Choosing Your Fireplace View

What about how the fireplace looks? That's what we'll discuss now – the overall look of the fireplace. Fireplaces can have different view types that make them ideal or unappealing for certain applications. There are standard fireplaces, see-through fireplaces (often stylized to see-thru), peninsula fireplaces, and the different variations of that, as well as corner fireplaces. Let's break each down and help you decide what is best for you.

Different View Types

• Standard: A standard fireplace is a stereotypical fireplace recessed into a wall with no additional viewing options. Traditional and classic, many different standard fireplaces are available for your selection. This style is one of the most popular, demonstrated by the new standard-view fireplaces that come out each year. You can also accessorize your fireplace to make the most of the space and create a true focal point for your home.




• See-Through: See-through fireplaces, also called see-thru fireplaces, are exactly what you might imagine from the name—see-through. They have two viewing sides and work well as a room barrier. Some see-through fireplaces are even listed for indoor/outdoor use, meaning they can be used on an exterior wall. However, the fireplace must be listed for that application before installation, or your warranty may be voided.




• Peninsula: If one or two-sided fireplaces are too plain for you, you may be interested in a peninsula fireplace. These fireplaces typically have two long sides and a short middle side, much like how Florida's peninsula is shaped. However, some have one long side and two short sides on either end, allowing a more open viewing area than a standard fireplace might offer. This view style is also usable in a room barrier like their two-sided cousins. For more information on these fireplaces, check out our See-Thru, Island, & Peninsula Fireplaces Buyer's Guide.

• Corner: Corner fireplaces are growing in popularity to optimize a fireplace's floor space. There are two main viewing styles of corner fireplaces. Some offer one viewing side and fit into the corner of a room through a special mantel. Other corner fireplaces have two viewing sides that "wrap around" the end of a wall. These may be a better option if you have limited space for a fireplace but still want a fireplace in your home.

Now that view is covered, let's move on to our next section – Style!