Looking for the best plaster fireplace surround ideas? Whether you want Venetian plaster over brick or to design yours from scratch, 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 sharing a peek at a new client project! (Namely, the best plaster fireplace ideas for your enjoyment. 🙂 )
(Things are so busy with our virtual consults that we “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 focus in on
simple, stunning fireplaces…
…from plaster to concrete, straight lines and curved, mantels and no mantels, there are SO many gorgeous options and directions we could go!
PLASTER FIREPLACE SURROUND
#12: 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…😆
TV Over Fireplace Ideas: Should You Avoid It In Your Living Room? | source
PS: I used to be a wood-burning fireplace purist, but here are The 5 Reasons Why We Converted!
MINIMAL FIREPLACE IDEAS
#11: Modern Built Ins Around Fireplace
As in these built-ins, sometimes I love leaving absolutely nothing above the mantel. Shelves can get so busy-feeling, even when they’re styled minimally like this, so it’s a nice, refreshing balance for your eyes.
To learn more about incorporating shelves around your fireplace, you’ll want to browse our post on Fireplace Wall Ideas & Designs you can steal! 😉
WHITE PLASTER FIREPLACE
#10: Minimal Fireplace with Subtle Angles
Ever-so-slight curves here. Very subtle and unique, don’t you think? 😉
By the way, before making ANY interior decision (including your fireplace style!), first make sure it aligns with your home strategy! (What?!? You haven’t actually made one? I get it…but it’s a lie that you don’t need one. You will get PERFECTLY CLEAR VISION for your home (and fireplace) when you use this trusted tool we created for you: “The Complete Home Design & Strategy Guide!”
(EVERYONE needs the above! Don’t miss out! We make clients take this 1st easy step and they RAVE about it! If you do just one smart thing for yourself this entire year, it should be this!)
VENETIAN PLASTER FIREPLACE
#9: Minimal Spanish Flavor
We’re going with just a hint of minimal Spanish flavor with this client since it’s located in California and our client is in love with that aesthetic, so I was drawn to the slight arc in this one—plus it’s a good example of the clean, no-mantel look!
Update: I’ll share finished client fireplace designs at the end of the list so you can see what we’ve done!
ARCHED FIREPLACE ideas
#8: 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 fireplaces we created, which is a little bit of a mix of the two above:
(These three above show arched plaster fireplaces with mantels…arched without is next!)
ARCHED FIREPLACE ideas
#7: 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!
Here’s a smaller, slightly narrower arch variation we created:
MODERN plaster FIREPLACE
#6: 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.
What do you think, will these people put a TV over their fireplace? See my advice on TVs over the fireplace!
PLASTER FIREPLACE SURROUNDS
#5: 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
#4: Warm ‘n Cozy Minimal
This goes even warmer:
modern plaster fireplace
#3: 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
#2: 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.
For help deciding whether you should do artwork, lighting, bookshelves, or other decor above and around your fireplace, you’ll want to see this post on our full fireplace wall designs!
modern FIREPLACE ideas
#1: Simple + Lived In!
Example of having more “stuff” around the fireplace, for a lived-in look. And they nailed the green plant. 😊
LIVING ROOM FIREPLACE SURROUNDS
BONUS: Updated Client Design Ideas!
Playing with shapes and curves in the fireplace can be SO FUN! You can either play with curves in your fireplace design to give interest and movement like this…
…or like this (one of my personal favorites) where we gave a more elegant feel without adding a mantel (or too many curves going up towards the ceiling):
The focal point of a fireplace becomes even more important in an extra-long room like these…
See Living Room Layouts: Is Yours Long, Narrow or Awkward?
Also, try to remember that contrary to popular culture, built-ins don’t always need to be symmetrical…
…but it really depends on your room and life strategies!
If you’d love to pull together your home to look like one of these designs (but you’re having trouble making it look right on your own!), we can help you! Just start with a phone call and see how we can best help you get there!
PLASTER OVER BRICK FIREPLACE
If you’re new here, you’ll want to grab our Interior Design Mini-guide for FREE today!
This picture reminds me to remind you that we also created this free design resource for you, with photos: The 25 Pros & Cons of Dark vs Light Hardwood Floors!
Find rugs, mirrors, furniture and more in Our Shop!
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’ll also get our design help in these posts:
- 21+ “Hottie” Fireplace Wall Ideas You can (Actually) Get Excited About! 😉
- You can also see how we turned our old stone and brick fireplaces into THIS! (Plus 5 tips for how to style your mantel timelessly!)
- Should you have a TV above your fireplace…or NOT?
- 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! 🤣)
- Get our FREE Room Design Mini-guide HERE…
…or step it up a level and go straight to our Expert Plans & Design Guides!
PS: Our complete list of every single home project is viewable HERE!
Hi, what type of plaster are you using on these fireplaces and how are you Preventing cracking?
Do you know if these fireplaces are up to code? We’re in California, and I can’t tell from our state’s website whether plaster is considered safe for a fireplace hearth. It looks so nice, but I wouldn’t want to fail inspection!
Hi what kind of plaster do you use?
Love your photos and would love to see more………..I can’t stand the advertisements, it was difficult to see the full photo with the disruption.
Thanks, can you send us a screenshot of what you’re seeing? Ads should never block photos…it would be helpful to us to see!☺️
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?
How durable is plaster for a fireplace hearth?
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