The Most Popular Fireplace Design

The most popular fireplace design? A fireplace is a beautiful addition to your home. Great for social gatherings and priceless for family time, there’s nothing more intimate and welcoming than the warmth of a fire. If you don’t already have a fireplace, choosing one can be a bit overwhelming. That’s understandable. It’s a sizable investment, so you want to be certain you’ve chosen the right fireplace for your needs. But how do you do that? 

Let’s look first at the different fuel types of fireplaces. Then, we’ll explore design. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of what you’re looking for, and if not, you can always talk to an expert.

Fuel Types

There are three common types of fireplaces: wood-burning, gas, and electric. Each has its own benefits and limitations. While cost is outlined here, your best bet is to get a quote from a professional.

Wood-burning

Wood-burning fireplaces are the most traditional. If you want to warm yourself in front of a roaring, crackling fire, you may be interested in a wood-burning fireplace. A wood fireplace will give you an additional heat source without relying on gas or electricity. You will, however, have to chop or have access to firewood.

Wood-burning fireplaces are the most expensive to install and require the most maintenance. There’s ash to clean up inside the firebox and creosote buildup in the chimney. You will need an annual chimney sweep and inspection to ensure that everything is running smoothly and all parts of the chimney and fireplace are intact.

According to homeguide.com, it costs $1900 to $3300 to install a wood fireplace. If you want a masonry fireplace installed, it will cost $3500-$5600.

Gas

Gas fireplaces are increasing in popularity because of their ease of use. There’s no need for firewood or keeping the fire going; you can activate and deactivate it with the flip of a switch. Some are even remote-operated.

There’s no ash to clean up with a gas fireplace, and they’re cleaner for the environment. Ceramic logs closely resemble the real thing, so you’re not sacrificing the look and feel of a wood fireplace.

Gas fireplaces don’t produce smoke, sparks, or embers, making them safer than wood fireplaces, especially if you have pets or young children.

To run a gas fireplace, you will have to have a gas line installed. You will need an annual inspection to make sure everything is in working order.

It costs $2,280 to $4,030 to install a gas fireplace. If you opt for a vent-free fireplace, it will cost about $1,200 less. If you don’t have a gas line, installation may cost more, unless you can find an installation company who will install it for free because they want your business.

Electric

Electric fireplaces are excellent for small homes and apartments. You can move them to a new home with you, or even just from room to room. Like gas fireplaces, they are easy to use and don’t require a chimney. Some electric fireplaces are built into furniture, such as television consoles.

Electric fireplaces only need an outlet to function. They’re safer than wood-burning fireplaces and more effective at warming up a room because the heat doesn’t escape up a chimney. Further, you can run them without the heat so that you can enjoy them year-round.

Electric fireplaces cost $100 to $2,200 or higher. Installation labor costs $0 to $365, but you’ll only have labor costs if you need a new outlet installed or if the fireplace needs to be attached to a wall. 

Design Ideas

There are three popular types of fireplace design: traditional, contemporary, and modern. Which design you should choose depends on your personal preferences and the design of your home.

Traditional

Traditional fireplaces are built from brick or stone. Wood-burning fireplaces often have the traditional-style. These fireplaces evoke a sense of rustic beauty and cozy charm. Traditional fireplaces look best in cottages, log cabins, and older homes.

Contemporary

Contemporary fireplaces are also frequently made from brick or stone, but lines are sharp and well-defined. Contemporary-style fireplaces are best suited to similarly contemporary homes.

Modern

Modern fireplaces have a futuristic look to them. Rather than brick or stone, they are often composed of materials like marble or glass. Modern fireplaces are, predictably, well-suited to modern homes.

What Should I Choose?

Let Fire Mercantile help you with design ideas for your fireplace. A company developed by Brick + Ember Outfitters, Fire Mercantile exists to help customers reimagine their fireplaces. 

Fire Mercantile has a simple, four-step process. First, you meet with a hearth design specialist who will discuss the latest design trends with you and help figure out what meets your needs in terms of budget, personal preferences, and what will best fit your home. Next, your specialist will help you choose your custom fireplace design. Then, it’s time to schedule your installation. Finally, you get to enjoy your new fireplace.

For all of your fireplace needs, call Brick + Ember Outfitters at 317-500-1250. Our design team can’t wait to work with you. Give us a call or make an appointment right from our website.