How to Position Your Freestanding Fireplace for Maximum Impact

When winter rolls around in Australia, there’s nothing more comforting than gathering around a warm, glowing fire. A freestanding fireplace doesn’t just heat your home; it often becomes a focal point, a mood-setter, and a design statement. 

But here’s the thing: the way you position your fireplace can make or break its impact. Put it in the wrong spot, and it might feel awkward, underwhelming, or even inefficient. Place it thoughtfully, and it becomes the heart of your home.

So, how do you get it right? Let’s walk through everything you need to know about positioning your freestanding fireplace for maximum effect both practically and aesthetically.

Why Placement Matters More Than You Think

Fireplaces aren’t like couches or coffee tables. You can’t just shuffle them around until they “look right.” 

They’re bigger, heavier, and often tied into flues or ventilation systems. That’s why it’s worth spending time considering placement before installation.

Positioning impacts:

• Heat distribution: Where you put your fireplace will determine how evenly warmth spreads through your home.
  
• Room flow: The fireplace should feel like part of the natural layout, not an obstacle.
  
• Visual impact: A fireplace should draw the eye and anchor the space.
  
• Safety: Proximity to walls, furniture, and walkways needs to be carefully planned.

Whether you’re after an iSeries freestanding gas fireplace, universal freestanding fireplace, or a VisionLINE Taurus slow combustion fireplace, our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect heating for your property.

Step 1: Understand Your Space

Before you choose a spot, take stock of your room. Ask yourself:

• Where do people naturally gather?
  
• How is furniture arranged (or how do you want it arranged)?
  
• Which areas feel “empty” or underused?
  
• Where do you get the best airflow?
  

In open-plan homes (a common layout in Australia), a freestanding fireplace can help define zones, like creating a natural boundary between the dining and living areas. In smaller spaces, it can act as the main focal point, replacing a TV or bookshelf.

Searching for freestanding Fireplaces in Mornington Peninsula, Richmond, or Lilydale? Explore our collection today for a heating solution that adds value, elegance and warmth to your home.

Step 2: Consider Heat Flow and Efficiency

A freestanding fireplace is designed to heat efficiently, but placement can either enhance or restrict its performance.

• Central positioning: In larger living areas, placing the fireplace more centrally allows heat to radiate evenly.
  
• Against a wall: Great for smaller rooms where space is limited, and flue installation is simpler.
  
• Corner placement: A clever option for awkward or compact spaces. It saves floor space while still creating a cosy focal point.
  

Pro Tip:

Warm air rises. If your home has high ceilings or an open staircase, consider how heat will travel upward and whether you’ll need fans to circulate it downstairs.

For more practical advice, the Australian Energy Regulator has useful tips on optimising heating efficiency.

Step 3: Make It the Focal Point

Every room needs a hero feature—and a fireplace is a natural choice. To maximise its visual impact:

• Position it where eyes naturally fall when entering the room.
  
• Pair it with natural symmetry—centre it on a wall or line it with windows.
  
• Frame it intentionally with artwork, shelving, or even stone cladding.
  

If you want your fireplace to double as a TV companion, think carefully. Mounting a television above a fireplace is common, but not always ideal. Heat can damage electronics, and visually, it can feel overwhelming. If you must combine the two, ensure there’s proper insulation and a safe clearance.

Step 4: Safety First

A fireplace is beautiful, but it’s also a live flame (or, in the case of gas and electric models, still a significant heat source). Safety should always be front of mind.

• Clearance: Keep the recommended distance between the fireplace and combustible materials (furniture, curtains, rugs).
  
• Traffic flow: Avoid placing the fireplace in high-traffic walkways where kids, pets, or guests might brush past it.
  
• Flooring: Flooring: For wood fireplaces, a hearth is legally required to protect combustible floors. For gas or electric models, use a protective base if installed over timber or carpet to prevent damage.

In Australia, building codes and regulations apply to fireplace installations, particularly around flues, ventilation, and clearance. Always check with a professional installer to ensure compliance.

For more tips, see our guide on How to Safely Use an Indoor Fireplace in Your Home.

Step 5: Factor in Ventilation and Flue Placement

One of the biggest considerations with freestanding fireplaces is the flue system. Unlike built-ins, freestanding fireplaces are visible from all sides, so the flue becomes part of the look.

• Straight up and out is usually the most efficient flue design.
  
• Through the wall may be an option but can complicate installation.
  
• Exposed flues can add an industrial-chic look if you want the fireplace to be a design statement.

Related reading: Essential Fireplace Maintenance Tips to Keep It Clean and Efficient.

Step 6: Think About Lifestyle and Functionality

A freestanding fireplace is more than heat—it’s about lifestyle. Ask yourself:

• Do you want it to be the centrepiece for family gatherings? Position it near seating areas.
  
• Do you want it visible from multiple spaces, like the kitchen and dining area? Choose a central, open-plan spot.
  
• Do you see it as more decorative, something to admire rather than gather around? Position it for visual drama, even if it’s not in the main seating zone.
  

Need freestanding fireplaces in Ballarat, Bendigo, or Devonport? When it comes to cutting-edge heating technology that combines functionality, style and eco-friendly operation, Jetmaster Heat & Glo is the name you can trust. We have an array of options designed to transform your living space into a cosy retreat during the cold seasons.

Step 7: Match It to Your Interior Style

The style of your freestanding fireplace also influences placement.

• Modern, sleek designs look best in open, central spots where they can stand tall.
  
• Rustic or traditional models pair beautifully against stone walls or in cosy corners.
  
• Compact designs can fit snugly in tighter rooms or act as subtle additions.
  

You want the fireplace to feel intentional, not squeezed in. Consider proportions: a small unit in a vast open-plan space may look underwhelming, while an oversized model in a tiny lounge can feel overwhelming.

If design is top of mind, you might also like our breakdown of the Top 5 Features to Look for in Modern Fireplaces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s cover what not to do when positioning your freestanding fireplace:

• Tucking it away: Don’t hide it in a corner where it can’t be enjoyed.
  
• Ignoring furniture layout: If your seating doesn’t face the fireplace, it loses its impact.
  
• Overcrowding: Avoid placing it too close to shelves, side tables, or bulky décor.
  
• Neglecting future changes: Think about how your room might evolve—new furniture, renovations, or lifestyle changes.
  

Install Your Freestanding Fireplace 

So, how do you position your freestanding fireplace for maximum impact?

1. Start by understanding your space.
   
2. Prioritise heat flow and efficiency.
   
3. Make it the focal point with intentional placement.
   
4. Always factor in safety.
   
5. Consider flue and ventilation requirements.
   
6. Match placement with lifestyle and style preferences.
   

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Jetmaster Vic, we’ve been helping Australians design and install fireplaces for decades. Our team can guide you through choosing the perfect freestanding fireplace and position it for maximum impact—beautiful, safe, and efficient.

Get in touch with us today, and let’s bring your vision to life.