How to Pick a Fireplace for Your Lifestyle

Nothing adds comfort and warmth to space quite like a fireplace. Whether you enjoy entertaining guests or spending relaxing evenings curled up with a good book, a roaring fireplace can make an excellent addition to your home. When choosing between a wood-burning stove, a gas fireplace, or an outdoor fireplace, it’s important to consider various lifestyle factors.

Think About the Children

Safety is of the utmost importance when selecting a fireplace. If you have young children or plan to have children in the near future, consider getting a gas fireplace that fits into the wall and is out of the way. That way, you can minimize the risk of burns. To further enhance safety, you can always install a manufacturer-approved safety screen or other types of physical barrier, then remove it once your children get older.

Determine Where You Spend Your Time

Entertaining guest is a wonderful excuse to show off your fireplace. If you have a particular space where you like to entertain guests the most, then you’ve found the ideal spot for your fireplace. The living room is the obvious choice, though some homeowners choose to install fireplaces in the bedroom or even in an open kitchen space. If you have a pleasant patio, consider installing an outdoor fireplace there. A firebox that fits into the wall is the ideal choice for smaller rooms, while a larger space can comfortably accommodate a handsome wood stove.

Consider Your Heating Needs

Though many homeowners install a fireplace for the sole sake of improving the ambiance, many others rely on the heat provided by a fireplace. Generally speaking, wood or gas stoves put out more heat than their inset counterparts. Another thing to consider is convenience—would you like to simply flip on a switch to ignite your fireplace, or do you prefer to build the fire yourself? Gas provides the maximum convenience, but many homeowners enjoy the authentic crackle of wood fires.