Chimney Breast Design Ideas

A 3-sided panoramic electric fire turns a plain chimney breast into the focal point of the room. Below are four ways to build around an Econovex, from period panelling to a dark modern media wall. Every image shows the real Econovex flame at its true size next to a correctly scaled TV, so what you see is what you get.

1. Sage panelled chimney breast

Econovex 1800 3-sided electric fire in a sage green panelled chimney breast with arched alcove shelves

The look: shaker-style panelling and arched alcoves painted one deep sage colour, with oak shelves lit from below. Pair it with a cognac leather Chesterfield and a vintage rug for a classic period room.

Build tip: keep panel mouldings at least 200 mm above the glass and run the fire opening the full width of the breast so both end glass panels stay on show.

2. Charcoal and walnut media wall

Econovex 1800 3-sided electric fire in a charcoal microcement media wall with fluted walnut alcoves

The look: a charcoal microcement breast with a backlit TV niche, fluted walnut slats either side and a floating walnut shelf running the full width. The dark surround makes the flames glow.

Build tip: build the TV niche at least 200 mm above the fire, and finish the floating shelf below the glass rather than over it.

3. Travertine chimney breast

Econovex 1800 3-sided electric fire in a travertine stone chimney breast with floating stone hearth

The look: large honed travertine slabs on the breast with a deep floating stone hearth, warm white alcoves and low oak cabinets. Calm, natural and very easy to live with.

Build tip: clad the breast after the opening is built to the fire's recess size, and leave the 150 mm floor clearance under the fire.

4. Warm plaster with lit alcove shelves

The most popular build: smooth plaster, oak floating shelves with LED strips and the fire running the full width of the breast. Here it is at every size, each with the TV size we recommend.

Getting the proportions right

  • Fire slightly wider than the TV. It frames the screen and looks deliberate. 1270 suits a 50–55" TV, 1600 a 55–65", 1800 a 65–75" and 2000 a 65–85".
  • Breast as wide as the fire for 3-sided glass. Build the opening to the full width so both end panels show.
  • Clearances: 150 mm from the floor and 200 mm to a TV, mantel or ceiling above.

Not sure which size fits your wall? See the Fire Size Guide for recess sizes and running costs.

Room images are visualisations showing the actual flame effect of each Econovex fire at its true size.