a lower fireplace is a better fit to see at eye-level. For higher seats (e.g. at a dining table), raising the fireplace ensures it is easily visible
• Practicality – If you have limited wall space, or if you have furniture that needs to be placed nearby, you can adjust your fireplace height to best fit the room layout 

 

How high can a fireplace be installed?

Generally speaking, the maximum heights recommended for different fireplace contexts are: 

• Traditional hearth fireplaces – 46-61 cm
• Wall-mounted electric fires – 160-165 cm
• Fireplaces in media walls – 91-102 cm

 

However, these figures will also be shaped by a number of other factors. 

In addition to the room design, its layout, and the scale and height of your walls, the key elements to consider when choosing your fireplace height are: 

 

Safety and clearance 

Whatever the fireplace type you have chosen, you will need to ensure it is positioned a safe distance away from any combustible materials (such as dining room chairs and surround beams, for example). 

So, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended clearances, in order to minimise the risk of any fire hazards.

 

Room type and usage

In addition to the intended design of your room (outlined above), the most practical fireplace height will also vary based on the room type. 

For example: 

• Living rooms typically best suit a lower fireplace, to create a cosy atmosphere. 
• Dining rooms usually suit a slightly higher fireplace, so that it can still be seen when sat at a table.
• Bedrooms want to strike the right balance between eye-level viewing, without being too dominant or overpowering in the room.

 

You will also need to consider how much you will be using the fireplace to heat the room, as the higher the fireplace is, the less efficiently it will heat the lower portion of the room. 

 

TV and media walls

Two of the most common modern trends for fireplace installations are mounting a TV directly above the fireplace, and installing the fireplace as part of a media wall unit.  

If you are planning on using either of these layouts, the fireplace will need to be low enough that the TV (or other features in the media wall) are still at a comfortable viewing height. 

You will also need to confirm that there’s sufficient distance between the top of the fireplace and the bottom of the TV, so there is no risk of heat damage. 

 

Existing wall shape and structure

Your wall may already include a fireplace cut-out, recess, or venting layout. If present, these may restrict the height of a new unit. 

As different fireplace types have different needs (e.g. most gas fireplaces require external wall access and flue installation, and wood-burning fireplaces require proper chimney access), the existing structure of your property may govern what height is suitable for a fireplace. 

 

Get fireplace height guidance from an installation specialist

Rotherham Fireplace Centre are one of the UK’s leading fireplace suppliers and installers. 

Our skilled team are trusted by property owners across the country, to design everything from bold, custom fireplace designs, to classic, traditional layouts to seamlessly suit period properties. 

To find out more about our fireplace product range, or to discuss the best options for your property, don’t hesitate to get in touch.