Adding an extension is one of the most effective ways to transform a home. It creates space, often increases property value, and can provide an open-plan living area that many modern families crave. Large expanses of glass, vaulted ceilings, and sleek kitchen islands are hallmark features of these new builds. However, these expansive spaces can sometimes feel a little sparse or physically cool without a central focal point to anchor the room.
A stove provides the perfect solution. It offers a sense of permanence and warmth that balances the airy nature of a new extension. Whether the goal is a minimalist aesthetic or a cosy traditional retreat, integrating a fire into the architectural plans from the start ensures the best results.
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The first decision involves selecting the fuel that best suits your lifestyle and the design of the extension. Wood burning stoves remain a popular choice for those who value the sensory experience of a real fire, but also offer high heat outputs that can often be useful as a standalone heating solution, or to supplement an existing system, such as a heat pump.
The rhythmic flicker of the flames create an atmosphere that many love. Modern wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are highly efficient and meet strict Ecodesign standards. This means they produce minimal permitted smoke and particulates while providing significant heat output.
Gas stoves and fires offer a different kind of appeal. They provide instant heat and total control at the touch of a button. For a busy household where time is at a premium, a gas appliance allows for a beautiful living flame fire without the need for fuel storage. Many Gazco gas fires feature highly realistic log effects and glowing ember beds that look remarkably like a wood fire. The Onyx Liv 3 gas log burner, shown below, is another example of a tall cylindrical gas stove, ideal for stylish extensions.
Electric fires require no chimney or flue, making them the easiest option to install, and can even be installed by a competent DIY-er. Like wood burning and gas, they come as freestanding or inset versions, each providing year-round ambience – with or without the heat.
New extensions are often built to be airtight. High-performance insulation and advanced glazing techniques prevent heat from escaping, but they also limit natural airflow. This may mean that for wood burning or gas appliances, you need an air vent.
Some wood burning stoves however are compatible with an external air kit. This allows the stove to draw its combustion air directly from outside the building through a dedicated pipe, rather than from the room itself.
For gas stoves and fires, you may want to opt for a balanced flue product. Not only do balanced flue stoves and fires not need a chimney, but they vent directly through an exterior wall with a twin-wall pipe, leaving the log burner sealed from the room in which it is installed. This pipe allows air for combustion to come directly into the fire, while an inner pipe removes any combustion gases.
A common misconception is that you need an existing masonry chimney to have a stove. Most modern extensions are built without a traditional chimney breast, but this does not rule out wood or gas fires.
You may be able to have a pre-fabricated flue system installed, which works in the same way as a normal chimney. You can leave the flue exposed for an industrial, contemporary look, or box it in with a false chimney breast to create a more traditional aesthetic.
Alternatively, again, balanced flue stoves and fires are a great solution, along with electric fireplaces.
When planning an extension, incorporating a wood burner can be a smart way to boost both comfort and efficiency, especially with modern models like the Stovax Riva2 wood burning fires range. Many of the fires in the Stovax Riva2 inset collection offer the option to heat up to two additional living spaces via a warm‑air ducting system, allowing one fire to distribute heat throughout multiple rooms.
For self‑builders or those aiming to live off‑grid, this feature can make the investment go even further by reducing reliance on central heating and making better use of the fuel you’re already burning. It’s an elegant, sustainable solution that adds warmth, character, and practical value to a new extension.
Modern kitchen extensions often lack a traditional chimney breast, but this should not limit your design choices. Integrating an electric fire into a contemporary kitchen is a sophisticated way to add warmth and atmosphere. The Onyx Avanti Electric Fires range is a perfect fit for these environments. Because these fires require no flue or chimney, you have complete freedom regarding placement.
A popular choice is to build the fire into a media wall or a run of bespoke cabinetry. This creates a stunning visual centre for a dining area or a kitchen island backdrop. The customisable flame effects and lighting options mean you can adjust the mood to suit a bright morning breakfast or a relaxed evening dinner party.
Large extensions with vaulted ceilings or expansive floor plans can sometimes feel a little sparse. A Studio 2 Freestanding Wood Burning Stove solves this by providing a powerful visual anchor. Its landscape proportions and widescreen view of the flames are captivating, making it a designer centrepiece for any modern living space.
Beyond its looks, this stove offers high-performance heat. It delivers up to 8.5kW of output, ensuring that even the most generous open-plan layouts remain cosy throughout the winter months. You can mount the fire on a dedicated Stovax stove bench to add height and create a more architectural presence. The clean, minimalist lines of the Studio range complement modern furniture and large-format floor tiles perfectly.
Glass-heavy extensions such as conservatories or sunrooms are beautiful in the summer, but they often struggle with temperature fluctuations when the sun goes down. The Stovax Huntingdon 20 Wood Burning & Multi-Fuel Stove is an ideal solution for these spaces. Its traditional cast iron construction retains heat beautifully, radiating a gentle warmth that keeps the room usable all year round.
The Stovax Huntingdon 20 features an elegant arched window, with options of the classic tracery door or the timeless styling of a clear door. Either option creates a lovely bridge between the traditional main house and the garden outside.
Conservatories are also ideal locations for gas or electric log burners. We have put together a full guide on installing a stove in a conservatory.
Some extensions demand a more slender, vertical aesthetic to complement floor-to-ceiling glazing or narrow alcoves. The Loft Gas Stoves offer a striking silhouette that works exceptionally well in industrial or minimalist interiors. This stove is available in wall-mounted or floor-standing versions, providing total flexibility for your layout.
Gas stoves are a brilliant choice for busy households that want the comfort of a fire without the preparation time. With the click of a button, you have a powerful heat source that warms the room instantly. The tall glass panels offer a superb view of the realistic log-effect fuel bed from multiple angles. It is a practical yet luxurious addition that ensures your new extension is as functional as it is beautiful.
Installing a ceiling-mounted fire allows you to place your focal point exactly where you want it. By suspending a fire from the ceiling, you create a dramatic focal point that draws the eye upwards. This floating presence makes the most of the height provided by a pitched roof. It allows the architecture of your new space to take centre stage whilst providing a cosy atmosphere for evening relaxation.
The Onyx Orbit electric fire makes a great solution for extensions. Because it is electric, there is no need for complicated flue systems or expensive masonry work. Modern extensions often serve multiple purposes, acting as a kitchen, dining room, and lounge all at once. The Orbit complements this space this by allowing for a 340-degree view of the flames, meaning it can be enjoyed from almost anywhere in the room. It anchors the room without blocking sightlines, ensuring your home feels connected and intentional.
The Nordpeis ME wood burning stove is also an excellent choice for a home extension because its compact, contemporary design allows it to become a striking focal point without overwhelming the space. Its versatile installation options, including wall mounted, bench mounted, pedestal and even ceiling hung configurations, make it easy to integrate into a variety of layouts, which is especially valuable in extensions where floor area and sightlines are carefully planned.
Successful integration of a stove into an extension requires early planning. You should consider the location of the stove in relation to furniture, windows, and doors. A stove placed in a central location can act as a room divider in an open-plan space, subtly separating the kitchen from the living area.
Consulting with a professional installer is the best way to ensure your chosen stove meets all building regulations. They can advise on the necessary clearances to combustible materials, which is especially important if your extension features timber framing or modern cladding. By considering these technical details alongside the aesthetic choices, you can create a space that is both beautiful and safe. A stove is more than just a heater. It is the heart of the home, providing a place for family and friends to gather long after the extension project is finished.
Posted by Annabelle Carvell on April 10, 2026
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