How to Choose a Fireplace

Adding a fireplace or replacing an old one will significantly transform your home’s look and feel. It naturally becomes the focal point of the room, radiating warmth and charm. There’s truly nothing like curling up on a cold winter morning beside a crackling fireplace. Fireplaces inherently make homes feel cozy and inviting. Furthermore, they may even boost your property’s resale value by a few thousand pounds.

With such a wide array of options, selecting a new fireplace can feel overwhelming. You desire something that is both aesthetically pleasing and functions effectively within your space. This in-depth guide will explain every aspect of the process to help you choose the perfect fireplace.

What Kind of Fireplace to Choose

One of the first crucial decisions you need to make is determining which type of fireplace best suits your home and lifestyle. Wood, gas, and electric fireplaces each come with unique pros and cons. You’ll need to consider various factors, from the installation process and appearance to maintenance requirements and fuel needs.

Here’s an overview of the different types to help you choose the right one for your home:

1. How to Choose a Wood Fireplace

A stone chimney and a fireplace filled with burning logs represent the quintessential fireplace image for many. Wood-burning fireplaces deliver the authentic look, sound, and smell of a real wood fire. They are arguably the most beautiful option, but this natural aesthetic comes with certain costs.

Wood fireplaces are the most challenging to install and maintain. Building a new chimney can cost up to £300-£350 per foot (around £1,000-£1,150 per meter), plus an additional £130 to £380 per year to keep it clean (chimney sweeping). If you already have an existing chimney, installation becomes significantly more affordable. Either way, the finished product is often considered well worth the investment and can last for decades. Furthermore, wood is generally the most affordable fuel source, and you might even be able to source some for free from your own property.

Wood fireplaces require careful monitoring for safety reasons, but they are invaluable during an emergency. If a power outage occurs, you can rely on your fireplace to heat your home, provide light, and even cook dinner.

When selecting a wood-burning fireplace, look for units large enough to heat your intended space without overpowering the room. They come in various configurations, ensuring you’ll find something suitable for your home.

2. How to Choose a Gas Fireplace

Gas-burning fireplaces offer a realistic alternative to wood versions. Instead of burning wood, the flames are fueled by natural gas or propane. Most gas fireplaces feature decorative ceramic logs that closely replicate real wood. Fireballs, glass rocks, and stones are also popular fillers to give the fireplace a more modern aesthetic.

There are two main types of gas fireplaces: vented and vent-free. Direct vent fireplaces produce a small amount of smoke that requires ventilation. You can install a direct-vent gas insert inside your home if you have an existing chimney. Otherwise, opt for a ventless gas fireplace, which does not produce harmful emissions. Both types must be connected to an outside fuel source or your home’s existing gas supply.

Gas-burning fireplaces are efficient and typically produce the most heat. They are also cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Unlike wood fireplaces, you can easily adjust the heat by simply turning the gas up or down. To extinguish the fire, you just turn off the gas. Since they run on gas, they can also provide light and heat during a power outage.

When choosing a gas fireplace, select the venting option that best suits your home’s infrastructure. You can also mix and match a wide range of designs and opening styles to seamlessly blend the fireplace with your interior decor.

3. How to Choose an Electric Fireplace

An electric fireplace is by far the easiest to install. Although it mimics the appearance of a fireplace, no actual fire is involved. You simply plug it into an outlet, and it emits heat into the room much like an electric heater. Since it produces no fumes or soot, there’s no need for ventilation or maintenance. Electric fireplaces switch on and off with the press of a button.

Most electric fireplaces simulate a real fire using a combination of faux logs in front of digital flames. You can usually display the flames without heat, or heat without the flames, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance of a flickering fire throughout the year. Some models even offer options to customize the fire’s style and colour.

They are generally the most energy-efficient option and could potentially help reduce your utility bill. Instead of running the central heating to warm the entire house, you can use your electric fireplace to heat the specific room where you spend most of your time. They are also significantly safer to use around small children and pets.

As long as you have electricity, you can install an electric fireplace in nearly any living space. All you need to do is choose the size and style that best complement your home.

Choosing a Fireplace for Your Home

Another important consideration is how the chosen fireplace will fit with your home’s overall design and layout. To find the answer, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why Do You Want a Fireplace?

A fireplace serves two primary purposes:

Provides heat: The fireplace’s heat will make the room feel warm and cozy.
Improves the ambiance: A real fire provides gentle lighting, soft crackling sounds, and a comforting scent that will make your space feel cheerful and inviting.

Which of these functions is most important for your home? Or, do you desire a fireplace that excels at both?

An electric fireplace is highly efficient for providing supplemental heat, but its faux flames may not possess the same charm as a real fire. Wood-burning fireplaces offer the ultimate sensory experience with an authentic log fire. However, over 90% of the heat they generate can escape through the chimney. A gas fireplace might not crackle like a wood fire, but it features real flames and burns with up to 90% efficiency to effectively heat larger spaces.

Essentially, electric fireplaces are ideal as a heat source, wood fireplaces excel at setting the mood, and gas fireplaces offer a balanced mix of both. Understanding your primary motivation for wanting a fireplace will guide you towards one that perfectly meets your needs.

2. What Style Fireplace Do You Want?

Wood, electric, and gas fireplaces are available in diverse styles to suit your home’s design and function. Here are some of the most popular designs to consider:

Traditional: Natural logs burning in front of a classic brick liner create a traditional aesthetic that looks excellent in almost any interior. Traditional fireplaces blend seamlessly with farmhouse, Victorian, nautical, Mediterranean, rustic, and craftsman-style homes. You can find traditional designs in electric, gas, or wood-burning formats.
Contemporary: Glowing flames over glass rocks, stones, and other unique materials give your fireplace a modern vibe. Contemporary fireplaces make a bold statement in modern, glamorous, industrial, minimalist, and mid-century-style homes. This look is typically achieved with electric or gas-fueled fireplaces.
Open-hearth: Enjoy the unadulterated beauty of an authentic fire with an open-hearth wood-burning fireplace. There are no barriers between you and the crackling logs, unless you choose to close a protective mesh screen.
High-efficiency: High-efficiency wood-burning fireplaces are insulated with ceramic glass doors for maximum heat transfer. They provide more warmth, are safer, and are equally beautiful.
Firebox only: A firebox-only gas fireplace resembles a traditional wood-burning hearth. This simple design highlights the beautiful flames with no glass barrier to clean. Optional mesh draw screens provide added safety and a more realistic appearance.
Front-view: Most people opt for front-view fireplaces to add heat and visual appeal to any space. They are installed against the wall or mantel, providing a clear view of the fire from the front.
Multi-view: With a multi-view fireplace, you can observe the fire burning from two or more sides. Multi-sided fireplaces come in several unique configurations. For instance, a peninsula-style fireplace is situated inside the wall with three glass sides, allowing you to see through the flames to the other side of the room. These are typically gas models, primarily for safety and installation considerations.

3. Where Are You Putting the Fireplace?

A fireplace is a perfect addition to almost any room. Living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms can feel cozier and more inviting with a fireplace. If you’re unsure where to place your fireplace, consider the following ideas:

Front and center: In an open-concept home, anchor the space with a stunning multi-view fireplace right in the middle. This allows you to enjoy the look and feel of a crackling fire from the living room, kitchen, and dining area.
Living room: The living room is often the heart of the home, where the whole family gathers. A fireplace makes this space even more comfortable and inviting. You can light a fire on Christmas morning, movie night, or any other occasion to create an intimate and special atmosphere.
Dining room: Whether you host meals around the kitchen table or in a formal dining room, a fireplace will lend a luxurious feel to the space.
Bedroom: There’s nothing quite like snuggling up in bed on a frosty morning with a cup of coffee and the fireplace burning. Installing a fireplace will transform your bedroom into a relaxing escape from your busy life.
Bathroom: Imagine indulging in a hot bath with a warm fire gently burning in the background. Your bathroom could become your personal sanctuary.
Outdoors: An outdoor fireplace enhances your backyard, creating the perfect space to relax and entertain guests.

4. What Kind of Features Do You Want?

Knowing which features are most important for your household will help you decide what fireplace to choose. Consider these major details:

Easy controls: With a wood-burning fireplace, you manually create the flames using matches, kindling, and logs. It takes time and effort to build a fire to heat your home. With an electric or gas model, you can ignite a fire in seconds with a simple button or switch. Some even come with remotes, allowing you to activate the fireplace from across the room. Electric and gas options also provide temperature control to maintain a comfortable environment.
Vent options: Ventilation is a critical detail to consider when choosing a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces and some gas models require a chimney to vent smoke and gases. If you don’t have an existing chimney, you must either install one or opt for a ventless solution. Electric and ventless gas fireplaces do not require chimneys and tend to retain more heat within the room.
Log alternatives: There aren’t many choices when selecting firewood for a fireplace. However, with gas and electric fireplaces, you can customize your fireplace’s appearance with faux logs and other fire-resistant materials. Ceramic logs are the traditional choice, but you can also use fireballs, driftwood, glass beads, natural stones, and faux pine cones to achieve a unique style.

5. How Much Do You Plan to Spend on a Fireplace?

If you’re planning to install a fireplace in your home, you likely have a budget in mind. Keep in mind that there may be costs beyond just the price of the unit itself. Here are some potential fees that could impact your decision:

Installation cost: Installation costs vary significantly based on your home’s existing structure and the type of fireplace you choose. Installing a new chimney or making major structural changes to your home often requires a substantial investment.
Maintenance fees: Electric and gas fireplaces are relatively simple to maintain with basic cleaning. Wood-burning fireplaces demand frequent upkeep to ensure they are safe to use. On average, it costs £150 to £400 per year to have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected in the UK.
Utility charges: All electric, gas, and wood-burning fireplaces consume fuel. Electric fireplaces use electricity, gas fireplaces burn propane or natural gas, and wood-burning fireplaces require wood. Consider the impact each type will have on your ongoing utility budget to help you decide.
Finishes: Many fireplace manufacturers allow you to customize certain design elements. Swapping out the facade or changing the liner from black porcelain to herringbone brick, for example, may increase the unit’s final price.

How to Choose the Right Size Fireplace

When shopping for fireplaces, it’s essential to pay attention to sizing options. You want a unit that fits aesthetically within your space and provides enough heat to maintain a comfortable temperature. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the right size gas, electric, or wood-burning fireplace:

1. How Much Energy Is Required to Heat the Room?

Whether from wood, electricity, or gas, fireplaces release energy to increase a room’s temperature. The amount of heat energy a fireplace can produce is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Generally, the larger the space, the more BTUs you’ll need to keep it warm.

To estimate the minimum BTUs required to heat your space, measure the room’s length, width, and height. In the UK, you might commonly use Watts or kW for heating requirements, where 1 kW is approximately 3412 BTUs. A common rule of thumb for average insulation is to calculate the room’s volume in cubic meters and multiply by a factor based on desired temperature rise or insulation level (e.g., 20-30 Watts per cubic meter for well-insulated spaces in temperate climates). For a rough conversion from the given example:

Calculate the volume (example): If the room is 9.14 meters long (30 feet), 7.62 meters wide (25 feet), and 2.74 meters high (9 feet), the volume is approximately $9.14 \times 7.62 \times 2.74 \approx 190 cubic meters$ .
Estimate the minimum BTUs/kW: Instead of a BTU zone map, you’d typically refer to heating requirements per cubic meter. For a well-insulated room in a moderately cold UK climate, you might aim for around 20-25 Watts per cubic meter for background heating, or more if it’s the sole heat source.
- Example: $190 m^{3} \times 25 W/m^{3} = 4750 Watts = 4.75 kW$ .
- Converting to BTUs: $4.75 kW \times 3412 BTU/kW \approx 16217 BTUs$ .

Remember that this is an estimate. Schedule a consultation with an experienced fireplace installation company to get a precise size recommendation tailored to your specific home’s insulation, windows, and climate.

2. Where Are You Installing It?

If you plan to install your new fireplace inside an existing chimney, you must find an insert that fits precisely within that space. If you’re building a new chimney or choosing a ventless option, you can tailor your design to the insert’s dimensions. Simply measure the area to ensure the appropriate size fireplace will fit. Otherwise, you may need to choose an alternative location for your new fireplace.

Other Important Things to Consider

Installing a fireplace will impact your home’s look and feel for generations. Choosing the right one for your space and lifestyle preferences is crucial. Here are some other quick tips to consider:

View the Fireplace With and Without Flames: Fireplaces are undeniably beautiful when they are burning. However, your fireplace will likely be off for a significant portion of the year. Evaluate your favourite units with and without flames to ensure you’ll appreciate the design all year round.
Choose Finishings That Match Your Decor: Fireplaces often come in a variety of colours and finishes. For instance, if you’re selecting a wood-burning fireplace, you can choose the interior liner, protective doors, trim, and louvers. If you’re having trouble deciding, use your existing decor as inspiration. Select colours and materials that will blend harmoniously with the rest of your home.
Consider the Installation Process: Depending on your home and the type of fireplace you select, installation can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If you opt for a newly built chimney and wood-burning fireplace, you must be prepared for the room to be out of use for several weeks. The finished product is generally considered well worth the wait. Alternatively, if you prefer a less intensive installation process, ventless gas and electric fireplaces often take less than a week to install, especially if the surrounding wall or mantel has already been prepared.
Don’t Try to Heat Multiple Rooms With One Unit: Fireplaces are primarily designed to heat the room in which they are located. While they may slightly increase the temperature in surrounding areas, attempting to heat multiple rooms with a single unit will likely increase fuel costs and make the main space uncomfortably hot.