Over 50% of all homes in the USA have fireplaces. Chances are, when you buy a home, the fireplace plays a part in the decision of which home you buy. Statistics say that 58% of hearth owners consider their fireplace, wood or pellet stove or insert to be a major design feature in their home.
The fireplace. More than half of all homeowners (57 percent) have some type of fireplace, wood-burning stove or other hearth product in their home. And usage is high during peak season.
Though fireplaces are cozy, quaint, and traditional, they are also inefficient, messy, and take up alot of space, not to mention the substantial cost. They gradually fell out of favor as central heating improved. From 1929 until 1946 housing was an exercise in minimalism except for the wealthy.
In the United States, fireplaces are still fairly common. They are not primary heat sources or cooking features, but more for ambiance and decoration. Still, they have function, it is hard to beat a warm fire to take a chill off and to add a relaxing feel to a room.
Removing a fireplace can impact home value depending on location and market demand. In areas where fireplaces are desirable, removing one might decrease the property's value. However, in markets where fireplaces are less important, removing one may not affect the value significantly.
Local bans on wood burning are becoming more common in areas where air pollution is a concern. If your area has instituted restrictions or an all-out ban on using wood-burning fireplaces, it makes little sense to hold on to one.
A: While there's no one new trending look for fireplaces — it's a timeless home feature, after all — statement surrounds with bold tiling, room-divider fireplaces that help create a sense of separation in an open-concept living space, and fireplaces with organic shapes or curved features are all fireplace trends for ...
“When did fireplaces stop being used as a source of heat?” Never. Fireplaces can still be a good source of heat. Gas and wood burning fireplaces can be very efficient.
Fireplaces are used for the relaxing ambiance they create and for heating a room. Modern fireplaces vary in heat efficiency, depending on the design.
Whether to use a fireplace or not is a controversial topic in building science. The main problem is that a typical wood-burning fireplace actually has a net cooling effect on a home. (And that applies also to when they're not in use if the damper stays open.) Then there's the effect they have on indoor air quality.
Modern appliances, radiators, and central heating have replaced the functional benefits of a fireplace. However, it still remains a prominent part of home designs and an in-demand feature.
State and Local Laws
For instance, California's Bay Area Air Quality Management District prohibits wood-burning devices in new construction. Some cities require permits for installation or mandate regular inspections. Contact your local building department or air quality agency for specific requirements in your area.
Chimneys and fireplaces were typical in house buildings before the 1900s because the fire was the primary method to heat homes. Once alternative fuels came into vogue, such as gas and electricity, people no longer relied on their fireplaces and either left them as-is for decoration or sealed them up.
In the past, fireplaces were the primary method of keeping homes warm. However, with advancements in technology, more efficient and convenient heating options have emerged. Nowadays, houses are equipped with various modern heating systems such as wood stoves, gas heating appliances, or even alternative fuels.
Fireplaces are no longer just a heating source - they're a design feature. In 2025, we're seeing an emphasis on statement surrounds that turn functional fireplaces into works of art. Trending Materials: Limestone: Timeless and neutral, limestone surrounds work beautifully in both traditional and modern homes.
The majority of real estate agents believe indoor or outdoor fireplaces add $1,000 to $5,000 to the resale value of your home.
Fireplaces remain popular for their heating functionality, decorative appeal, and the cozy ambiance they add to living spaces. Despite modern heating solutions, people still cherish fireplaces for their aesthetic value and warmth. This makes them a favored choice in many homes.
More than 27 million homes in the U.S. have fireplaces, and most of them burn wood. Add to that another 9.3 million homes with wood-burning stoves.
We emphatically argue that you do need a fireplace in your new home. Beyond their practical uses, fireplaces serve much more of a purpose as a home feature; they act as a source of supplemental heat while being a focal point and a way to create ambience in a room.
The conclusion that we've come to is this: fireplaces aren't going anywhere. Though the numbers are lower at the moment, the trends show that they will eventually rise to new heights, with outdoor fire pits helping to push those numbers even higher.
Many contemporary homes (and even apartments) still are designed/built with fireplaces, some of which are gas-fueled and some which still are wood-burning in the old-fashioned way.
Look in the attic to see if you can tell how many flues are built into a chimney. That is a good indication for how many fireplace are likely in the house. “The fireplace we uncovered in the past week was filled with cinderblocks that were probably installed in the 1960s,” Gray told us.
Contemporary fireplace design trends are moving towards designs with large viewing areas and tall, striking flames. A few of the fireplace trends of 2024 will carry into the new year, including frameless and double-sided fireplaces that are the hallmarks of great modern design.
They Can Be Energy-Efficient
Most modern fireplaces run on gas or electricity, but traditional wood burners or an open fireplace are also popular. If you do use a wood burner or open fire for heating, it will only provide warmth in the room it's in, but it can save you pounds on your energy bills.
In terms of materials, stone, metal, and tile continue to be popular choices for fireplace hearths and surrounds. Stone offers a timeless and natural look, metal provides a sleek and contemporary feel, while tile allows for creative and colorful designs.