Learn About 14 Different Fireplace Types and Their Openings

You probably never realized just how many different types of fireplaces there are, let alone the different styles of fireplace openings they can have. We've gathered the 14 most common ones that customers ask us about and create illustrations for them to give you a visual reference. Do you know what yours is and what "fit" of fireplace glass doors will work with it? 

Types of Fireplace Openings

1. Rectangular Firebox

2. Full-Arch Firebox

3. Flat Top Arch Firebox

4. Recessed Fireplace with Arch Projection

5. Projection Above Fireplace Opening

6. Fireplace with Hearth Seats

7. Fireplace with Pillars

8. Curved Fireplace

9 - 12 Hearth Positions

13. Corner Fireplace

14. U-Shaped / Peninsula Fireplace

Or skip all this and try out our quick and easy snapshot quote for fireplace doors!

---

1. Rectangular Firebox  

 

Starting with the basic rectangular or square opening, which features 4 straight sides. Relatively straight, as may be the case with masonry fireplaces featuring rough-cut stone. This is the most common type of fireplace opening, and we have a plethora of doors to go with it. Choose from our customizable masonry doors with a wide range of finishes, frame styles, and spark protection options to choose from. Or, if you have a tighter budget or need a door in a hurry, check out our non-customizable and clearance masonry fireplace doors.

  Back to top

---

2. Full-Arch Firebox  

 

It can be difficult to find a fireplace door for fully arched fireplace openings, as they have to be custom made. But custom work is what we do best here at Fireplace Doors Online! View our Full-Arch Masonry Fireplace Doors by Custom Metal Company here, available in 32 finish color options to perfectly match your home decor!

Back to top

---

3. Flat Top Arch Firebox  

 

It's mysterious as to why this is called a flat top when, in fact, the top is curved. But what makes it different from a full arch opening is its straight sides. This is a very traditional masonry fireplace opening and one of our favorites here in the "Keystone State." And we have a whole subcategory dedicated to arched fireplaces doors just for this particular type of opening.

Back to top

---

4. Recessed Fireplace with Arch Projection 

✔️Inside Fit Fireplace Door 

✔️✔️Overlap Fit Door - Double check the clearances around the firebox opening.

 

This hybrid fireplace opening can be tricky to fit a door for. A rectangular, inside fit fireplace door will work but the stone or brick projecting around the opening will very likely prevent the doors from being able to open fully.  Depending on the amount of clearance around the firebox, a rectangular, overlap fit fireplace door may be possible, but we would recommend double-checking with our experts by sending in a snapshot quote. A full arch fireplace door over the outer stone projection is also an option, but be aware that the square opening behind it would be clearly seen through the doors. 

*Please be aware that the arch projection may prevent the doors from opening fully, especially in the case of cabinet doors.

Back to top

---

5. Projection Above Fireplace Opening 

✔️Inside Fit Fireplace Door 

✔️✔️Overlap Fit Door - Double check the clearances around the firebox opening.

Projections above the fireplace opening, like this fireplace hood, are great for helping to protect things on and above the mantel from the high heat of the fireplace, especially if the clearances are short of requirements. However, they can get in the way of overlap fitting doors. An inside fit door will always work with this opening but the clearances around the firebox will need to be double-checked for an overlapping fireplace door.

Back to top

---

6. Fireplace with Hearth Seats 

✔️Inside Fit Fireplace Door 

✔️✔️Overlap Fit Door - Double check the clearances around the firebox opening.

 

Hearth seats are a cozy and charming fireplace feature, but they may get in the way of the fireplace door you want. An inside fit fireplace door is the most compatible. Depending on the hearth seats, style, cushions, and how close the seats are to the fireplace opening, an overlap fireplace door may not be feasible. So again, please double-check the amount of clearance.

*Please be aware that the hearth seats may prevent the doors from opening fully, especially in the case of cabinet doors.

Back to top

---

7. Fireplace with Pillars 

✔️Inside Fit Fireplace Door 

✔️✔️Overlap Fit Door - Double check the clearances around the firebox opening.

       

 

Fireplaces with pillars or built-in columns stand out and make a statement, but standing out can present somewhat of a clearance problem when trying to size one of these fireplaces for a door. Pillars on these fireplaces typically leave little room between them and the firebox opening, preventing the application of an overlap fitting door. There are exceptions, so it's always good to double and triple check the clearances. But an inside fit door will almost always work with this type of fireplace opening.

*Please be aware that the pillars may prevent the doors from opening fully, especially in the case of cabinet doors.

Back to top

---

8. Curved Fireplace 

✖️ Inside Fit Fireplace Door 

✖️ Overlap Fit Door

 

While we may not have glass fireplace doors that can accommodate a curved fireplace, we have folding and curved standing fireplace screens that would work wonderfully as spark protection. And if the interior of the firebox is linear without curves, mesh curtains could also be hung with the appropriate hardware.

Back to top

---

Hearth Positions 

Now, in combination with all of those various fireplace openings just listed is the position of the fireplace hearth, of which there are four.

*4 sided fireplace door only

Many overlap fit fireplace glass doors need a hearth to sit on because they have three-sided frames. However, we have select doors that can be made with a four-sided or "picture frame" configuration, allowing them to be installed in a fireplace with no hearth or a raised firebox. We recommend checking with our experts to see if the door will need the extra added support of a lintel bar.

Inside fit doors can be installed with any of the four hearth styles.

** Inside fit door can sometimes be tricky with a raised hearth. Usually, the height difference is small enough that it won’t affect the door. But if it’s large enough to prevent the door from opening at all, we can have most of our doors custom made to add extra length to the bottom part of the frame.

Back to top

---

13. Corner Fireplace 

One may think it's impossible to get a door fitted for a corner, L-shaped fireplace, but we specialize in custom fireplace doors here at Fireplace Doors Online. Not only is it possible, but we have multiple product styles to choose from with our corner masonry fireplace doors or corner prefab fireplace doors. 

*If the corner posts extend out too far, an inside fit door will not work.

Back to top

---

14. U-Shaped / Peninsula Fireplace 

 

There are a total of 17 possible obstruction combinations with peninsula fireplaces. This can make it difficult to correctly order a properly fitting door. And while we may not have a 3-sided fireplace door listed on our website, our fireplace experts can work with you to have one custom made. Simply fill out our snapshot quote form or call our customer service team at 888-986-1535.

*If the corner posts extend out too far, an inside fit door will not work.

Back to top

---

Snapshot Quote

If you're still unsure about what type of fireplace opening you have and/ or what style of fireplace door would work, fill out our quick and easy Snapshot Quote. Just take a few photos of your fireplace, submit them with the completed form, and we'll get back to you with your results within 1 business day!