A fireplace is a fantastic addition to a home. Not only does it make your living areas more cosy, usable and inviting, but it also uplifts the entire appearance of the space.

Plus, a fireplace’s timeless style and high performance makes it a great investment for the long-term, too.

But, one of the most common questions that our team gets asked is, ‘Can I have a fireplace in my flat?’.

If you’re living in a flat – whether it’s owned or rented – you’ll be familiar with having to consider questions like these, assessing the specific requirements of your property.

So, to help you determine whether or not a fireplace is suitable for your flat, and which type of fireplace is the best choice for your flat, keep reading. Below, we have shared our complete guide to fireplaces in flats, and answering can a flat have a fireplace.

Can you have a fireplace in a flat/apartment?

You will need to assess the following conditions, to determine whether or not you can have a fireplace in your flat:

• Do you have the space? – it might sound obvious, but you will need to think about how much spare space you have in your living areas. But, there are a wide range of different fireplace sizes out there, so you should be able to find an option that works for you and your available space.
• Do you have permission from your building management or landlord? – some flats have regulations in place regarding fireplaces, particularly gas applications.
• Does your chosen area have sufficient ventilation? – you will need to choose an area that is well ventilated, and positioned away from any flammable materials.
• Are there restrictions in your lease or tenancy agreement?
• Do you need to gain any permits or approvals from your local council? – it’s also important to note that, depending on where you live, there might be restrictions in place regarding what type of fuel you can use in your fireplace.
• What type of fireplace do you want? – more on this below.

When considering Electric Fireplaces

In the majority of flats and apartments, you can have an electric fireplace. This is because electric fireplaces do not require a chimney. So, they are a great, versatile option, especially for people that live in flats.

When considering Gas Fireplaces

However, when it comes to gas fireplaces, there is more to consider. This is because gas fireplaces need a chimney, an outside wall for a balanced flue fire (see balanced flue gas fires on our website).

It is possible to get a gas fireplace installed in a flat, but you will first need to get permission from your building management or landlord. This is because some buildings have regulations covering gas appliances.

Then, you will need to check that there is a gas line available in your flat. If not, then you will need to have one installed.

Due to these extra considerations, when looking at fireplaces for flats, an electric fireplace is often a much more convenient choice.

Can I have a fireplace in my flat/apartment if I rent?

This is largely dependent on the landlord.

If you are renting a flat, you will need to get permission from your landlord. It is also important to note that some flats have regulations in place regarding fireplaces, particularly gas applications. Your landlord will be able to advise you on this.

But, if your landlord grants their permission (and you meet the other conditions listed above), then you can have a fireplace in your flat.

Can you put a fireplace on any wall?

In the case of electric fireplaces, yes you can put a fireplace on any wall. This is because they don’t require ventilation. But, if you want to install a gas fireplace, then you can only put a fireplace on a wall where there is access to ventilation or a chimney.

What are the benefits of Gas Fireplaces for flats/apartments?

• Energy efficient – in fact, they can be up to 70% more efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces
• Easy to use, convenient and very user-friendly
• Low maintenance
• Much cleaner to run (than wood-burning fireplaces)
• Very safe
• Available in a huge range of sizes and design styles

What are the benefits of electric fireplaces for flats/apartments?

• Easy to install
• Do not require any chimney or ventilation system
• Highly cost-effective
• Energy efficient
• Low maintenance
• Very safe
• Available in a huge range of sizes and design styles
• Highly customisable

What are the benefits of media wall fireplaces for flats/apartments?

• Ideal for maximising your space
• Stylish and modern
• Help to increase the value of your property
• Energy efficient
• Highly customisable
• Very safe
• Available in a wide range of different styles

Media walls are a fantastic option for flats as, not only do they enable you to fully maximise your space, but they create a bold and sleek focal point, while keeping all your devices neatly and conveniently organised.

And, with the support of a professional, trusted media wall specialist, you can customise your media wall to accommodate all of your requirements, devices, preferred design styles and available space.

If you are on the lookout for a fireplace for your flat or apartment, The Fireplace Studio is here to help. We have a huge range of fireplaces in our range, including gas, electric and media wall fireplaces.

So, to find out more about your options, or to enlist our team of professional vetted fireplace installers for your flat, don’t hesitate to get in touch.