Homeowners’ Guide to Fireplace Styles

Logs burning in fireplace.

Adding a fireplace to your Tennessee home can be a great way to create a cozy, inviting ambiance while adding supplemental heating. But what fireplace style is best for your living environment, and where should you consider installing a fireplace in your home?

In this blog post, the fireplace experts at Therm-Con offer a comprehensive guide covering all fireplace styles and options so you can make the most informed decision for your home’s comfort and style.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Your Fireplace Options

When selecting the right fireplace for your home, you’ll need to consider the fuel option. There are several fireplace options to choose from, including:

Wood-Burning Fireplace

Pros

  • Ambiance: Wood-burning fireplaces offer a traditional, cozy, rustic feel with the crackling sound of burning wood.
  • Heating: These fireplaces offer a high heat output, making them perfect for supplemental heating in large spaces.

Cons

  • Maintenance: Wood-burning fireplaces require more maintenance and regular cleanings to remove ash and ensure proper chimney upkeep.
  • Eco-friendliness: These fireplaces tend to produce more emissions, contributing to air pollution.

Gas Fireplace  

Pros

  • Convenience: Gas fireplaces are easy to use with a simple on/off switch or remote-control feature.
  • Cleanliness: These fireplaces produce less ash or soot, making them easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

  • Installation: Installing a gas fireplace for the first time can be costly, especially when venting is required.
  • Ambiance: Without the crackling wood, a gas fireplace doesn’t offer the same cozy atmosphere as a wood-burning fireplace.

Ventless Gas Fireplace

Pros

  • Installation: Since they don’t require a vent, ventless gas fireplaces are much easier and more cost-effective.
  • Space-saving: A ventless gas fireplace takes up less space and can be installed in various locations.

Cons

  • Safety: Without a built-in vent, a ventless gas fireplace requires careful use and proper ventilation to reduce safety risks.
  • Realism: Ventless gas fireplaces can’t mimic the look and feel of true flame patterns as well, making them less convincing in terms of ambiance.

Electric Fireplace

Pros

  • Efficiency: Electric fireplaces can be more cost-effective and energy-efficient than gas fireplaces.
  • Customization: Many electric fireplaces offer various flame effects and color options to suit any mood or stylistic preference.

Cons

  • Heating: Compared to gas and wood-burning fireplaces, the heating output for an electric fireplace leaves something to be desired.
  • Self-Reliance: Since electric fireplaces rely on the power grid, they won’t operate during an emergency, such as a power outage.

Choosing the Right Fireplace Style

Primary bedroom with modern gas fireplace

Along with the fuel source, you’ll also need to consider the style of your fireplace. There are many different style choices available, each of which adds something unique to your space:

Contemporary Fireplaces

These feature clean lines, minimalistic designs and sleek materials such as glass or metal. They offer a modern, streamlined aesthetic best suited for contemporary or minimalist interiors, such as urban lofts or modern homes.

Traditional Fireplaces

Traditional fireplaces are characterized by classic designs, ornate mantels and wood or stone materials, which evoke a sense of timeless elegance and cozy ambiance. They’re best suited for rustic home interiors, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Multi-View Fireplaces

A multi-view fireplace features an opening on two or more sides, allowing you to view flames from different angles. They act as a great focal point in your room and are ideal in larger living areas with multiple seating arrangements.

Open-Hearth Fireplaces

Open-hearth fireplaces feature wide, open fireboxes with exposed flames that offer an unobstructed view of the fire. Homes with spacious living areas will find an open-hearth fireplace ideal as the room’s centerpiece.

Firebox Fireplaces

A firebox fireplace is compact and prioritizes containing the fire, offering a minimalist, efficient design ideal for smaller spaces or modern interiors that focus on simplicity and functionality above all else.

Best Rooms for Fireplaces

The next thing you’ll need to consider when adding a fireplace to your home is where to put it. There are several areas in the home where a fireplace works best, including:

  • Living rooms: A classic choice for a fireplace installation, adding a fireplace to your living room can make it cozy and inviting.
  • Home study: Adding a fireplace to your home office can create a warm, productive atmosphere — especially during cold winters.
  • Bedrooms: A bedroom fireplace adds a touch of luxury and romance to your space, offering a cozy retreat that keeps you warm on cold winter nights.
  • Guest suites: Provide a welcoming feature for your house guests by adding a fireplace to your guest suite area.

Budgeting for a New Fireplace

Finally, it’s time to set a budget for your fireplace installation. The cost of your fireplace will depend on several factors, including the type of fireplace you choose, the size and complexity of its design, installation fees, venting considerations and mantel materials.

Determine your budget range before shopping for a fireplace, taking into careful consideration both the cost of the product and the installation costs.

It’s important to keep in mind what the ongoing operational costs will be for your new fireplace as well. Look into your area’s wood, gas and electricity costs to select the most cost-efficient option for your location.

Also consider how maintenance and repair needs will factor into the total cost of your installation.

Get a Quote on a New Fireplace Installation for Your Tennessee Home

Ready to improve the aesthetic and ambiance of your Tennessee home? Therm-Con offers an extensive selection of top-quality fireplaces that local families need to bring warmth, style and value to their homes.

Our installation professionals have years of experience delivering superior fireplace services to every customer.

Schedule your fireplace installation in Chattanooga by calling our team at (423) 894-8766 today.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE
insulation contractor installing insulation in unfinished home
Fiberglass Insulation

This lightweight and cost-effective option can improve thermal insulation and soundproofing in residential homes or commercial buildings.

read more
Spray foam
Spray Foam

The spray application method allows for continuous insulation and an air-sealing barrier on walls, roofs, in tight corners and on all contoured surfaces.

read more
Fireplaces
Fireplaces

Create the perfect gathering space with a well-crafted fireplace. Whether you’re building new or want to add a touch of ambiance, we design, install and service fireplaces.

read more
Shower doors
Shower Doors

We offer a large selection of high-quality doors and can work with you to create a custom door that meets your needs, style preferences and budget.

read more
Door hardware
Door Hardware

Quality finishing touches can bring any room to life. We offer complete lines of matching accessories and guarantee excellence when you work with our professional installers.

read more
Shelving
Shelving

To make the most of your closet space, we’ll work with you to design and install custom shelving systems, helping you create the order you need.

read more
Mirrors
Mirrors

Whether it’s a bathroom vanity or a room-enhancing wall mount, the right mirror can completely upgrade a space. We’ll help you find the right options for your home.

read more
Bath accessories
Bath Accessories

From cabinets to mirrors and more, we carry hardware lines and accessories from industry-leading suppliers that can take a bathroom from good to great.

read more
Are You Sure?
You are about to leave Therm-Con, LLC and enter a third-party site. Therm-Con, LLC and Installed Building Products have no control over, and accept no liability, obligation, or responsibility for, the contents or performance of other websites. Any such link does not constitute an endorsement or any representation regarding, the linked website, its content, its owner, its performance, its owner’s products or services, or any forward-looking statements found in.
Leave Page