The Advantages and Disadvantages of Linear Fireplaces

linear fireplaces

Your home should be a place of comfort, and a fireplace can help complete that cozy vibe. While most homeowners have moved on to modern heating solutions, a fireplace remains a solid choice. Fireplace designs have evolved over the years and come in different styles for all homes.

Many designers and homeowners have fallen in love with linear fireplaces. These fireplaces go into a wall behind a glass panel. Linear fireplaces have a sleeker appearance and are easier to integrate into a home’s aesthetic.

But is it right for you? Read on to learn if a linear fireplace design is the best choice for your home.

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Advantages of a Linear Fireplace

Linear fireplaces are much more versatile than their traditional counterparts. Sometimes referred to as “contemporary fireplaces,” linear fireplaces are powered by gas and can go in an indoor or outdoor wall.

Convenience and Easy Maintenance

Setting up a fireplace can be difficult for homeowners who don’t have easy access to firewood. Of course, you can always buy some from a store, but they can be heavy. Some fire logs can also fail to catch on fire, which can be annoying if you need to warm up your home.

Linear fireplaces are much easier to set up as you only need to flip a switch. The heat will turn on immediately, and you can enjoy watching the embers crackle. You don’t have to go through the trouble of putting the fire out when you’re done.

Gas fireplaces also mean that you don’t need to clean up ash when you’re done using the fireplace. This saves time, energy, and a whole lot of effort.

Safety

Fireplaces can be a safety hazard when you have young kids or pets around. Over 358,000 homes experience a structural fire every year, and one of the leading causes of home fires is heating equipment.

Linear fireplaces sit inside a wall behind glass. One great thing about linear fireplaces is that the glass won’t heat up. This advantage reduces the risk of burn injuries or fire-related incidents due to carelessness.

Traditional fireplaces can also be a health hazard if you aren’t cleaning them every time you use them. Ash and soot can clog up chimneys, causing smoke to move back into your home instead of exiting it. Linear fireplaces take this out of the equation, so you don’t have to worry about your or your family’s safety.

Easy to Install

Getting a traditional fireplace is a huge commitment. If you’re building a new home, partnering with the right contractors can make the job quick and painless.

Otherwise, you need extensive remodeling to accommodate the firebox and chimney to go along with it. Some fireplaces may require complex mantles, headers, and legs.

This can cost a huge sum of money and a valuable amount of your time. It can disrupt your daily routine for at least a few days. Linear fireplaces are much easier to install since they don’t need chimneys.

Save Space

Traditional fireplaces are clunky and may require you to completely change a room. It can make a room feel more cramped or make it difficult to fit in any other furniture. Linear gas fireplaces can be integrated seamlessly into your home.

It goes behind a flat surface, so it’s not bulky or intrusive. You don’t have to worry about moving things around just to accommodate your fireplace.

Modern Appeal

Linear fireplaces are a popular design choice because they are easy to style. Massive fireplaces can disrupt a room’s vibe and limit your furniture choices.

A linear fireplace would be a seamless addition, so you don’t need to stress over the right bricks or firepit style. Linear fireplaces offer homeowners that rustic vibe with a modern appeal. Its rectangular, geometric shape makes it easier to find complementary colors and textures.

Linear fireplaces aren’t bulky, so they can go well with minimalist homes. This type of fireplace can also offset oversized TVs to make a room look more cohesive and balanced.

Disadvantages of Linear Fireplaces

Linear fireplaces benefit homeowners who long for a warm hearth but also wish to keep it minimal. However, depending on your situation, it’s not always the best choice. Here are some reasons why a linear fireplace may not work for you.

Requires a Gas Line

Contemporary fireplaces are easier to install than traditional ones. However, if your home does not have a natural gas line, it may not be as straightforward as you think. Installing a gas line can get costly; unless you’re an expert, attempting DIY can be dangerous.

Gas is as much of a health hazard as it is a fire hazard. Installing a gas line can also get complicated if your home doesn’t have one. You must consider where your gas line needs to go and the correct planning for the parts you need.

An upside to this is that once installed, gas fireplaces require little to no effort to maintain. You will only need to schedule yearly maintenance to ensure your pipes and lines are in order.

Less Sustainable

Linear fireplaces can add to your environmental footprint if you stick to a gas insert. Propane itself is expensive, and the energy it produces is far from clean.

Fortunately, you can work with a provider to get an electric fireplace instead. The only catch is that your electricity must come from a green source. If you have solar panels, this shouldn’t be a problem.

No Ambiance

Contemporary fireplaces can fulfill your heating needs but don’t expect the ambiance that comes with a traditional fire. There’s no stoking the flames, crackle from the embers, or aroma from the firewood. If the experience is important to you, you may have to kick linear fireplaces off your list.

What Is a Linear Fireplace? Is it Right for You?

A linear fireplace can complete your hearth and home, but it’s not the perfect design choice for everyone. If you want to prioritize safety and convenience, linear fireplaces can be a great fit for your home. If you prefer the vibe of a traditional fireplace, there are plenty of other great options out there.

Dreifuss Fireplaces can help you find the best fireplace design for your needs and preferences. Contact us today to learn more.

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