Considering adding a fireplace to your home this cold season? John Elliott Interiors has the information you need to make the best choice to fit your lifestyle and home needs. We are the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have your back! Read on to learn more about popular fireplace types and their pros and cons.

Wood-Burning Fireplace

This traditional fireplace would be a gorgeous focal point in any home. The traditional brick or stone materials bring beautiful texture and dimension into the room. Nothing quite beats the authentic sound and feel of a real fire. Modern versions of wood-burning fireplaces have begun to incorporate sleeker materials that can enhance the design of your home. Envision a stately floor-to-ceiling marble fireplace gracing your living room. Talk about a conversation piece!

There are a few drawbacks to wood-burning fireplaces though. They can be somewhat expensive to install and maintain, and they are high maintenance. If you have small children or mischievous pets, it could be dangerous to have a wood-burning fireplace in your home. Logs popping and crackling on the fire is a beautiful sound effect, but it also means that embers may pop out of the fireplace and cause burns.

Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces have become a popular replacement for wood-burning fireplaces because of their convenience and versatility. You can choose a free-standing version that allows you to place the fireplace in any room or a direct-vented model with a chimney. Gas fireplaces are able to create more heat at a lower cost, so they could help save on your energy bill. You also won't have to regularly purchase or chop firewood to burn for heat. You simply have to hook the fireplace up to your gas lines, which can be completed by a professional.

There are some risks to gas fireplaces, however. They can emit contaminants and still pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They also don't have the "real" feel of a wood-burning fireplace.

Ethanol Fireplace

These fireplaces are a more recent trend in the industry because they are easy to install and look more modern than their counterparts. They can be easily refilled with bioethanol fuel rather than needing a constant energy source hooked up through the walls in your home. They are also odorless and more environmentally friendly than other kinds of fireplaces.

One of the drawbacks of an ethanol fireplace is that it won't give off as much heat as a gas or wood-burning fireplace. It will heat the nearby area, but won't be able to heat your whole home as efficiently.

Electric Fireplace

These fireplaces are popular choices for homeowners, and even renters, because of how easy and convenient they are. Perhaps the most convenient fireplace available, they simply must be plugged into an electricity source to function. Many models even have the look and feel of a real fireplace with help from technology. These fireplaces are also safer for young children and pets since most have a built-in surge protector and don't emit any gases or chemicals during use.

Electric fireplaces, however, won't likely add value to your home since they are not permanent fixtures, and they have a less authentic feel. They also consume a lot of energy and could increase your electric bill if used every day.

Your Interior Design at the Lake 

John Elliott Interiors is the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would love to help you design a space with the perfect fireplace to fit your personal style and preferences. Call today to speak with our experts and set up a time to meet with a designer for more information on how to design the home of your dreams.