The Debate: Traditional or Contemporary Fireplace?

So you're in the market for a new gas fireplace? Well, put on your seatbelt because you have more choices than ever. Read on and we'll break them down for you...

Traditional vs. Contemporary

The vast majority of homeowners today gravitate toward traditional-styled fireplaces that replicate a real wood-burning fire. But there’s another option that’s rapidly gaining popularity – contemporary styled fireplaces.

The best way to show you the differences between the two distinct styles is visually…

Traditional Fireplaces

The ambiance of burning wood has attracted people for thousands of years. Gas fireplaces provide all the things we love about a wood burning fire, but in a much more convenient package. Operated by a remote or wall switch, today’s gas fireplaces are so realistic, it can be hard to tell the difference between them and a wood-burning fire. Here are some examples…

The Heatilator Heirloom gas fireplace has an authentic masonry appearance, realistic logs with LED lighting, and one of the largest viewing areas available for a direct vent gas fireplace today.

The Caliber nXt from Heatilator offers traditional ambiance and is highly efficient. Realistic logs and bold flames fill the large viewing area with a beautiful, roaring fire.

For viewing from several angles, there's the Heatilator Corner gas fireplace, which minimizes visible steel and maximizes the viewing area for the ultimate fireside experience.

Modern-Contemporary Fireplaces

Today’s contemporary gas fireplaces have stylized flames surrounded by colored glass and shiny metal. They offer many of the same benefits of traditional style fireplaces, but with a totally different look. Modern-contemporary styled fireplaces are pushing design boundaries while still incorporating both function and beauty. It’s simply a different kind of beauty.

Contemporary fireplaces are inspired by European design with features like linear flames that flicker in unison, unique materials like black onyx, and panoramic viewing angles. Placement on the wall is also up to you – many homeowners position these fireplaces at eye level, evoking a lively piece of fine art.

These designs use gas technology in new and exciting ways…check it out.

The Rave by Heatilator is a slender landscape design with ribbons of flame that dance across the entire length of the firebox.

The Choice is Yours

Now you can choose the perfect fireplace to complement your home's décor - traditional or contemporary. Gas fireplaces are available in a wide range of fuels, designs, and materials that will enhance any architectural style. See for yourself here.