Fireplace Trends

Fireplaces, in the recent past more for looks than for practical purposes, are coming into their own again as a source of home heating, according to some industry experts. “In the past, many fireplaces were just for looks,” says Zach of Embers. “With more people looking for more efficient ways to heat their homes, fireplaces are becoming more efficient. From gas to wood and now pellets, a fireplace can really heat a home instead of sucking heat out.”

Patrick Murphy with Dale Incorporated reports seeing a trend to have a wood burning fireplace in the living room and a gas fireplace in other rooms such as a study, bedroom, etc.”

And no matter the expense of including a fireplace in a newly constructed home, the demand for them has remained steady since the 1970s, according to a national survey. While there has been a very slight decline in the number of new homes that feature one or more fireplaces, overall demand remains strong.

Murphy says that direct vent fireplaces are getting larger to match the already large wood burning custom boxes that are available, while a more modern look is showing up in the trim styles available today.

“No matter what type of fireplace is chosen,” says Jennifer Wilson of Centurion Stone, “the look of the fireplace is as big a designs decision as any other. Centurion Stone products come in a variety of patterns and colors to meet any design need, whether elegant or rustic.”

Zach reports that non-vented fireplaces are slowing declining in favor as homeowners look for more clean burning fireplaces. “Every fireplace you add will add value to your home,” he says, “whether its one or seven, as in a job we recently completed. Fireplaces now come in more shapes and sizes than ever. Long horizontal fireplaces, circular fireplaces, arched, and vertical fireplaces are all available. And while fireplaces are definitely more efficient than ever.

“Fireplaces with logs are still most popular, but fireplaces with glass beads are really gaining in popularity with a lot more options on the market,” he says.

There is even a Limited Swarovski Edition unit available from Napoleon Fireplaces that offers an ember bed filled with authentic Swarovski crystals that glisten in the flames. It features an innovative “necklace” tray design that keeps the crystals in perfect display arrangement. The Swarovski logo is finely etched into the fireplace glass and the unit comes with a certificate of authenticity.