Fireplace Terminology Made Simple: Click to Learn Each Part

An Interactive Guide to the Fireplace

Whether you’re considering a fireplace remodel or just exploring design ideas for your home, understanding the different parts of a fireplace can be incredibly helpful. From fireboxes and hearths to mantels, surrounds, and everything in between, each component plays an important role in both form and function. This page is designed to give you a clearer picture—literally. Click through our interactive fireplace diagram to discover what each piece is, how it contributes to the overall design, and what to consider when planning your own project. If you’ve ever wondered “What are the parts of a fireplace called?”—you’re about to find out, one piece at a time.

Overmantel Mantel Header Pillasters Surround Plinth Fireplace Insert Hearth

Overmantel The section above the mantel shelf, often extending to the ceiling. It adds height and visual impact, and can be enhanced with decorative panels, molding, or built-in shelving.

Mantel A decorative shelf positioned above the firebox opening. It can be a floating feature or supported by legs or pilasters for added architectural detail.

Header (Undermantel) Spans the space above the firebox between the pilasters. It connects the vertical elements and supports the mantel shelf, serving as both a structural and decorative feature.

Pillasters (Legs) The vertical elements on either side of the firebox that support the mantel and frame the opening. They can be simple or ornate, adding architectural character and balance.

Surround Frames the perimeter of the firebox, usually extending 8 to 12 inches around it. Its purpose is to safeguard the interior from heat and must be made of non-combustible materials.

Plinth The base block at the bottom of each pilaster or leg, providing structural support and a visual foundation. Often slightly wider than the pilaster above, it adds grounding and completes the architectural detailing.

Fireplace Insert An enclosed unit that fits within the firebox. Electric and gas fireplaces typically include an insert with extra features such as glass doors or built-in ventilation components.

Hearth Sits at the base of the fireplace, typically extending 16 to 18 inches beyond the firebox. It shields surrounding flooring from heat and embers, and must be made from non-combustible materials.

Hover to highlight, click to learn about each part

A Glossary of the Parts of a Fireplace

Overmantel

The overmantel is the section above the mantel shelf, often extending to the ceiling. It adds height and visual impact to the fireplace, and can be left simple or enhanced with decorative panels, molding, or even built-in shelving or artwork.

Mantel

The mantel is a decorative shelf positioned above the firebox opening. It can either be a floating feature or supported by legs or pilasters for added architectural detail.

Header (Undermantel)

The header, or undermantel, spans the space above the firebox between the pilasters. It connects the vertical elements and supports the mantel shelf, serving as both a structural and decorative feature in the fireplace surround.

Pillasters (Legs)

Pilasters or legs are the vertical elements on either side of the firebox that support the mantel and frame the fireplace opening. They can be simple and understated or more ornate, adding architectural character and balance to the overall surround design.

Surround

The surround frames the perimeter of the firebox, usually extending 8 to 12 inches around it. Similar to the hearth, its purpose is to safeguard the interior from the fireplace’s heat and must be made of non-combustible materials.

Plinth

The plinth is the base block at the bottom of each pilaster or leg, providing both structural support and a visual foundation for the fireplace surround. Often slightly wider than the pilaster above, it adds a sense of grounding and completes the architectural detailing.

Fireplace Insert

Traditional masonry fireplaces often consist of just a firebox. In contrast, electric and gas fireplaces typically include an insert—an enclosed unit that fits within the firebox and may contain extra features such as glass doors or built-in ventilation components.

Hearth

The hearth sits at the base of the fireplace, typically extending 16 to 18 inches beyond the firebox onto either a raised platform or a floor-level surface. It’s designed to shield the surrounding flooring from heat and stray embers and must be constructed from non-combustible materials.

Now that you know the anatomy of a fireplace, let’s find the one that fits your home just right. From cozy wood-burning classics to sleek electric options, we’ve got you covered.

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