Modern Fireplaces: Choosing the Gas Fireplace That's Right for You

The gas fireplace is an unusual creature. It comes in three types: the natural vent, the direct vent and the vent free. For all intents and purposes, herein I am going to focus mostly on direct vent and vent free because they are the most modern types. That's because natural, or B-vent, fireplaces require chimneys, so their installation isn't very versatile. They also do not keep your home as warm as do direct vent ones, In fact, the direct vent never disturbs the warm indoor air the way that a natural vent one does. You know, fireplaces with chimneys are drafty, right? Well direct vents really aren't. The natural vent gas fireplace is best used in warmer climates for decorative purposes. The only good thing about them is that they create the most beautiful fire presentations of all of these kinds of fireplaces. Most look like traditional masonry fireplaces and are a little dull. You know, with mantels and all. I mean, don't get me wrong, I like fireplaces of all sorts. But a mantel just doesn't thrill me.

What does excite me are the now affordable modern fireplaces. How beautiful they are! So funky and fresh! They usually are direct vent or vent free, as I said already. Direct vents need no chimney, so a gas fireplace of this sort can go anywhere. You simply vent it through a roof or out the wall and you're good to do. The gas fireplace like this is thus very versatile. You can put one through a wall to have a see-thru fireplace. Or you can put one in the wall to create depth. You can be completely creative with the direct vent gas fireplace. The direct vent gas fireplace works by taking in outside air through one vent and then sending the exhaust out the other. (The venting system consists of a 4" pipe inside a 7" pipe). So it's more energy efficient than a natural vent system. Indeed, this type can heat an entire home with ease.

The vent free, as the name implies, needs no venting system whatsoever. This makes it utterly easy to install, as well as less expensive to do so (although a vent free gas fireplace usually costs more than the other types). These are VERY efficient -- up to 99% so. They also are all now equipped with an Oxygen Depletion System (ODS) that will shut off the gas fireplace if the oxygen levels in the room drop to an unsafe level. Unfortunately, although they are now completely safe, this type is not allowed in all states, so if you want to get one, be sure to check rules and regulations before you buy.

In all, a gas fireplace's heating power is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. The more BTUs, the more heating power produced. For example, a 30,000 BTU gas fireplace will heat up to about 2000 sq. ft. That's a lot of heat!!! You can get a gas fireplace with enough BTUs to heat a ski lodge if you want!

In all, I'd have to say that, to be safe and ensure you can use your gas fireplace, get modern fireplaces with direct venting systems.

Many types of modern fireplaces exist. As the two photos above show, you can get some that hang on the wall like pictures or ones that go into the wall. How contemporary are they? More info on these types are coming up, but first I'd like to talk about different modern fireplaces: ones that can bridge together two or three rooms... or even just sit in the middle of a room.

These types are called "multi-sided" based on the number of viewable sides they have. For example, see-thru modern fireplaces go through a wall to bridge together two otherwise unlikely partners in crime. For example, you might bring together a living room and a kitchen, a bedroom and bathroom or a rec room and a living room. Whichever you choose, you'll have a blazing fire in two rooms that people in both rooms can see at once. Most have large diagonal viewing areas through which to watch those highly realistic looking flames dance and mesmerize. You'll make both rooms warm, too, as most of these heat up to 1500 sq. ft. with 15,000 BTUs or so. And you'll have a focal point for both rooms.

Peninsula modern fireplaces have 3 sides open, so they are perfect for bringing together two or three rooms. This kind of gas fireplace is definitely best for open configurations of rooms, wherein, say, the living and dining areas are together, no wall separating them. They're totally cool because the fire rages on three sides.

My personal favorite is the island gas fireplace. These modern fireplaces can sit in a kitchen just marvelously and definitely make a statement all their own. Although I'm putting a picture below, you can just imagine how this type of gas fireplace has a terrific view of a fire. Think of it blazing all around the room and bringing warmth to heart and hearth! Simply spectacular!

Then there are the aforementioned modern fireplaces that go into the wall, spicing it up like a sculpture might sit in one. These are pretty cool, especially the one pictured above, the Napoleon Torch. Indeed, it looks like a torch burning. How amazing is that?

Finally, you can find the sort of gas fireplace shown in the first picture. These modern fireplaces are long and lean with a small depth, so you can hang them on the wall like a picture. They come in more plain styles or the one with Swarovski crystals in the ember bed, as shown in the first photo. These modern fireplaces are usually placed above a sofa or below an HDTV to make the ultimate contemporary statement. Oh how exquisite! These are perfect for condos, apartments, lofts or offices as they are easy to install; the vent free versions are usually "plug and play," like many electronic and computer products are. In other words, you simply hang a gas fireplace and plug it in and you are ready for the fire of your life!

No matter what type of gas fireplace you get, be it traditional ones or modern fireplaces, you'll find them amazing creatures, ones that invite conversation, bring people together and become the focal points of whatever rooms they are in.

To choose your modern fireplaces, just pick that which appeals to you most. Then accessorize your gas fireplace with remote controls, blower systems, even thermostats. You'll have a warm home that's funky, fresh and fun.

After all, modern fireplaces are the hottest selling of all types of a gas fireplace, pun intended.