Different types of Fireplaces and Where to Put Them in Your Home

May 30

Thinking about installing a fireplace in your home?

You should think about some things first! How big is the room, what kind of fuel do you want to use, and what design do you like?

Whether you like traditional fireplaces or modern, low-maintenance ones, we'll help you find the best fireplace options for your home. You'll feel warm and cozy in no time!

Read on to learn more about different fireplace types to discover which is right for you!

Wood Burning Fireplaces

Nothing quite compares to the warmth, crackling sounds, and cozy ambiance that a wood-burning fireplace brings to a home. Many homeowners still prefer the charm of a traditional wood-burning fireplace.

Benefits of a Wood-Burning Fireplace:

A wood-burning fireplace offers the traditional ambiance of crackling logs and dancing flames. You must have access to a consistent supply of seasoned wood.

You must be willing to put in the effort for regular cleaning and fireplace maintenance and want an independent heat source that can function during power outages.

Types of Wood-Burning Fireplaces:

Traditional Open Hearth

This classic fireplace design features an open firebox and a chimney. It offers the quintessential wood-burning experience, with crackling logs and dancing flames.

Enclosed Fireplace

An enclosed fireplace has a sealed chamber with a glass door. This helps make it work better and lose less heat. These fireplaces often have added features like air controls and secondary combustion systems to improve performance.

Wood-Burning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves are standalone cast iron or steel appliances. They are efficient, easy to control, and you can place them throughout your home.

Fireplace Insert

A fireplace insert fits into an existing fireplace opening. It works in masonry or prefabricated fireplaces. It improves an older fireplace's efficiency and gives it a fresh, updated look.

Gas Fireplaces

A gas fireplace uses natural gas or propane as its fuel source. It provides warmth and ambiance without needing wood.

How Gas Fireplaces Work

Gas fireplaces burn natural gas or propane supplied through a gas line connected to the appliance.

When you turn on the fireplace, the gas flows through a burner and ignites, producing a flame that mimics the look of a traditional wood-burning fire. The heat generated by the flame is then radiated into the room.

Most gas fireplaces have a venting system to expel combustion byproducts outside. There are also ventless models available that don't need venting. You'll need proper ventilation in the room where they are installed.

Benefits of Gas Fireplaces

A gas fireplace is a suitable option for those with access to a natural gas line or propane tank. You can start a fire with the push of a button or flip of a switch.

Gas fireplaces are energy-efficient and cost-effective. They offer a flexible installation with several venting options.

Types of Gas Fireplaces:

Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace

A direct-vent gas fireplace is sealed and draws air from outside for burning. The exhaust gasses go outside, too. This fireplace saves energy and can be put in many places in your house.

Ventless Gas Fireplaces

They don't need a chimney or venting system. They're easy to install in most rooms. They are very efficient, but you must use them cautiously for acceptable indoor air quality.

Gas Fireplace Insert

A gas fireplace insert fits into an existing fireplace opening. You can convert an old wood-burning fireplace into a clean, efficient gas-burning unit.

Gas Log Set

You can convert a traditional wood fireplace to a gas-burning system. They provide the appearance of a traditional wood fire without needing wood or extensive maintenance.

Electric Fireplaces

An electric fireplace is a heating appliance that uses electricity to generate warmth and simulate the appearance of a traditional fire. They are a low-maintenance and versatile alternative to wood or gas fireplaces.

How Electric Fireplaces Work

Electric fireplaces draw in cool air, heat it, and use a fan to circulate the warmed air back into the space. LED lights and refracted light create a realistic flame effect. Electric fireplaces don't need vents or chimneys since they don't have a real flame.

Benefits of Electric Fireplaces

An electric fireplace could be the perfect option for people living in homes or apartments without access to a gas line or chimney. They offer easy installation and are low maintenance.

Electric fireplaces are popular among homeowners who value safety and zone heating. They're one of the most eco-friendly options.

Types of Electric Fireplaces:

Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplaces

You can hang electric fireplaces on walls, saving space and giving a modern look to a room. They come in various sizes and styles to suit your décor preferences.

Freestanding Electric Fireplaces

Freestanding electric fireplaces are standalone units. You can move them from one room to another, providing flexibility in placement and heating options. They often resemble traditional wood or gas stoves in various styles and finishes.

Electric Fireplace Insert

You can put an electric fireplace insert into an old fireplace. That gives you a new heating system that's cheap and easy to care for.

Electric Fireplace TV Stand

An electric fireplace TV stand is a media console with an electric fireplace. It can keep you warm and give you a cozy feeling while you watch TV. These units are great if you want a fireplace in your entertainment area that looks nice and is functional.

Pellet Fireplaces

A pellet fireplace uses compressed wood or biomass pellets as fuel. It's eco-friendly and efficient and can replace traditional wood or gas fireplaces.

How Pellet Fireplaces Work

Pellet fireplaces burn small cylindrical pellets from compressed sawdust, wood shavings, or other organic materials. Pellets go from a hopper to a chamber where they burn because of an electric heater. The heat from the burning pellets goes into the room through a fan.

Pellet fireplaces have a venting system to expel combustion byproducts outside. These systems have advanced controls. You can adjust the heat and keep the temperature consistent in your home.

Benefits of Pellet Fireplaces

A pellet fireplace is a good option if you want an environmentally-friendly way to heat your home. It uses renewable and sustainable fuel sources.

Pellet fireplaces are very efficient. They provide consistent heat output while requiring less maintenance than traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

Types of Pellet Fireplaces:

Pellet Stove

Pellet stoves are standalone units. You can put them in several locations throughout your home.

Pellet Fireplace Insert

A pellet fireplace insert fits into an existing fireplace opening. You can convert an older wood-burning fireplace into a clean, efficient pellet-burning unit.

Pellet Furnace

A pellet furnace is a central heating system that uses pellets as fuel. You can integrate it with your existing ductwork. It can provide whole-house heating and reduce energy costs.

Where to Install Most Fireplace Types

Before installing a fireplace, consider factors like heat distribution, aesthetics, and safety requirements.

Creating a fireplace in the living room makes it cozy for spending time with friends and family. It's perfect for relaxation and socializing. It also serves as a beautiful focal point for the room and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Adding a fireplace to a family room or den provides a cozy spot for movie nights, reading, or game sessions.

Does your home have an open-concept floor plan? If so, consider adding a fireplace in a central location. This can distribute heat throughout the connected areas like the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

A fireplace in the main bedroom can create an intimate and luxurious retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Creating an outdoor living space is better with a fireplace. You can install it on your patio or covered porch to expand your home's entertaining spots and relaxation areas.

An outdoor fireplace allows you to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire while surrounded by nature. It's perfect for gatherings and parties during cooler months.

Find the Best Fireplace Options

With The Grate Haus, you can find the perfect fireplace options to suit your home and lifestyle. We have fireplace installation options for everyone. If you have a small space, we have wall-mounted units. For larger areas or outdoor living spaces, we have freestanding stoves.

Nathan Drumhiller