If you have an open-plan home — and most modern Cape Town houses do — you have probably stood in the lounge on a cold July evening wishing the warmth would carry through to the dining room or kitchen. A double-sided fireplace solves exactly that problem: one firebox, two glass faces, and heat shared between two spaces at once.
They have quietly become one of the most requested installations we do, and for good reason. Below we break down how they work, what they cost in South Africa, where they make sense (and where they don’t), and how to get one installed properly.
Recommended Double-Sided Fireplaces by Budget
Browse our most popular double-sided fireplaces at every budget — live in-stock pricing, each linked to its product page for full specs.
Entry-level — under R39,000
- Tulin — R11,990
- Nova Side Glass Wall Mounted — R14,999
- Northern Flame Azar Double – sided 12kW – 14kW Fireplace — R25,266
- SAfire Heeta 600 Double Sided Log Base Bevelled Wood Fireplace — R26,750
Mid-range — R39,000–R48,000
- Sense 403 with Side Glass — R39,100
- SAfire Heeta 950 Double Sided Bevel Wood Fireplace — R39,945
- SAfire Heeta 950 Oakley Double Sided Log Base Bevelled Wood Fireplace — R42,850
- SAfire Heeta 950 Double Sided Wood Fireplace Insert — R42,945
Premium — R48,000 and up
- Northern Flame Kenna 82 Double – sided 13kw Fireplace — R48,000
- Titan Double – Sided — R48,990
- Northern Flame Kenna 100 Double – sided Freestanding — R54,745
- Northern Flame Kenna 100 Double – sided Ledge — R54,745
Tell us what you need and we’ll send a free, no-obligation quote — fast.
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What is a double-sided fireplace?
A double-sided fireplace — also called a see-through, two-sided, or “tunnel” fireplace — has a single combustion chamber with glass on two opposing sides. Instead of facing into one room, the fire is visible from both. It is usually built into a dividing wall between two living areas: lounge and dining room, kitchen and patio, or an indoor space and a covered outdoor braai area.
Most models are wood-burning, but gas and bioethanol versions exist too. If you are still weighing the fuel question, our guide on gas vs wood-burning fireplaces walks through the running costs for South African conditions.
The real benefits (and who they suit)
- Heat for two rooms from one fire. The biggest draw. In open-plan and semi-open layouts, a single see-through unit warms a far larger footprint than a conventional fireplace.
- A double feature wall. The fire becomes a design centrepiece visible from both sides — far more striking than a flat wall.
- Indoor-outdoor living. Built into the wall between a lounge and a covered patio, a double-sided unit lets you enjoy the flames whether you are inside or out by the braai.
- A sense of space. Because you can see through the fire, the two rooms feel connected rather than walled off.
They suit open-plan homes, generous living areas, and anyone building or renovating who can plan the dividing wall around the unit. They are less suited to small, closed-off rooms — a standard freestanding fireplace is usually the better and cheaper choice there.
Things to know before you commit
Double-sided fireplaces are wonderful, but they are not a drop-in upgrade. A few honest points:
- They radiate heat both ways. That is the point — but it means you cannot push one flush against an exterior wall. It needs a dividing wall between two usable spaces.
- Glass on two sides means more heat loss when unlit and two surfaces to keep clean. Not a dealbreaker, just reality.
- Installation is more involved. The flue, clearances, and wall opening all have to be planned correctly. This is not a DIY job — it affects the safety and draw of the fire.
- Privacy and layout. Whatever happens on one side is visible from the other. Usually a feature, occasionally a consideration.
What does a double-sided fireplace cost in South Africa?
As a rough 2026 guide, the unit itself typically starts around R20,000 and climbs well past R45,000 for larger premium models, before installation. Installation — the flue, wall opening, hearth and finishing — adds meaningfully on top, because there is more building work than a single-sided fit. For a realistic picture of the installed total, see our breakdown of what a fireplace costs to install.
The figure swings on three things: wood vs gas, the size of the firebox, and how much building work your wall needs. The honest advice is to get a fixed quote after a site visit rather than budgeting off a sticker price — you can request a free installation quote and we’ll give you a real number for your home.
Choosing the right model
A few pointers when you browse our double-sided fireplace range:
- Match the heat output to the space. Two rooms means more volume to heat — undersize it and it will struggle on the coldest nights.
- Decide wood or gas early. Wood gives the authentic flame and crackle; gas gives push-button convenience and easier control.
- Think about the finish. The surround is visible from both sides, so stone, plaster or tile choices count twice.
- Check the glass and door system. Quality seals and bevelled glass make a real difference to efficiency and looks.
Installation matters more than the fireplace
This is the part people underestimate. With a double-sided unit, the flue routing, air supply and clearances are more demanding than a standard fireplace — get them wrong and you get smoke, poor draw, or a safety risk. We handle the full job: planning the wall opening, the flue system, the hearth, and a clean finish on both faces. See our professional fireplace installation service for how we work, or browse the wider range of fireplaces if you are still deciding on a style.
Frequently asked questions
Do double-sided fireplaces heat well?
Yes — in fact they heat a larger area than a single-sided fireplace because they radiate into two spaces. The key is matching the unit’s output to the combined volume of both rooms, which is exactly what a proper site assessment checks.
Can a double-sided fireplace be wood-burning?
Absolutely. Most of the see-through fireplaces we install in South Africa are wood-burning, giving you the authentic flame view from both sides. Gas and bioethanol options are available if you prefer convenience over the ritual of a wood fire.
Can you put a double-sided fireplace between inside and outside?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular uses — built into the wall between a lounge and a covered patio or braai area, so you enjoy the fire from both. The build just has to account for the outdoor exposure on one face.
Is installation expensive?
It costs more than a single-sided fireplace because there is more building work and more careful flue planning involved. The right way to budget is a fixed quote after we have seen your space — get a free quote here.
Ready to heat two rooms with one fire?
A double-sided fireplace is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to an open-plan home — equal parts heating and design statement. If you would like to talk through whether your layout suits one, browse our double-sided fireplaces or request a free installation quote and our Cape Town team will take it from there.
