Aside from being a source of heat, fireplaces are a visual centerpiece, an architectural element, and a gathering place. Whether you’re remodeling a room or designing a new home from the ground up, choosing the right indoor fireplaces can significantly impact both the comfort and aesthetic of your living space.
At Fireside, we help homeowners navigate the fireplace selection and installation process with confidence. Whether you want sleek gas units, classic wood-burning hearths, or space-saving inserts, we can match your objective with the appropriate model to fit your space. In this article, we are going to look at the main considerations that you should take into account when deciding on an indoor fireplace and how to ensure that you make a beautiful and functional decision.
Begin With a Purpose: Ambiance, Heat, or Both?
Before choosing from the many styles of indoor fireplaces, it’s essential to determine your primary goal. Do you want to give your living room a warm feeling and ambiance? Are you in need of an efficient supplemental source of heat during the cold months? Or are youhopingthe combination of the two?
The various types of fireplaces have various performance features:
- Fireplaces that burn wood give an authentic flame and smell of real logs yet are more demanding in maintenance and venting.
- Gas fireplaces are convenient, and they provide uniform heating, are very user friendly and maintainable, and thus suitable on a daily basis.
- Electric fireplaces work well as decoration, usually in smaller areas, and provide heat.
At Fireside, we help you evaluate your space and heating needs so you can choose a fireplace that suits your lifestyle — not just your layout.
Look at the Architecture of the Room
Fireplaces should be made to fit in the room in terms of space and style. That’s why understanding your home’s architecture and layout is essential when selecting indoor fireplaces.
Built-In Fireplaces
The most integrated solution is built-in, placed right against the wall and usually with stone, tile, or drywall around it. Those are great when you are building or redoing a big remodel and can change the wall framing.
Inserts
You might consider a gas or electric insert, should you currently have a traditional wood-burning fireplace and need to improve performance. Inserts can be fitted into existing fireboxes and overhaul ineffective hearths into clean burning and high efficiency appliances.
Freestanding Models
Free standing fireplaces such as gas stoves and pellet stoves are moreflexible and less structural work is needed. These are idealin retrofits, cabins, basements and smaller rooms.
Your space layout, what venting is possible, and what look you are going after all help to determine the best style to use.
Find the Fireplace Style that Suits Your Interior Design
With so many models on the market, it’s possible to find indoor fireplaces that complement any interior style. Whether the mantel is traditional or minimalist in linear designs, the correct design will complement and not conflict with the overall appearance of your home.
Traditional
Traditional fireplace designs are made of stone or brick and are surrounded by a wood mantel and ornate iron grates. These can be used in colonial, craftsman, farmhouse or rustic homes.
Contemporary
In more contemporary interiors, clean-lined models that showflame horizontally and have smooth finishes are common. They are usually flush mounted, glass media and minimal controls.
Transitional
Transitional styles are old and new—mixing things that are natural like stone with more current framing and neutral color schemes. Such fireplaces suit remodeling or mixed-style places well.
If you’re unsure how to pair the fireplace with your room, Fireside’s consultants can help you reviewfinish samples, model options, and installed displays in our showroom.
Assess Sources of Fuel Options
All forms of interior fireplaces demand a fuel supply, and the structure of your homes (as well as your own preferences) will dictate the options available.
Natural Gas
Gas fireplaces are convenient and controllable. Gas fireplaces are the most common option and a favorite source of supplemental heat and atmosphere with natural gas lines being laid inmost of the homes. They are easy to light and may be regulated using remote or thermostat.
Wood
Fireplaces that use wood are attractive to people who enjoy the use of their senses and those who are traditional.They however need a chimney or a ventedflue and they are more demanding with maintenance and clean-ups in the seasons.
Electric
Apartments, condos, or rooms with no venting are perfect places to install an electric fireplace. They are simple to fit and relocate, and they present low heat levels and adjustable flame imagery.
Consider Placement and Proportions
A hearth has to be huge in every room, and sometimes the proper fireplace is the one which can be accommodated unobtrusively. Sizing right means that your fireplace will appearbalanced, and will give you theappropriate amount of heat without overwhelming the room.
Ask yourself:
- Does the room have an open concept or is it closed off?
- What is the space on the wall?
- Will the fireplace be a TV wall?
- Do you have an existing fireplace area or do you have an entirely new area?
Linear fireplaces are ideal in large rooms or built-ins. Traditional ones are ideal in rooms with more vertical space and central location. We can assist you in looking at sizing specifications and design mockups, without making a unit commitment.
The Installation Support that Counts
The selection of the proper fireplace is one of the most important steps, and professional installation is, too. At Fireside, our certified technicians manage the entire installation, including venting, gas line work, finishing, and final walkthrough.
We also liaise with your builder, remodeler or interior designer so that your fireplace fits correctly within your overall home improvement plan.
Maintenance and Support Should Not Be Ignored
After installation, your fireplace will require maintenance every so often; A gas tune up, a glass clean, or an annual checkup. When selecting from indoor fireplaces, it’s worth considering whether your provider offers long-term support.
At Fireside, we service everything we sell. Factory trained technicians are available by appointment to maintain, clean, and diagnose your fireplace so you can rest assured even after the fire has been lit.
Let Fireside Help You Find the Right Fit
Picking a fireplace to install in your house is not just a matter of window shopping. It is being able to select a system that fits your lifestyle, that fits your space and will do the job for years to come. At Fireside, we work closely with you to match the right unit to your vision, budget, and design goals.
When it comes to project planning, professional installation and follow-up after the sale, we will ensure that your fireplace will be one of your most favorite elements in your home.
So you want to start? Stop by your nearest Fireside showroom or schedule a consultation to get started with your indoor fireplace project today.