When it comes to modern living room designs, fireplaces are often left out. There are several reasons why this is so, including the fact that fireplaces are no longer necessary for climate control as well as the fact that traditional fireplaces are not aesthetically in tune with sleek modern.
But, a modern fireplace can be a great addition to today’s living rooms. Most people are not even aware of all the benefits of having a fireplace or that there are alternatives out there that use the latest technology and come in modern and postmodern styles.
Upgrade Your Living Room with a Modern Fireplace
Let’s take a look at some of the facts about modern fireplaces so that you can decide for yourself whether you want to install one in your own living room.
Pros & Cons of Having a Fireplace
There are both advantages and disadvantages to having a fireplace. You have to weigh these carefully against each other in order to determine whether having a fireplace is for you. But, these pros and cons are different depending on the type of fireplace that you choose.
For example, there are a lot of benefits to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The first benefit is that they simply look amazing.
North American residents have grown up with fireplaces, as well as those in other countries around the world.
Art from the last century portrays them as something you absolutely need to create that cozy home ambiance.
The crackling of wood, the warmth of the fire, and the dancing light coming from the flames are all deeply ingrained in our culture.
However, this is not the only benefit of having a fireplace. A fireplace can also help you reduce your heating costs.
Fireplaces are usually placed in the living room where people spend a great deal of time, and if you keep that room warm with the fireplace in the winter, your heating bills can be kept in check.
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There are also disadvantages to having a wood-burning fireplace. One of the major disadvantages is that you have to procure wood for them.
For some, there is a certain amount of charm to going out in the snow and chopping logs for the fireplace; for others, it is simply ensured that they would like to avoid.
Buying would cost money, and if you choose the wood that is already aged it costs even more.
There is also the disadvantage of having a very real fire hazard in your living room. While fireplaces are safe most of the time, there is a chance that burning embers could fly out of the fireplace and set something on fire.
Plus, as we discussed earlier, traditional fireplaces can appear out of place in modern living room designs.
Alternative to Wood Burning Fireplaces
There is no doubt that wood-burning fireplaces have both disadvantages and advantages, and someone that is interested in the aesthetic value of one or its use in warming their home to reduce electricity should weigh both of these carefully.
But, you do not have to make a choice between having a wood-burning fireplace and not having one at all.
That’s because there are modern options that not only provide you with some of the same benefits that you get from a wood-burning fireplace, they also take away a lot of the drawbacks. Plus, they look fantastic in a living room with modern décor.
Electric fireplaces have been around for a while, but it is only recently that they have been improved to the point where the electric fireplace can truly serve as a replacement for an actual wood-burning fireplace.
Not only do you get the crackle of burning wood and the dancing flames, but you can also even get fireplaces that provide a wood-burning smell that makes them almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Plus, they come in many different styles that are designed to blend into modern living spaces.
Summary
The bottom line is that there are quite a few things to consider when it comes to choosing a fireplace.
If you have a rustic or southwest decor in your living room, a wood-burning fireplace may fit aesthetically but you still have to weigh the other disadvantages. If not, then you may want to consider purchasing an electric fireplace as an alternative.
No matter what direction you opt for, as long as choosing the style of your living space in mind, you’ll be making the correct choice.
