The Best Fireplaces for Open Plan Living Spaces

Open plan living has transformed the way New Zealanders design and use their homes. Kitchens, dining areas, and lounges now flow together in one expansive space – and the fireplace has evolved right alongside them. An open plan fireplace is no longer simply a heat source tucked into a corner. In a modern open-plan home, it becomes the architectural centrepiece: a design statement that anchors the space, defines zones, and delivers warmth across a far larger footprint than a traditional room fire ever could. Whether you're planning a new build, renovating, or working with an architect on a statement interior, choosing the right fireplace for your open layout is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

What Makes Open Plan Fireplaces Different?

In a conventional room, a fireplace only needs to heat a contained space. In an open plan environment, the equation changes significantly. You're dealing with greater volume, less defined walls to retain heat, and the need for a fire that reads well from multiple angles – from the kitchen island, the dining table, and the lounge simultaneously. 

Visionline Taurus - Double-Sided - Freestanding Wood Fire

 

This means open plan fireplaces must work harder on two fronts: heating performance and visual impact. A unit that looks beautiful but underdelivers on output will leave half the room cold. Equally, a high-output workhorse hidden in a standard surround will feel at odds with the scale and ambition of the space around it.

The good news is that today's fireplace designs, particularly in gas and wood, have been engineered with exactly these spaces in mind.

Best Fireplace Types for Large Open Spaces

Double-sided fireplaces are among the most popular choices for open plan homes. Positioned within a partial wall or room divider, they provide heat and a visual connection between two zones, such as a lounge and dining area, without sacrificing the open feel. Brands like Stûv and Visionline offer stunning double-sided models suited to architectural installations.

Large wood fires remain the premium choice for homeowners who want serious heating output and an authentic flame. A large fireplace with a high declared heat output, matched to your room's cubic meterage, can warm an entire open plan floor effectively, particularly in well-insulated new builds. Look at Stûv and Visionline for high-output wood fire options.

Suspended and freestanding fires from brands like Focus and Stûv make a dramatic design statement in open plan rooms, hanging from the ceiling or standing as sculpture in the middle of a space. These are particularly well-suited to architect-designed homes where the fireplace is intended as the primary focal point.

Large Fireplace Designs for Open Plan Homes

Scale matters in open plan design. A fireplace that would look generous in a standard lounge can appear underwhelming in a large, high-stud open space. When selecting a design, consider:

Feature wall installations

A wide, linear gas or wood fire set into a full-height feature wall creates a dramatic anchor for the living zone. Floor-to-ceiling stone, concrete, or tiled surrounds amplify the effect.

Peninsula fireplaces

Projecting into the room rather than sitting flush against a wall, peninsula designs are visible from three sides and create natural separation between living and dining areas.

Island or room-divider fireplaces

Freestanding units or custom-built dividers with fires on both faces define space beautifully while keeping the open plan feel intact.

Corner installations

Often underutilised, a corner placement can push heat into a wider arc and free up wall space for glazing and view – a smart choice in homes where outlook is a priority.

Where Should You Place a Fireplace in an Open Plan Layout?

Placement is the most consequential decision in an open plan fireplace project. The wrong position can result in uneven heat distribution, awkward traffic flow, or a fire that competes with, rather than complements, the rest of the interior.

As a general principle, the fireplace should be positioned to serve the primary seating zone. In most open plan homes, this means placing it at the end of the lounge area, ideally on an interior wall to retain heat mass rather than losing it through an exterior wall or glazing.

For double-sided or see-through designs, consider the sightlines carefully. The fire should be visible from both zones it serves, without forcing occupants to sit with their backs to the room. A partial wall or low divider at the right height allows the flame to be seen from kitchen and lounge simultaneously.

Heat distribution is also worth planning with your installer. In very large spaces, a single high-output fire may still need supplementary heating in the farthest corners and your Fireplace Consultation and Services appointment is the right time to map this out.

Choosing the Right Fireplace for Your Living Area

Before settling on a model, work through these key questions:

• What is the cubic volume of your space? Ceiling height multiplied by floor area gives you the number your installer will use to calculate the required heat output in kilowatts. • What fuel type suits your home? Gas offers convenience and control; wood delivers high output and ambiance; electric fires are increasingly capable for supplementary heating in feature wall applications.

• Is your space subject to clean air restrictions? Some NZ regions restrict open fires or low-efficiency burners. Clean air certified fires are the compliant solution where these rules apply.

• What is your design brief? Work with your architect or builder early. Some of the most impressive open plan fireplace installations – suspended fires, double-sided inserts, full-height feature walls – require structural planning that cannot be retrofitted easily.

The Fireplace team works with homeowners, architects, and builders across New Zealand on exactly these kinds of projects. From initial specification through to supply and technical support, we can help you find a fireplace that earns its place in the heart of your home.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Open Plan Fireplace?

Browse our full indoor fires range, visit one of our NZ showrooms, or book a consultation with our specialists to start planning your open plan fireplace installation today.