Indoor Fireplace Types and Designs | Wayfair (2024)

An indoor fireplace can create a cozy atmosphere in your living room that is unmatched. In this guide, we break down all the different types of fireplaces, from fireplace fuel types to mounting options that are best suited to you. The best part? These indoor fireplace styles require little to no construction.

Fireplace Fuel Types
Fireplace BTU Heat Output
Fireplace Design Types

Types of fireplaces are identified by the fuel they use. Learn more below.

Electric: Electric fireplaces are the most customizable and hassle free of all the indoor fireplace options. They plug into your electrical system – so there's no need to install a vent – and heat air with heating coils. That heated air is then distributed by an internal fan. These fireplaces are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and safe to have around children and pets. Though electric fireplaces don't feature real flames, you have more control over the temperature and visuals – many electric fireplaces can be controlled by remote or thermostat, and some even have display options for multicolored flames.

Tip!

To compensate for the lack of real flames, consider electric fireplace logs that mimic the effect of burning embers.

Gas: Gas fireplaces are much more energy-efficient than classic, wood-burning fireplaces while offering just as much charm. Unlike electric fireplaces, gas fireplaces produce dazzling real flames that are safely contained within the unit. Many gas fireplaces do require vents – one to draw air in from outside to fuel the flame and another to expel waste fumes. If you don't want to install a vent, there are vent-free options available that combust indoor air and exhaust very low levels of fumes. Gas fireplaces can be fueled by natural gas or propane gas, so both require a gas line connection to work.

Tip!

To add to the realism of a gas fireplace, you can purchase gas fireplace log inserts. Made from incombustible ceramic, gas fireplace log inserts imitate the look of real wood without the hassle of smoke, ash, or embers.

Gel & Bioethanol: These real flame fireplaces are fueled by small cans of alcohol-based gel that can be lit just like real logs. Because the gel fuel burns so cleanly, there's no additional ventilation necessary. Though the gel fuel is sold by the can, you'll save on your gas or electric bill, so the investment is worth it.

Wood & Pellet: If you're interested in a traditional experience, you can invest in a wood- or pellet-burning stove. Unlike electric, gas, or gel fireplaces, wood-burning stoves feature that classic crackling and popping sound. Because these units are fueled by real wood, they produce real smoke and ash and require thorough ventilation and regular maintenance. These stoves won't impact your gas or electric bill, but their fuel to heat output ratio is poor, so we don't recommend a wood stove for your home's primary heat source.

After you’ve selected your fuel type, make sure your fireplace can properly heat up your space by considering the BTU – this is how product manufacturers measure a fireplace’s heat output. BTU stands for British Thermal Units. This measures how much heat energy you need to properly increase the temperature of 1 lb. of water by 1℉. For fireplaces, this translates to how much heat energy you need to properly heat a room, based on your room size and the fireplace's heat output levels.

Matching your room's square footage with the right BTU output ensures you can efficiently heat the space. This ultimately helps you save on energy costs because you don't have to crank up the heat on small fireplaces in large rooms or overproduce heat in smaller rooms that require less BTUs to warm up. Follow these steps to determine a room's heating capacity in BTUs:

1. Measure the room to determine square footage. Measure the length and width of the room where you want to put a fireplace or reference your home's blueprints for specific measurements. Then multiple the room's length and width. The total is the square footage of the room.
2. Multiply the total square footage by 20 BTUs. A/C and heating units use 20 BTUs as the standard output per each square foot. Multiply your room's square footage by 20 BTUs to get the BTU output recommended for your space.
3. Browse by Compatible Heating Area or BTU Output. On Wayfair, you can choose to browse for fireplaces with a heat output meant to heat different room sizes, or you can tailor your search even more by filtering the search results by the specific recommended BTU for your space.

Shop Fireplaces by Heating Area:

Shop Fireplaces by BTU Output:

Tip!

Already have an efficient home heating system or want a fireplace for the cozy look it adds to any room, but not necessarily to warm up your space? Opt for a decorative fireplace that doesn't output heat.

Wall-Mounted: Wall-mounted fireplaces are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor spaces that need extra warmth. Many wall-mounted fireplaces install flush against a wall for a sleek look, while others jut out to provide a modern twist to the traditional mantel.

Insert: If you want to install a more energy-efficient fireplace in an existing wood fireplace mantel, inserts are the option for you. These fireplaces are contained in fireproof boxes that install easily in existing fireplace slots.

Tip!

Check out our fireplace insert measurement guide for all the steps you need to select the right fireplace insert size.

Stove: To achieve the look of a wood-burning stove without the mess, consider a stove-style gas or electric fireplace. These freestanding fireplaces have a vintage, rustic appearance that will add atmosphere and charm to a dark winter.

TV Stand: Relax and watch TV while you enjoy the calming glow of these indoor fireplaces that double as TV stands. If you're a fan of multifunctional furniture or if you have limited space, a TV stand fireplace is the one for you.

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