12 Stacked Stone Fireplace Ideas for Optimal Coziness

Stacked stone is a superb design finish if you want to create a charming focal point in a room. If you’re up for the DIY project, you can upgrade to a stacked stone fireplace by installing faux stone on a mesh backing, just like you would with tile. But don’t stop there! Use these stacked stone fireplace ideas to complete the look and make your fireplace the focal point it deserves to be.

1. Mountain Retreat Warm-Up

This fireplace might look expensive, but it’s actually just a faux stone cover over an existing fireplace surround. Most DIYers should be able to handle installing this in a weekend, and it’s even affordable if you hire a fireplace contractor and installer near you to get the job done professionally.

And once you have that stone surround installed, you can dress it up with a stone hearth and a floating shelf made of reclaimed wood to add some warmth to the space.

2. Practical With a Touch of Whimsy

This fireplace surround consists of a simple cement board, over which is installed a stacked stone veneer. Another relatively simple DIY project, you could have this aesthetic nailed down in your home in just a day or two with minimal tools and supplies.

Pair the practical and utilitarian look of simple stone and unembellished gas fireplace with some pops of color and intriguing decor, and you have a great centerpiece for any room.

3. A Light-Weight Stacked Stone Fireplace

If the weight of stone is too much for a wall to carry, stone veneer is a good alternative. The product gives you that stacked stone look with only about a quarter of the weight of real stone. It looks just as good, too. Apply an adhesive putty to the back and stick it to the wall or over cement backer board. One caveat: It can be tough to get the stones lined up just right, so take your time to get a nice, clean look.

4. Stacked Stone and Floating Shelves

There’s something about a clean, light-colored stacked stone fireplace that just begs for a floating shelf made out of a dark wood. This sleek, refined floating shelf makes the stacked stone look a bit more modern rather than rustic, which is evidence that stacked stone has a place in just about any style of decor. Match the dark wood with similarly colored entertainment stand cabinets or wall shelves to pull the entire room together. 

5. Sky-High Shades of Gray

If you have the wall space, consider a floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace to make the room feel larger and more inviting. Make it stand out by choosing darker tones against a lighter wall like in the picture above to solidify the fireplace as your room’s rightful focal point.

When choosing stacked stone for a tall project like this, consider varying the rectangle height and length. If you’re arranging the stone pattern yourself–rather than using tile-style on a mesh backing—make sure to place heavier stones on the bottom to reduce the load up top.

6. Stacked Stone Paired With Reclaimed Wood

Want that stone to retain its rustic charm rather than modernizing it? Couple the stone with reclaimed wood or a faux barnwood floating shelf. Nothing screams rustic elegance more than this combination. Plus, the reclaimed wood can serve as a divider between the business portion of your fireplace and the upper area, where you might mount a TV or other decor.

7. Floor-to-Ceiling Centerpiece

If you have lofted ceilings in your home and a large fireplace—or even a standard fireplace in a larger, open room—go all in on making the fireplace the centerpiece of your room. Whether you mount a TV on the chimney or not, organize your seating around the hearth to let guests know where their attention should go.

Feel free to expand the stacked stone area beyond where your fireplace actually sits to create a warm, cozy atmosphere with an entire stone wall.

8. All-White Skyscraper

Fancy a fresh, refined look without going super modern? Consider installing a pure white stacked stone around your fireplace. This makes the space look neat and clean while still retaining the warmth and natural look of the stone. White stone is also a great way to accentuate a dark wood floating shelf or mantle.

9. A Hearth Made for Sitting

A stacked stone fireplace begs for a stone hearth, and you can add some utility to your fireplace area by installing a large hearth that doubles as a seating area for those looking for a little more heat from the fire. Just be sure any seating cushions you leave on the hearth are fireproof and heat resistant.

10. Take It Outside

Concerned about indoor air quality but still want a stacked stone fireplace to enjoy with family and friends? Why not extend your living space outdoors? Patios and pergolas make for great places to install massive stacked stone fireplaces to get some fresh air while you enjoy the quiet ambience of your fireplace. On a chilly night, just leave some knit blankets around for guests to snuggle into.

​​11. Two-Sided Stunner

If you’ve got the space, enjoy the fire from both sides. Installing stacked stone or stacked stone veneer on a fireplace makes it a statement piece, and there’s no statement more impressive than fitting a floor-to-ceiling, two-sided fireplace with stacked stone. Feel free to use different mantel pieces or floating shelves on either side to tie into the decor in the respective section of the room.

12. Small Profile

You can maximize your stacked stone fireplace’s impact even when you’re tight on space. If you have just a small gas or electric fireplace—or intend on having a fireplace installed—put in a thin column of stacked stone on both sides and over the top to make the fireplace pop. Add a nearby seat or two, and you have a cozy reading nook that adds character and elegance to what would otherwise look like a sleek, modern fireplace.