Natural Gas Fireplace Insert Design Ideas for a Cozy Living Room

There's no better way to bring a sense of coziness and warmth to your home than by installing a fireplace. If your current wood-burning fireplace is energy-wasting, uncomfortable or looks dated, installing a new natural gas fireplace insert can solve all those problems. That's where natural gas fireplace inserts come in.  

Inserts offer both outstanding energy efficiency and the flexibility to create a whole new ambiance in your living room. No matter your interior design taste, you'll find the right gas insert to complement your style.  

In this post, we'll explore the best design ideas for incorporating natural gas fireplace inserts into your living room, blending warmth and beauty in ways that elevate your entire space.  

Here's Why Homeowners Are Turning to Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts  

Before we dive into design inspiration, let's briefly revisit what makes natural gas fireplace inserts so popular with homeowners:  

• Efficiency: Inserts are designed to hold the heat better and send it directly into the room rather than letting it escape up the chimney.  
• Clean burning: Gas-burning fireplaces produce much less pollution and smoke than wood-burning models.  
• Convenience:Get instant heat with the simple press of a button or your remote.  
• Low maintenance:Forget the hassle of ash, worrying about picking up wood or maintaining creosote in your chimney.  
• Customizable looks: There are now many choices for size, finish and media with natural gas fireplace inserts.  

Now Let's Talk Style  

1. Bringing Traditional Style into Today's Home  

Would you like the appeal of a classic hearth with the benefits of a gas insert? You're not alone. Many homeowners opt for natural gas fireplace inserts that replicate the look of real wood-burning fires—complete with hand-painted ceramic gas logs and glowing embers.  

Combine your insert with a stone or brick surround to keep the timeless character of your home. Mount a substantial wood mantel or place a natural-looking beam above your insert to give it a comfortable and homely atmosphere. In new construction, a classic-style insert gives your living space a cozy atmosphere that feels inviting and comfortable.  

Design tip: Choose soft, warm hues for your walls to enhance the coziness of your fireplace.  

2. Sleek and Contemporary Styling  

Prefer something more modern? Select a straight-burning insert with a clean, streamlined profile and a large, evenly spreading flame. You'll find many inserts with heat glass or stone facades, giving them a sleek, contemporary feel.  

A black or metallic surround helps achieve a sleek, contemporary look and a floor-to-ceiling tile or concrete wall turns the insert into a dramatic feature in an open space.  

Design tip: Mount your TV above the insert to bring all your entertainment into one cohesive space while adhering to official clearance rules.  

3. Farmhouse and Cottage-Inspired Warmth  

The farmhouse look continues to grow in popularity, and natural gas fireplace inserts fit right in. Create a shiplap wall around the insert, add a reclaimed wood mantel, and decorate with vintage finds or greenery for that cozy, country feel.  

Look for an insert with a realistic-looking log set and a curved firebox to complement your design. The gentle dancing flames of a natural gas insert complement homespun fabrics and rustic furniture.  

Design tip: Add shelving to the sides of the fireplace for books, candles, and decorative items. 

4. Scandinavian Simplicity  

Do you prefer a light, airy space yet need plenty of coziness? Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, function, and comfort—making natural gas fireplace inserts an ideal fit.  

Look for an inset with sleek edges and either light-colored tile or natural wood as a surrounding finish. Stick with low-lying sofas and armchairs, layer the room in natural fabrics, and go for a neutral color palette with accent colors of emerald green or matte black.  

Design tip: Less is more! Make sure everything in the room serves a purpose. Your fireplace becomes the superb focal point of your interior design.  

5. Mid-Century Modern Vibes  

Mid-century style focuses on simple yet strong lines and natural-looking colors. A gas insert fits seamlessly with this style when it's recessed between brick walls or framed by warm wood surrounds.  

Look for a firebox with angular lines or a subtle retro design. A sunburst mirror hung above the mantel and two matching brass sconces on each side create a beautiful and coordinated look.  

Design tip: Stick to colors inspired by the outdoors like burnt orange, olive green, and rich walnut brown.  

6. Built-In Elegance with Custom Surrounds  

Certain living rooms benefit from having a natural gas fireplace that's fully built into the wall. A custom surround made from millwork, bookshelves or cabinetry can turn your natural gas insert into a complete wall feature.  

This design style suits traditional and contemporary homes and provides both practical warmth and a striking focal point.  

Design tip: Wire your bookcases or cabinets with LED lights to create a warm ambiance when the fire isn't burning.  

7. Minimalist with Maximum Impact  

A frameless natural gas fireplace insert is a perfect option for homeowners who love modern designs and plenty of room. These contemporary inserts provide full-length glass encasing the fire, so the flames appear uninterrupted.  

Install the insert flush against a plain wall so the fire seems to stand out on its own. It's an eye-catching design that doesn't look out of place in any contemporary home.  

Design tip: Add oversized artwork or an eye-catching piece of décor to bring visual appeal to the space.  

We Can Help You Realize Your Unique Fireplace Dream with Fireside  

At Fireside, we specialize in helping homeowners select and install natural gas fireplace inserts that are as beautiful as they are functional. We can help you create either a classic hearth or a contemporary focal point, drawing on our expertise in every installation.  

We offer:  

• Personalized design consultations  
• Expert advice chosen specifically for your home  
• We handle everything from choosing the right size to completing all necessary gas and venting connections safely  
• We offer the best brands and the most advanced insert technology available  
• Long-term support, service, and maintenance  

Whatever your style and financial means, we'll ensure you end up with a fireplace that brings comfort, character, and long-term value to your living space.  

Create a Living Room Reflection of Your Personal Style  

From timeless elegance to bold modernism, natural gas fireplace inserts offer endless design potential. Properly styled, your fireplace can serve as the focal point and center of comfort in your living space.  

Work with Fireside to bring your fireplace dreams to life. Let's begin creating the perfect fireplace for your home by calling us now.