A Guide to Living Room Windows

When preparing for living room window treatments or installation, most homeowners will probably discover the need for various window materials and types. However, the different styles and materials come with different pros and cons.

Top Living Room Window Styles

Living rooms often tend to feature several different window types. Common choices for living room windows include a picture window flanked by two casement windows, or a single large and sweeping bow window. A set of windows such as a bay or a casement/fixed combination can act as an elegant centerpiece for your room.

Other popular styles for living rooms include floor-to-ceiling, either fixed or operable, windows. These can provide an abundance of light and are particularly agreeable if you have beautiful views to showcase. An entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows can contribute to your home’s passive solar design, saving energy on light and heat during the day.

Floor-to-ceiling windows can fill your living room with light. | @ fotolia.com / XtravaganT

Common Building Materials

Selecting the best window frame material for your living room is an important step in living room window treatments and installation. Window materials will affect the price, your choice in manufacturer, and other available window options.

Even without additional living room window treatments, fiberglass is a flexible material that offers greater strength and insulation than most materials. Although fiberglass frames are unable to offer the same performance as vinyl, the advantage that fiberglass can provide is its endurance. Fiberglass can also be made to imitate the elegant wooden frames that many homeowners seek for their living room.

Additionally, given its cost and performance, vinyl has recently become a popular material for frames. While the debate about their durability still continues, a new high-end vinyl frame will outperform other materials in the short-term.

Living Room Window Treatments

Regarding living room window treatments, bare windows are rarely the best choice for decoration. Most homeowners choose a set of curtains to accent their windows and provide a bit of privacy to the room. Living room window treatments like valances and shades are add fluidity and softness, while also offering privacy and light control.

The sophisticated floor-to-ceiling drapes are also currently in high demand. This type of curtain is one of the best living room window treatments if you have floor to ceiling windows, higher ceilings, or loft spaces in your living room. Many homeowners choose lighter, sheer curtains for a clean and simple look.

Additionally, environmentally friendly solar shades that absorb heat and block UV rays make excellent living room window treatments. These shades will protect your furnishings and preserve your beautiful views, without letting in too much sunlight. Moreover, these shades can often provide a sleeker, more modern look than curtains.

Solar shades keep your living room cool and beautiful. | © CC BY 2.0 flickr.com / Jeremy Levine

Many Options for Living Room Window Treatments

Homeowners should familiarize themselves with all of their living room window options in order to achieve the levels of beauty and intimacy that they desire. Whether framing a beautiful vista, or filling a wall space, contact a local contractor with HomeAdvancement’s easy database to find the right windows for your living room.

101 Beautiful Living Rooms with Fireplaces of All Types (Photos)

This photo gallery features a diverse set of beautiful living rooms with fireplaces. Every fireplace is a-glow with flame. Good mix of traditional and gas.

Welcome to our gallery featuring a series of comfortable, cozy and stylish living rooms with oh-so-cozy fireplaces and a guide to how much they cost.

Historically, fireplaces were used to heat the home. These days, however, the fireplace is all about ambiance. Fireplaces can be made to match any style of home, from traditional to rustic to modern.

Based on our analysis of 164,401 living rooms, we found that 75.41% of living rooms built as a new home or renovated since 2009 have a fireplace. Obviously TheHomeDweller that’s not every living room built and designed since then, but it’s a good number and likely sufficient in order to conclude a reliable percentage of living rooms that have a fireplace.

Below is our huge and growing gallery featuring living rooms with a fireplace. We add to this gallery each week, so be sure to bookmark this page. If you like stone fireplaces, check out our dedicated stone fireplace ideas gallery.

Table of Contents

Photo Gallery of Living Rooms with a Fireplace

Tropical living room features gray sectionals and a glass top coffee table facing the fireplace enclosed in glass. It is fitted on wooden built-in cabinet with open shelving.

This living room showcases white seats and a modern fireplace fixed to the stone brick accent wall lined with a wooden mantel that’s topped with a black canvas.

Gorgeous living room decorated with a lovely wall art that’s mounted above the fireplace lighted by wall sconces. It has a wooden coffee table surrounded with gray velvet sofas and floral wingback chairs over a patterned rug. Designed by J&L Interiors. Photography by Maureen G. Nowak Photography.

Rustic living room with a wood plank flooring and high cathedral ceiling framed with natural wood beams. There’s a fireplace fixed to the stone pillar in between built-in shelving.

White living room boasts sleek sofas and chairs along with a fireplace accented with fiddle leaf fig plants that add a refreshing ambiance to the room.

Craftsman living room features wood beam ceiling with a hanging wrought iron chandelier and folding glass door that opens to the balcony. It includes comfy seats and a stone fireplace covered with a metal screen.

Cozy living room with wood plank vaulted wall and rich hardwood flooring topped by a shaggy rug. It has a beige sectional paired with a diamond pattern ottoman and a sleek fireplace adjacent to the built-in seat nook.

Airy living room accented with a striped rug and pillows that lay on white sofas accompanied by a glass top coffee table and fireplace fixed to the white beadboard wall.

This living room offers a white fireplace lighted by wall sconces and dark wood sofa tables filled with books and candles.

An open living room furnished with a leather sofa and armchair along with a matching ottoman over a shaggy rug facing the fireplace lighted by sconces.

A boat wall art lays on the white fireplace accented with green patterned surround tiles in this living room with red sectionals and gray armchairs.

Mediterranean living room with elegantly curved sofas and a flat panel TV that hung above the marble fireplace covered with ornate wrought iron screens.

Tropical living room features a brown sofa and wicker round back chairs that sit in front of the white fireplace topped with candles and a lovely flower vase on an inset wall niche.

High ceiling living room with a black leather sofa and armchairs surrounding a stone fireplace lined with a wooden mantel that’s topped with a gorgeous boat decor.

A flat panel TV hangs above the white fireplace in this living room with tan sectional and a rectangular coffee table along with brown leather and patterned armchairs with a round side table in the middle.

This living room showcases a wood plank ceiling and flooring bordered with flagstones and topped with a vintage rug. It has classy seats and a fireplace accented with a stunning landscape wall art.

An airy living room offers a curved velvet sofa and glass top coffee table facing the fireplace that’s topped with an arched mirror. There’s a baby grand piano and coral round back chair by the framed glass windows overlooking the outdoor scenery.

Cozy living room with a stone fireplace lined with a rustic wooden mantel and glass-paneled windows that overlook the serene outdoor view.

Warm living room features a floating staircase lighted by a fancy floor lamp and a flat panel display that hung above the ornate fireplace.

Bright living room with tufted armchairs and a striped sofa that complements with the wall art above the fireplace and draperies on the panoramic windows.

The sophisticated living room showcases a dark wood coffee table and a fireplace framed with ornate mantel and metal screen. There’s a seating area by the full height windows covered in classy draperies and valences.

Black fluffy pillows lay on the tan sectional in this living room with a wooden coffee table and leather lounge chair across the fireplace topped with a wooden framed mirror.

Fresh living room with brown velvet sectionals and a fireplace fixed to the stone brick pillar lined with a wooden mantel.

Craftsman living room with wood beam ceiling and limestone flooring topped by a patterned rug. It includes a stone fireplace with wooden mantel filled with frames.

A wrought iron chandelier illuminates this living room boasting beige sofas and armchairs along with a marble fireplace accented with brass decors.

An all wood living room offers a freestanding fireplace and sleek tan sofa set lighted by a pair of unique spiral pendants that hung from the wooden dome ceiling.

Cozy living room with redwood wall and fireplace complementing with the hardwood flooring topped by a white shaggy rug. It includes white sectionals and a tufted bench paired with a wicker coffee table.

Deluxe living room decorated with magnificent paintings along with a fancy chandelier that hung from the gold ornate ceiling. It has striped and yellow-green sofas that sit in front of the fireplace covered with lovely flowers.

This living room features glass paneled windows covered with white sheer curtains and brown draperies along with dark wood plank flooring topped by a zebra rug.

The gorgeous living room showcases a floral skirted sofa set and a black brick fireplace fixed to the mirror paneled wall lined with white crown molding.

Elegant living room accented with a lovely patterned rug and yellow brick wall fitted with a black fireplace and television with speakers.

Living room with cozy seats and a stone fireplace fixed in between wooden built-in shelves. It includes a picture window and wooden coffee table that sits on a white textured rug.

A gold mirror hangs above the yellow fireplace fixed on the gray striped wall in this living room with white sofas and glass top coffee table.

Charming living room with a stone brick fireplace and L-shaped sectional accompanied with a pink accent chair and leather ottoman along with a brown armchair and wooden side table.

The formal living room showcases built-in shelving and a fireplace with black marble surround tiles. It is topped with a classy framed wall art that’s lighted by sconces.

Eclectic living room with wooden cathedral ceiling and arched windows dressed in white draperies. It has a pink accent wall lined with a stone brick pillar that’s fitted with a brass fireplace.

A rattan basket sits in front of the fireplace topped with candles and a decorative black plate in this living room with comfy seats and a huge round coffee table.

The small living area offers a beige tufted wingback chair and a brown chesterfield sofa facing the fireplace lighted by wall sconces that complement with the chandelier.

Modern living room with glass windows and doors that open to the veranda framed with glass railing. It includes a stone fireplace lined with white mantel.

Recessed ceiling lights illuminate this living room showcasing full height glazing and facing sofas paired with glass top coffee table and a beige ottoman that sits in front of the sleek fireplace.

The natural light that streams through the full height glazing illuminates this living room during daytime.

Spanish style living room features a fireplace and classy seats surrounding a wooden coffee table that sits on a red patterned rug.

Contemporary living room accented with a stone brick wall that’s fitted with television, metal fireplace and inset shelves filled with various decors.

The sleek living room offers a taupe lounge chair and a round coffee table along with a curved sectional lighted by an arched floor lamp.

The classy living room showcases a monochromatic color scheme for a unified look. It has white skirted sofa and matching armchairs lighted by fancy chandeliers.

This living room features muted mustard wall and wood plank flooring that complements with the fireplace framed with wooden mantel.

Stylish living room with velvet sofas and a gorgeous fireplace fitted on the black accent wall. It is illuminated by skylights and a warm chandelier that hung from the vaulted ceiling.

The lively living room offers coral tufted chairs along with a striped sofa and glass top coffee table across the iron fireplace fixed to the wooden paneled wall.

Minimalist living room with built-in cabinets and a sleek fireplace in the middle facing the wooden coffee table with gray sofas on the sides. It sits on a white shaggy rug over hardwood flooring.

Living Room Fireplace Data

The following is data setting out the percentage of living rooms that has a fireplace as well as the percentage of each type of fireplace found in living rooms. Data presented in both charts and tables.

Percentage of living rooms with a fireplace

This data is based on analysis of 164,401 living rooms.

Chart:

Table:

Types of fireplaces in living rooms (percentage)

The following data is based on analysis of 123,978 living rooms.

Chart:

Table:

Has Fireplace

The most iconic fireplace is, of course, the wood-burning masonry fireplace, as seen in the above living room. Wood-burning fireplaces provide the satisfying sizzle and pop, but require more maintenance and have more safety concerns than other styles of fireplaces.

Gas fireplaces are simple to light compared to wood-burning fireplaces, requiring only the simple push of a button to get a roaring fire going–but running on natural gas can be taxing on the wallet.

When I think of a fireplace, I think of an open hearth, with nothing between me and the flames but air. But this isn’t the only option. Many homeowners opt for an enclosed fireplace–that is, a fireplace that keeps the flames behind glass. Enclosing the flames not only makes the fireplace safer, it allows designers to place fireplaces in spots other than against a wall.

This collection presents a varied selection of both iconic masonry fireplaces and glass-enclosed gas fireplaces–but all the spaces have one very important detail in common: the mesmerizing flames that chase the cold away.

It’s important to note that you should definitely double check your permits before hiring a contractor and starting construction of a new fireplace or renovations on an existing one. Some places restrict the construction of fireplaces to new construction, meaning you wouldn’t be able to add a fireplace to an older home. (Source: Improvenet)

We hope you enjoy this spectacular gallery and come away with inspiration for your own living room.

Fireplace Costs

If you choose to add a fireplace to your existing home, you can expect to pay between $400 and $10,000. Why the huge variation? Well, there are a lot of styles and designs to choose from, and your choice determines exactly what you’ll pay for your fireplace.

Electric is the least expensive option, tends to be easy to install, and starts for under $400. In contrast, gas fireplaces cost $2,000 for just the most basic materials, plus another $2,500 for installation. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces definitely require hiring a professional to install, and typically cost under $10,000. (Source: House Logic)

And don’t forget about the upkeep costs. Fireplaces need to be cleaned and serviced; particularly gas and wood burning fireplaces.

If you’re building a new house and want to add a fireplace, your fireplace can cost between $1,500 and $30,000, depending on the features you choose, size, local labor rates, chimney height, and other factors. (Source: Cost Helper)

Additional Costs

• Firewood – firewood costs can build up quickly, depending on the type of wood and area you live in. Firewood should be clean, seasoned, and dry before burning. You’ll need to also purchase a fireplace grate that will keep the burning wood off the bottom of the firebox, which can cost between $25 and $75, with decorative luxury versions costing upwards of $1,000. (Source: Cost Helper)
• r – these can cost between $15 – $95 for a shovel, broom, and stoker, plus around $100 for an ash vacuum, $200 for a screen, among other items. (Source: Cost Helper)
• Annual Cleaning Costs – fireplaces need to be cleaned to keep from becoming a fire hazard.
• Mantles – these may be optional, but they really look great. Expect to pay between $100 and $3,000 for a custom mantle, depending on the style and if you include a full surround. (Source: Cost Helper)
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors – many places require you to have carbon monoxide detectors, which can cost about $50. (Source: Cost Helper)

Fireplace Types Overview

Wood Fireplace

Wood-burning fireplaces have the traditional aesthetic, including the signature scent, crackling sound, and the dancing flames. They’re self-sufficient in the case of an electrical outage, and can be used to heat the room regardless. Of course, they’re also hard to clean, require a lot of maintenance, and need to be tended, unlike gas or electric fireplaces.

Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces tend to be cleaner than wood-burning options, are easier to start, and are actually better for heating the room than a wood-burning, where most of the heat goes out the chimney. However, they lack the charm of a wood-burning fireplace and run on fossil fuels, which are not environmentally friendly.

Corn or Pellet Stoves

Corn or pellet stoves are clean-burning options with a cheap fuel option but are expensive to install and also require electricity to run in addition to the corn or pellet fuel.

Electric Fireplace

These are super easy to install; just plug in and get started. They’re portable, cheap, and can be used in any room. However, they look cheap, and won’t add value to your home. They also tend to use a lot of electricity and that will raise your bill.

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