Looking for the best plaster fireplace surround ideas? Think of me as your own personal designer on this one—I’ve saved you time and compiled the 12 best ones in this post! (Plus other fireplace tips at the end!)
Today I’m testing out something I’ve been thinking about for awhile: sharing a peek at what I’m working on for client projects! (Namely, the best plaster fireplace ideas for your enjoyment. 🙂 )
(For now, I’m still the Owner & Designer for all client projects. I “should” hire more people, but I also know from experience how much extra stress that can add…plus we’re trying to keep our business small & light!😆)
Today let’s just focus on
simple, stunning fireplaces.
From concrete to plaster, straight lines and curved, mantels and no mantels, there are so many gorgeous options and directions we could go!
PLASTER FIREPLACE SURROUND
#1: Minimal Fireplace Plastered
Years ago, I saw this picture and breathed, “YES! This is what I want!” (Although what I think I want now has changed…see further down!)
There have been times I considered plastering over our stone fireplace to make this happen, but I’ve become emotionally attached to our white stone fireplace and can’t hide her now…😆
PS: I used to be a wood-burning fireplace purist, but you’ll want to read the 5 reasons why we converted our wood-burning to a gas fireplace!
MINIMAL FIREPLACE IDEAS
#2: Modern Built Ins Around Fireplace
With built-ins, I love that they left absolutely nothing above the fireplace opening. Shelves can get so busy-feeling, even when they’re styled minimally like this, so it’s a nice, refreshing balance for your eyes.
WHITE PLASTER FIREPLACE
#3: Minimal Fireplace with Subtle Angles
Ever-so-slight curves here. Very subtle and unique, don’t you think? 😉
Before making ANY interior decision, first make sure it aligns with your home strategy! Haven’t made one? Then you 100% NEED this trusted tool we created for you: “The Complete Home Design & Strategy Guide!” (EVERYONE needs it! Don’t miss out! If you do just one smart thing for yourself this entire year, it should be this!)
VENETIAN PLASTER FIREPLACE
#4: Minimal Spanish Flavor
We’re going with just a hint of minimal Spanish flavor with this client since it’s here in Southern California, so I was drawn to the slight arc in this one—plus it’s a good example of the clean, no-mantel look!
ARCHED FIREPLACE ideas
#5: Arched Fireplace Surround (With Mantel!)
The home has several arches so I keep thinking about the potential of an arched-minimal fireplace…
Here’s one of my favorite arched plaster fireplace renderings we did!
(These three above show arched plaster fireplaces with mantels…arched without is next!)
ARCHED FIREPLACE ideas
#6: Arched Fireplace (Without Mantel!)
Honestly, there’s something so refreshing about a simple plaster fireplace without a mantel!
THIS is what I’m planning for our next house!
If you’re looking for more info on our house projects, you can see all our California home projects!
And here’s a slightly smaller and narrower arch variation we created!
MODERN plaster FIREPLACE
#7: Minimal Fireplace with Wood Mantel + Shelves
On the other side of the spectrum from “no mantel” is drawing attention to the mantel. Although it’s not my favorite for this project, something like this is perfect when you need to bring in some warmth. This is a great example of what wood would look like on a minimal, modern fireplace with built-ins and open shelving to the sides.
PLASTER FIREPLACE SURROUNDS
#8: Simple Modern Fireplace Mantel
Love the warmer tones in this one—not a bright white—plus I’m a sucker for any photo with a green plant! 😍
Here’s a fireplace we designed with a slight variation to the above that I love: rounded corners before the rectangular shape of the fireplace insert itself!
modern FIREPLACE ideas
#9: Warm Minimal with Slanted Ceiling
This goes even warmer:
modern plaster fireplace
#10: To Modern Fireplace TV Wall or Not?
Here’s going darker grey, and is set up to put a TV above it, but my personal opinion is that TVs just distract from the beauty of what could be such an elegant, minimal, almost sculpture-like fireplace focal point!
plaster FIREPLACE mantel
#11: Stunning Minimalist
Can you say “texture”?! So subtle. And with the raised hearth…😍 But it’s missing a green plant!
Is it possible to have a crush on a fireplace? YES. YES IT IS.
modern FIREPLACE ideas
#12: Simple + Lived In!
Example of having more “stuff” around the fireplace, for a lived-in look. And they nailed the green plant. 😊
Next…
Before you do ANYTHING else, I’ve said it earlier and I’ll say it one last time: No matter where you live, how big or small your house is, whether you rent or own, YOU NEED THIS: “The Complete Home Design & Strategy Guide!” The clock is ticking for all of us!
➔ You can also see how we turned our old fireplace into THIS! (Plus 5 tips for how to style your mantel timelessly!)
➔ Wood-burning or gas fireplace? See why I went from wood-burning purist to getting the best gas fireplace of all time! (Really! I looked at all the designs and found the best one! I’m crazy like that! 🤣)
➜ Our complete list of every single home project is viewable here!
What type of contractor would you recommend using to be able to install something like this?
Hi Matthew! We recommend working with a contractor who has experienced subcontractors in this area—or hiring your own plaster fireplace expert that you can manage directly the way you want it!😄🙌
– Matt and Jess
I love all the fireplaces you show here, especially photo #10 and #11. I am trying to do the same with the floor being LVP. I would like your help in avoiding quarter round at the base, any idea so that I can still have the 1/4 inch gap but not use quarter round to hide it?
for the fireplace inserts that look like they are just surrounded by drywall how do you keep the drywall from cracking? we didn’t like our builders stone options & like the minimal look so they left it off and just put drywall, but after using it there are cracks going up the drywall near the corners of the insert I assume from heating/cooling expansion in the metal frame of the insert.
Hi Carrie! Yes, it’s likely the heating/cooling from your fireplace causing cracking in the surrounding drywall as the drywall is much more susceptible to temperature changes than stone or cement board. Drywall shouldn’t be installed directly up to a fireplace. Underneath the plaster should be a material that can handle the temperature changes such as stone, cement, etc.
Matt and Jess