What is the Best Type of Fireplace for You

It’s the focal point of your home. So how do you choose the best type of fireplace for the warmth, comfort and ambiance you crave?

Learn how to navigate the different options to pick the perfect fireplace style, mantel and surround – the attractive frame around your fireplace. With help from the hearth experts at Heatilator®, the #1 preferred brand by homebuilders, you’ll find the best type and style of fireplace for you.

What fireplace fuel do you prefer?

Choosing your fuel is the domino that sets the others in motion.

Wood is a renewable resource you can easily obtain. Burning wood takes the load off your furnace and cuts your fuel bill by up to 30 percent. You can have a firewood cord dropped off or go get it yourself. How much wood do you need? About 2-4 cords per season for a 1,500-sq.ft. home, depending on your location.

After all, it’s hard to beat the nostalgia of a wood-burning fireplace. The crackle of flames and smell of wood bring back fond memories, while the radiant heat warms your bones. Of course, there’s extra work in toting wood, emptying ashes and having your chimney cleaned from time to time.

Gas is abundant in many parts of the country. It burns cleanly, offers push-button convenience and eliminates the mess and hassle of wood. If you already run gas appliances, just have a pro extend a line to your fireplace. Or, you can use liquid propane (LP) gas from a tank outside your home.

A gas fireplace is one you’ll use every day. It improves the 15-percent efficiency of a wood-burning fireplace to as high as 70 percent. Touch a button, start a fire and even set your desired temp. Further relax with accent lighting, a glowing LED ember bed and the ability to tweak the flame up or down from your favorite chair.

Electricity offers you the ultimate ease and convenience. You can enjoy ample heat, great looks and instant ambiance in a fireplace that needs no venting and that you can easily install on your wall. Just plug it into an outlet and flip a switch or touch a button.

An electric fireplace makes any room more comfortable and inviting. There’s no chimney required, no gas line, no venting, no cordwood … just a wall outlet. Perfect for where traditional fireplaces simply won’t work.

An outdoor fireplace anchors your space to use it year-round, extend the season or simply stay out later when temps cool down. The popularity of outdoor living is soaring – shown by the recent growth of outdoor room building. A 2018 landscaping survey by Houzz® reveals that half of homeowners spend more time entertaining outside after completing landscaping projects.

Which is the best style of fireplace for you?

Traditional – If you had a fireplace growing up, you remember all the memories made around it. You want to give your family that same experience. Get the nostalgia of a traditional oak log fire with dancing flames that wrap around rustic split logs in an authentic masonry look.

Linear – Kick back and enjoy life with something special. With a trend-forward linear gas fireplace, you’ll get lost in the wide flame and the brilliance of illuminated glass. Choose from stunning lengths up to six feet to create an inviting environment with a fresh look and feel.

Which fireplace mantel and surround should you choose?

The right mantel and surround is where first glances become lasting looks.

In a fireplace mantel, pick from tasteful styling options that are eye-catching yet blend with your space. Your options are endless, but you can easily narrow them to what you’re after. Also pick from mantel shelves that tie your décor together.

Add even more character to your fireplace with a surround – the stone sets of granite, marble and slate that create stunning combinations to fit your taste. You’ll enhance your fireplace as the natural gathering spot where loved ones come together. Browse our wood/stone offerings for the latest combos.

Get inspired with these ideas

In our idea gallery, picture your dream fireplace in real-life settings. You’ll get new ideas on how you can personalize your space with modern or traditional settings for the fireplace you’ve always longed for.

Connect with a dealer

Talk to a hearth expert on your options to turn drab into fab. Stop by a Heatilator dealer near you.