The 1970s might have been a great decade for music and fashion — think disco and bell-bottoms — but not so much for home interiors. Psychedelic browns, woodchip wallpaper, and panelling were all the rage, and original features like fireplaces were often boarded up or ripped out entirely.

Fast-forward a few decades, and many homeowners are now peeling back plaster to rediscover those beautiful period details. If you’re wondering how to open up a fireplace and create a stunning focal point in your home, this guide has you covered.

Should You Open Up Your Fireplace?

Opening up a fireplace can completely transform your living space. From an empty, uninspired wall, you suddenly gain a focal point that adds character and cosiness. Even if you never light a fire, an open fireplace or feature stove contributes warmth and atmosphere.

During summer, candles or fairy lights can fill the space with a gentle flicker, giving you that warm glow without the heat. And if you’re eco-conscious, bioethanol fireplaces offer real flames and ambiance without smoke, soot, or mess.

Thinking about a no-fuss alternative? Check out our range of stylish bioethanol fireplaces that require zero installation.

Do You Need Permission to Open Up a Fireplace?

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to open up a fireplace in your home. However, if any changes affect your chimney or the exterior look of your property, you may need to check building regulations. It’s always worth confirming with your local authority, especially in listed buildings or conservation areas.

You’ll also need to check your chimney type. A Class 1 brick chimney is perfect for wood and coal fires, while a Class 2 flue is typically used for gas and electric fires. If you find a Class 2 flue, don’t worry — bioethanol fireplaces are an excellent alternative that doesn’t require a flue or chimney.

What Should I Consider Before Starting?

Before you start knocking down walls, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions:

• What’s your end goal? Do you want a functional fireplace for warmth, or are you after a decorative feature? A working fireplace requires maintenance, while a decorative one can be purely aesthetic.
• Are you prepared for chimney upkeep? Wood and coal fires require regular chimney sweeping to keep them safe and efficient. If that sounds like too much effort, bioethanol fireplaces offer the same cosy effect with zero maintenance.
• What type of fuel do you plan to use? Traditional fires need specific chimney types, while bioethanol fires don’t need one at all.

Understanding these factors before you begin will save you time, money, and unexpected surprises!

How to Tell if There’s a Fireplace Behind a Wall?

Not sure if your home has a hidden fireplace? It’s a bit like detective work—you’re looking for the little clues that could lead to a big reveal.

• The knock test: if the fireplace has been boarded over, you'll notice a hollow sound when you knock on the wall with your knuckles. If it doesn't sound hollow, doesn't mean there's no fireplace, but it might indicate that it was bricked in. 
• Speak to your neighbours: find out if anyone else in the street has opened up a fireplace in a similar property to your own. That’s a pretty sure sign that you have a covered fireplace. 
• Look for a ventilation brick: if the previous tenants of your home had the fireplace professionally covered, the fitter should have installed a ventilation brick. This prevents dampness. Remove the ventilation brick, and shine a torch into the hole to gauge the size of the old fireplace aperture. Hold a candle by the hole — if the flame is drawn into the gap, it's a good sign that the chimney is functional.
• Check for a hearthstone: lift your carpet to see if you have a thick, heavy slab embedded into the floor around the chimney breast. Again, an excellent sign that you have a fireplace!

Can I Open Up My Fireplace Myself?

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Yes, but it’s a project that requires patience and preparation. DIY fireplace opening is manageable if you’re dealing with simple plaster removal or uncovering a bricked-in recess. But remember — this can be messy and dusty work. Clear the room as much as possible and protect furniture and flooring with heavy-duty dust sheets.

If structural changes are required, such as enlarging the opening or replacing the lintel, consult a qualified builder. Your safety (and your ceiling!) depends on getting this right.

Understanding Fireplace Anatomy

Before you start chipping away, it helps to know what you’ll uncover. Every fireplace is made up of key structural elements that support both form and function:

• Lintel: A strong horizontal support beam (steel or stone) that carries the weight of the brickwork above the opening.
• Jambs: These are the vertical sides that frame the fireplace opening and hold up the lintel.
• Chimney flue: The channel through which smoke travels from your fireplace up and out into the atmosphere.
• Fireback: A sturdy, heat-resistant surface that lines the back of the fireplace recess and protects the chimney wall.

If you’re opening up a fireplace in an older property, you may also encounter soot shelves, old damper doors, or even hidden decorative tiling — all part of the story your home has to tell.

UK Open Fireplace Regulations

Many towns and cities around the UK are Smoke Control Areas, which means there's a limit on the amount of smoke you can release from your chimney. Additionally, it's essential that you burn seasoned wood certified Ready to Burn — this means that there's a low moisture content, producing less smoke. You could get a £300 fine if you burn anything else. 

In Smoke Control Areas, you can burn:

• Anthracite
• Semi-anthracite
• Low-volatile steam coal
• Gas
• Bioethanol 
• Oils or liquids for adapted fireplace

Is an Open Fireplace Safe?

An open fire can be perfectly safe with the right precautions. Here are five essentials to keep in mind:

1. Have the chimney inspected and swept professionally.
2. Fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Keep flammable items well away.
4. Always use a sturdy fireguard.
5. Never leave a lit fire unattended.

Additionally, avoid overloading the fire with fuel, and make sure ashes are properly disposed of in a metal container once completely cold.

Can I Open My Fireplace Merely for Decoration?

Absolutely! You don't have to plan on lighting fires to enjoy the charm of an open fireplace. Many homeowners choose to open up a fireplace purely for decorative purposes. It can become a beautiful focal point, adding character to both modern and period homes.

For a fresh approach, consider:

• Arranging a stylish display of books or magazines.
• Using an oversized vase with dried flowers or branches.
• Placing a piece of statement art or a decorative screen inside the recess.

Even without flames, an open fireplace can give your room warmth and personality — all without the maintenance or regulations of a working fire.

Decorative Fireplace Ideas

A fireplace doesn’t need to burn wood or coal to make a statement. Here are a few creative ideas:

• Fill the hearth with large pillar candles for a soft glow.
• Stack logs decoratively for a rustic, homely feel.
• Add fairy lights or seasonal garlands for festive touches.
• Place a freestanding bioethanol stove in the recess for a real-flame effect without mess.
• Display antique fireplace tools or fire screens for added character.

Need more ideas? Visit our decorative fireplace inspiration guide.

How to Open Up a Fireplace: Expanded Process

Get a skip before you start — you’re going to need it! Lay down protective sheeting, and prepare for the fun!

1. Remove any gas or electric fire — call a professional if needed.
2. Break away plaster gradually, starting from hollow areas or vents.
3. Tap out bricked-over sections carefully to reveal the opening.
4. Stop at the lintel and jambs unless advised by a builder.
5. Check the cavity for debris or damage.
6. Book a chimney inspection and sweep.
7. Test the chimney’s draw with a lit candle — the flame should pull towards the flue.
8. Repoint brickwork if needed and consider repainting or sealing the interior.
9. Fit a new hearth slab or decorative tiles to complete the look.

Want the Look Without the Hassle?

It's a conundrum, isn't it? You want the beauty of a real flame, but you don't want to pump carbon and pollution into the air, affecting your town's air quality. 

Bioethanol fireplaces offer real flames with no smoke, soot, or maintenance. No chimney required — just unbox, fill, and enjoy.

Ready for a cleaner, simpler fireplace? Browse our bioethanol collection now.

Happy renovating!