A fireplace is often the focal point of a room, so it's important to choose a design that fits your space and style.

With that in mind, take a look at two major factors that should guide your decision on a fireplace design.

The Type of Fuel You'll Use

The type of fuel you use will impact both the fireplace design and where it can be placed in your home. If you're using a wood-burning fireplace, for example, you'll need to make sure there's proper ventilation.

Wood-burning fireplaces produce a lot of smoke and sparks. As such, they require special vent systems that help to remove the smoke and fumes from your home. But it can be a great option if you want a traditional look.

On the other hand, if you're using a gas fireplace, you have more flexibility in terms of location. Ventless gas fireplaces don't produce smoke or sparks, making them a safer option that can be placed in any room of your home, regardless of ventilation. However, you will need to have a gas line installed to wherever you want the fireplace to be.

Budget and Installation Costs

Fireplaces can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the materials used, size and complexity of the design, and installation costs.

If you're working with a limited budget, there are still plenty of fireplace design options available to you. For example, you could opt for a simple wood-burning fireplace that doesn't require a lot of special ventilation. Or you could choose a gas fireplace insert, which is less expensive to install than a traditional gas fireplace.

Of course, if you have the budget for it, there are also more luxurious options available, such as marble fireplaces or custom-built designs. For example, a fireplace made entirely of glass can be a real showstopper. Such a design would be more expensive to install, but it would certainly make a statement in your home.

Installation costs can also vary depending on the fireplace design you choose. A traditional wood-burning fireplace, for example, requires more extensive installation, as it needs to be connected to a flue and a chimney. On the other hand, a gas fireplace can simply be plugged into an existing gas line.

Installation costs can also be impacted by the type of material used. A fireplace made of brick or stone, for example, will require a different installation strategy than one made of glass. Glass fireplaces are often easier to install, as they can be placed directly on an existing floor or wall.

Discuss with a fireplace professional to get a rough idea of both the installation process and costs before making your final decision on a fireplace design.