Whether you prefer a modern minimalist fireplace or a traditional stone design, you can customize its dimensions, materials, and appearance to suit your room.
You can also follow along with our written instructions below.
Step 1. Prepare your room
First, let's choose where to place your fireplace.
Open your Planner 5D project and switch to 2D mode.
Choose the wall where you want to build your fireplace.
Check the available space between doors, windows, and nearby furniture.
Switch to 3D mode to check the wall height and how the fireplace will look from your seating area.
Step 2. Add a fireplace from the catalog
We'll use an existing fireplace object as the central part of our custom design.
Open the Interior catalog and search for a fireplace.
Choose a suitable fireplace model and place it against your selected wall.
Adjust its size and position if the object supports these settings.
Use Levitation or Above the floor to adjust its height if needed.
Switch to 3D mode and make sure the fireplace is correctly positioned.
Tip: Choose a relatively simple fireplace model if you plan to build a large custom surround around it. This will make it easier to match the new panels to the existing fireplace.
Step 3. Create the fireplace surround
Now let's use Magic Cubes to build a custom frame around the fireplace.
Create the side panels
Switch to 2D mode.
Go to Build → Forms and select Magic Cube.
Place the cube beside your fireplace.
Select it and adjust its Width, Depth, and Height to create a tall, narrow panel.
Position it alongside one edge of the fireplace.
Select the panel and click Duplicate.
Move the copy to the opposite side.
Make sure both panels have the same dimensions and are positioned evenly around the fireplace.
Add the upper panel
Add another Magic Cube.
Resize it into a wide, horizontal panel.
Use Levitation to raise it above the fireplace opening.
Adjust its width so it connects with both side panels.
Switch to 3D mode and check that the pieces form a continuous surround.
You should now have a custom frame around your fireplace!
Important: Magic Cubes are solid objects and don't automatically create openings. Build the surround using separate panels so the fireplace opening remains visible.
For more information about creating and customizing shapes, see How to Use the Magic Cube and Forms on Web.
Step 4. Add a custom mantel
You can make your fireplace more decorative by adding a mantel above the surround.
Switch to 2D mode.
Add another Magic Cube.
Resize it into a long, shallow rectangular shelf.
Position it above the fireplace surround.
Use Levitation to raise it to your preferred height.
Adjust its width and depth to create a slight overhang on the front and sides.
Switch to 3D mode to check that the mantel connects neatly with the surrounding panels.
Tip: You can use a contrasting material, such as wood, to make the mantel stand out against a stone or plaster fireplace surround.
Step 5. Create decorative shelving
If you have enough wall space, you can also add custom shelves beside your fireplace.
Add a Magic Cube.
Resize it into a thin, horizontal shelf.
Position it beside the fireplace surround.
Use Levitation to raise it to your desired height.
Duplicate the shelf to create additional levels.
Keep the shelves aligned and evenly spaced.
You can add books, plants, or other decorative objects from the catalog to complete the design.
Tip: Finish the dimensions and materials of your first shelf before duplicating it. This will help keep the remaining shelves consistent.
Step 6. Customize the materials
Now let's give your fireplace the appearance you want.
Select one of the Magic Cube panels.
Open the Materials menu using the paint roller icon.
Choose your preferred material, such as stone, plaster, marble, or wood.
Apply the same material to the other surround panels.
Use a contrasting finish for the mantel or shelves if desired.
For example, you can combine light stone panels with a natural wooden mantel for a warm, modern appearance.
If you want to reuse an existing material from your project, you can use the Pick Texture option on compatible objects.
Learn more in How to Copy a Texture from Another Object.
Step 7. Check your finished fireplace in 3D
Your custom fireplace is almost ready!
Switch to 3D mode and inspect the design from the front and both sides.
Make sure that:
The fireplace opening remains visible.
Both side panels are correctly aligned.
The upper panel connects with the side panels.
The mantel rests neatly above the surround.
Decorative shelves are evenly positioned.
All materials match your intended design.
No Magic Cubes unintentionally overlap the fireplace opening.
If a panel appears to float or overlap another object, select it and adjust its Levitation, dimensions, or position.
For more information about object positioning, see How to Edit an Object.
Once you're satisfied with the result, you can create a realistic render to see how your custom fireplace looks in the finished room.
For detailed instructions, see How to Create Renders on Web.
That's it! You've created a custom fireplace surround with a mantel and optional shelving in Planner 5D.