12 freestanding log burner ideas to bring warmth and style to your interior design

Log burning stoves are a popular choice when it comes to heating your home. Adding an immediate sense of cosiness, they are great for adding an extra level of warmth during the colder months, or for taking the chill off autumnal evenings when it feels a little too soon to be turning the central heating on.

Their adaptable format means they don't need a fireplace either – although they can be installed within one – so freestanding log burning stoves can be a great option in more than just your living room.

We've rounded up 12 freestanding log burner ideas to show you just how to incorporate one into your interior design plans.

What defines freestanding log burner ideas?

With a vast array of log burner ideas around, it can hard to know exactly what distringuishes a freestanding log burner from other types of log burning stoves.

Jon Butterworth, Director at Arada Stoves explains.

“There’s a great deal of engineering, new technology and testing involved in making today’s wood-burning stoves, and there can be a wide range of options to choose from. A 'freestanding' stove means that it is not installed into a fireplace, but instead will stand on legs or pedestals a few inches above the floor, making it an extremely versatile option."

He adds: "With suitability for many locations and its high efficiency rate, a freestanding stove also releases heat slowly, diffusing it to give an even output throughout the room.”

Jon Butterworth

Jon Butterworth is Managing Director of Arada Stoves, one of the UK's leading suppliers of stoves including solid fuel, gas, boiler and bioethanol options, as well as outdoor products too.

Freestanding log burner ideas

1. Be bold with your freestanding log burner colour choice

Worried that log burner ideas lean more towards traditional interiors than contemporary ones? Then think again. No longer restricted to black, freestanding log burners are now available in a wide variety of colours designed to suit a vast array of interiors.

This bold yellow freestanding log burner from Arada Stoves is perfect for a home renovation where the aim is to update existing fixtures and fittings in a contemporary way. Providing a stark contrast to the traditional white fireplace, it's an immediate boost of dopamine to your interior.

Or, if like me, you can't install a log burner but love the look, why not consider a bioethanol fireplace or stove instead? I've got my eye on this Arada Stoves Flamingo Solution 5 Hamlet Stove – it's a bright pink colour that would work perfectly in my living room.

2. Create an organically shaped faux fireplace

"Freestanding log burners are more versatile in placement, as they don’t require an existing chimney like traditional fireplaces," says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, MD at Morsø UK. This means you can be a little more creative with your design when deciding where to house them.

While they may not need a fireplace, this doesn't stop you from creating a bespoke one as part of your living room ideas. Instead of installing a traditional surround and mantlepiece, carve an organically shaped niche out of your stud wall, have a smart black slate hearth cut to size and keep to the earthy, organic feel by opting for a stone coloured log burner to contrast with the terracotta coloured.

Leave space on either side to benefit from the fact, "freestanding log burning stoves are also more efficient," says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, "as they radiate heat from all sides and retain more warmth."

Declan Kingsley-Walsh

Declan Kingsley-Walsh has been the Managing Director at Morsø UK and Ireland for over nine years, bringing his expertise in premium products and strong focus on brand integrity to the forefront. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Declan places a high value on maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that define Morsø's offerings.

3. Choose a freestanding log burner with a large glass frontage

If you're keen to make your freestanding log burner idea the focal point of your living room fireplace ideas, choose a design with a large glass frontage that gives you the best view of your roaring fire when it's in use.

Pair with a sleek vertical flue, black slate hearth and create a warm and cosy feel with dark shades of blue, natural wood flooring and be sure to choose the best log baskets for keeping your fuel supplies close to hand.

Pair these log baskets with your freestanding log burner ideas

4. Make a dining area more cosy with a freestanding log burner

"As well as being popular for their energy efficiency, eco-friendly heating, and ability to reduce energy costs," says Declan Kinglsey-Walsh, "freestanding log burners create a cosy atmosphere, making them ideal for dining rooms, and open-plan spaces, as well as living rooms."

So, if your dining room ideas need a little extra warmth in winter, a freestanding log burner could be the perfect addition – especially if located on an outside wall.

Given it's entirely possible to install a log burner without a chimney by using an external twin wall flue – meaning the pipework to remove smoke and fumes runs outside, rather than inside – this also frees up space for your dining room decor ideas.

5. Or, install a freestanding log burner in the heart of your home

In the same way freestanding log burner ideas work in dining rooms, they can also complete your kitchen diner ideas, adding extra heat to the very heart of your home.

Worried about the thought of safety with fire in a zone where there are lots of electrical appliances? Don't be say the experts. "Freestanding stoves are easier to install, clean, and maintain, with most offering enclosed designs that enhance safety by preventing sparks from escaping," says Declan Kingsley-Wash.

However, with building regulations in place regarding installing a log burner, it's important to pay attention to their positioning, wherever you decide to feature one.

“Freestanding stoves can be installed almost anywhere in the home," confirms Jon Butterworth, "but you will need to consider its proximity to other surfaces and objects in the room before going ahead.

"Building regulations for chimneys, stoves and fireplaces stipulate strict minimum distances between a stove and its surroundings to reduce the risk of household fires and therefore protect property and its inhabitants. Each individual stove will come with pre-approved measurements that your fitter will refer to when recommending the right design for your home setting.”

7. Make use of an empty alcove

Although it can be tempting to default to filling empty alcoves with bespoke storage solutions, if you don't need the extra cupboards, why not consider a freestanding log burner idea instead?

For example, if you're considering opening up the back of your home to add a rear extension idea, instead of choosing a fully open-plan scheme, create a transition space between each zone. Use archways to subtly define each space and add a freestanding log burner in the middle section to warm both sides of the room.

Cover the wall behind with brick slips (matching the exterior of your home if appropriate) and it will also serve as a story-telling tool, showing how your home has evolved over time.

8. Comission a bespoke hearth with in-built log store

If modern interior trends form the backbone of your self-build ideas, there's no reason why a freestanding log burner can't form part of your plans. Without the restrictions of a fireplace, you're even free to elevate them off the floor.

A long sleek stone shelf provides the perfect showcase for this bronze coloured log burner and creates a handy log store in the process. An on-trend black panelled wall further defines the space, while also creating the best backdrop for roaring flames at night.

Concerned a log burner might not be in line with your eco-home ideas? Don't be says Declan Kinglsey-Walsh.

"There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding wood burning stoves and their effect on the environment, but it is important to note that a wood burner can offer a low carbon, low emission, renewable and sustainable way to stay warm in the colder months," he says.

"In fact, according to the Stove Industry Alliance, “modern Ecodesign compliant stoves burning dry wood make up a tiny fraction of UK particulate matter emissions – less than 0.3%. Using dry wood fuel is both sustainable and renewable; wood logs have the lowest carbon emissions factor of any domestic heating fuel.”

9. Install a log burner into a traditional fireplace setting

If you've been restoring a fireplace during your home renovation, but want to replace your open fireplace with something else, freestanding log burners are the perfect solution.

"These stoves are equally at home inside a red-bricked chimney breast of a cosy cottage or glowing within the grand fireplace of a country home," says Jon Butterworth. "Either way, they have an abundance of charm and character,” that makes them suitable in traditional settings.

Only just embarking on your scheme? Be sure to follow the advice in opening up a fireplace and tiling a fireplace.

10. Opt for a Scandi inspired corner log burner

Corner log burner ideas are perfect for adding heat without taking up too much room, or dominating your feature wall ideas. They can also be ideal if your modern extension ideas feature lots of windows or glass, meaning you have less available wall space from the start.

This Scandi inspired living room featuring a slim, corner log burner adds an immediate perception of warmth to the space, despite the lighter colour scheme. Although when it comes down to which design works best, it's primarily down to personal choice say the experts.

"Contemporary stoves tend to complement open-plan, larger and minimalistic spaces, whereas more traditional models tend to suit cosier, country-style homes," says Declan Kingsley-Smith.

"However, on the flip side to this, contemporary styles can sometimes bring a pared-back, Scandinavian aesthetic to a more traditional home, and a traditional model can also bring warmth and soften a more modern space," he adds, "so it’s really down to the individual’s preference."

11. Choose a glass hearth for your freestanding log burner ideas

Although fireplace hearth ideas tend to feature stone, slate or tiles, freestanding log burners which have the benefit of not needing a fireplace, can also be placed on a glass hearth plate. It was the option I chose when installing one in my previous home as it added an additional modern touch to the contemporary design of the log burner.

And while you can't just pop it on any piece of glass, they do come in clear, tinted and coloured options giving you plenty of choice when it comes to choosing the best option for your interior.

Easy to clean and hard-wearing, if you've invested heavily in your flooring ideas, clear glass will also give you full sight of the finish.

Hearth and bench options for your freestanding log burner ideas

12. Keep it cosy with a traditional fireplace and mantle

Of course, nothing beats the feeling of cosying up in front of a traditional roaring fire, so if cosy and classic is more your aesthetic than clean and contemporary, pull up a chair as a freestanding log burner idea can still be for you.

Surrounded by a rustic brick fireplace, solid wooden mantlepiece and sturdy slate heart, this pale grey stove fits in perfectly with the rest of the room, which has been lovingly restored to focus on traditional features such as wooden beams.

Wondering what to do in summer when you won't be using it for heat? Make sure you make the most of your mantle with these mantlepiece ideas, and fill up your fireplace with freshly cut garden flowers and plants until the winter sets in.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a log burner vs a log burning fireplace?

"Log burners are compact, efficient and can offer long burn times," says Jon Butterworth. "Our Farringdon range for example, comes in small, medium and large sizes, providing a stylish and contemporary freestanding option for heating the home.

"Combining design with innovative technology, this range delivers outstanding all-round performance and long burn times. With the ability to burn at low levels for more than 10 hours, log burners can offer exceptional controllability alongside a large fire viewing glass.”

They are a clean and safe way of heating your home.

How can I make sure I'm getting the best heat from my log burner?

If you haven't already got one, we recommend you invest in a stove fan to ensure the heat from your log burner is reaching as far and wide as it possibly can.

With options to suit most requirements, check out our guide to the best stove fans to find a model that's right for you.

Wondering where else in your home could benefit from the addition of a freestanding log burner idea? Take a look at whether log burners in conservatories are a good option or not, and find out what size log burner you need to heat your room of choice.