Brick fireplaces enduring home decor
Then, the fireplace structure used for its containment has been a staple in homes for centuries — not only as a source of heat or home decor, but also simply as a cozy gathering place for family and friends.
Fireplaces can be built from a variety of materials. Some of the most common ones include stone, concrete, tile, metal, and — iconically — brick.
Durable and capable of withstanding very high temperatures, brick is THE classic choice for fireplaces. It also has a timeless, traditional look that seems to never go out of style.
We’ve collected photos of vintage brick fireplaces from the 1940s through the 1970s, showing these fireplaces have been integrated into decor over those inspiring mid-century decades — and still endure as the warming heart of any home.
Bedroom with a white brick corner fireplace beside a built-in bed (1943)
Vintage brick fireplace wall with geometric brick pattern (1947)
Vintage brick fireplace divided two rooms (1951)
The rough brick of fireplace wall and the smooth, waxed brick of the dining room floor offer a pleasing contrast in texture.
Brick open hearth design fireplace in a vintage 1950s living room (1951)
A great open hearth, elaborate andirons, a spinning wheel by the fireside, and a Cinnamon Wunda Weave wall-to-wall carpet lent spice to a charming room setting at the “Woodley” home of Mr and Mrs J Permar Richards, Jr., Villanova, Pennsylvania.
MORE: These 50 mid-century wall-to-wall carpet styles were considered pretty & practical
Vintage 50s fireplace wall made of brick with a black metal fireplace insert
1950s fireplace – Bricks on end (1953)
Old 1950s home with a fireplace wall made of brick and shag rug (1958)
Midcentury modern style semi-open style brick fireplace (1962)
Midcentury modern living room with a brick fireplace (1963)
Framed by 6-foot glass panels, the fireplace is the center attraction in this living room. Guests can sit by the fireside and still feel they’re outdoors.
Country-style old living room with a brick fireplace and wood to burn
Vintage 1960s home with a brick wall that incorporates a fireplace
ALSO SEE: Remember when those huge vintage console stereos were a major trend in the 1950s & 60s?
Dramatic midcentury living room with tall brick fireplace (1967)
A massive masonry core and huge Douglas fir root beams combine to make the central room in this house as magnificent as the great hall of a European castle.
In summer, the space is remarkably cool; in winter, reassuringly secure. Within the brick are three chimney flues and a utility room. Curled around the masonry are steps to the second-level bedroom.
Triangular clerestory windows capture daylight from beneath the roof hoods, and simultaneously trace the outlines of the two roof slopes.
Cozy colorful new brick fireplace (1968)
Massive brick chimney and fireplace from the 70s
Tall wide brick fireplace hearth in a retro living room full of red plaid (1972)
Rustic old-fashioned arch-shaped brick fireplace in a mod home (1973)
Vintage 1970s brick fireplace with wood paneling (1976)
Central brick fireplace design in living room with high angled ceilings (1976)
A brick corner fireplace with curved seating area (1976)
While this vintage 1970s living room was rectangular, the semicircular design of this corner fireplace suggested a circular seating arrangement for the room.
The floor-to-ceiling fireplace of used brick included an integral mantel-ledge, a raised hearth, and an array of scattered stone inserts. Horizontal grooved paneling directed attention to the room’s corner.
Dramatic 2-story brick fireplace (1976)
ALSO SEE: A dramatic fireplace filled the center of this midcentury modern living room
Rustic brick fireplace (1976)
Cozy fireplace with built-in arch (1976)
Stacked brick fireplace with a cozy seating area (1976)
ALSO SEE: The mid-century conversation pit: Check out dozens of trendy 60s & 70s sunken living room designs
More vintage brick fireplaces
Bonus throwback: Craftsman fireplace of tapestry brick (1913)
DON’T MISS: A conversation pit by a fireplace was the center of this spectacular 2-story living room
