(Newswire.net — June 11, 2022) — Have you noticed that fireplaces are becoming more popular? It’s not in your imagination. Fireplaces are truly rising in popularity, being installed in more homes and being used more frequently by the people who have them.
But what’s responsible for this trend? Why are fireplaces rising in popularity and will this popularity trend continue?
New Fireplace Options
One of the best explanations for the rise in fireplace popularity is the sheer number of options that exist for homeowners. There are more types and styles of fireplaces available today than ever before, so no matter what your needs or preferences are, there’s probably an option for you.
Consider:
- Fuel types. When most people think about a fireplace, they think about a traditional wood-burning fireplace. But while these fireplaces still exist and are so popular, they only represent a fraction of the total number of fireplaces available. These days, you can also purchase gas or electric fireplaces, allowing you to use a variety of different fuel sources to get the warmth you want. Each fuel type offers advantages and disadvantages, so all of them are worth considering if you don’t already have specific needs.
- Fireplace inserts and upgrades. If you already have a fireplace that’s not functional or one that doesn’t meet your current requirements, you can purchase a fireplace insert that functions as an upgrade. Inexpensively, you can completely transform your existing fireplace into one with a different fuel type or one with better aesthetics. Because of this, homeowners are more likely to take good care of their existing fireplaces and new homeowners are more likely to choose homes with fireplaces available.
- Mantel upgrades. The fireplace isn’t just about where you burn wood; it’s also about the mantel surrounding the fireplace. Just like with fireplaces, there are hundreds of options for your mantel, allowing you to choose something that perfectly fits your living room.
- Aesthetics. There used to be only a limited selection of fireplaces available. But today, you can purchase fireplaces of many different sizes, shapes, styles, colors, and materials. No matter what type of house you have, what kind of aesthetic taste you have, or what your personal preferences are, you can find or design a perfect fit. And if you have something truly unique you’re considering, you can likely work with a fireplace manufacturer to create something new from scratch.
Low Installation Costs
Fireplaces are cheaper than ever before as well. Lower material costs, higher industrial efficiency, and other factors have driven down the cost of installing a fireplace. If you’re simply upgrading a fireplace that already exists, you can expect to pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Even if you’re buying a brand new fireplace with all the works, you probably won’t exhaust your budget. This makes fireplaces much more appealing and more accessible to a wider range of people.
Home Values
Fireplaces add value to a home. A recent survey found that 70 percent of real estate agents believe that fireplaces make a home more valuable, and 77 percent of homebuyers were willing to pay more for a house with a fireplace installed. As for how much value fireplaces truly add, that’s a bit more debatable. But there’s no question that you’re probably going to see at least some return on your investment if you’re purchasing a fireplace for your existing house. This makes people much more likely to install a new fireplace or choose a home that has a fireplace to maximize potential resale value.
Traditional, Cozy Vibes
Fireplaces create an air of coziness and comfort that can’t really be replicated by other means. Hearing the soft crackle of flames in the background and feeling the radiant warmth of a fire can instantly make your home more inviting and more relaxing. More people are specifically seeking out these traditional, cozy vibes.
Available Information
These days, it’s easy for consumers to find information on fireplaces – including where to buy them, how to use them, and how to stay safe while using them. Organizations like the EPA officially provide recommendations and guidance for making initial installation decisions and using fireplaces responsibly. Because of this, consumers feel much more confident and much more in control, motivating them to take action and purchase the fireplace they’ve always wanted.
Neighbor Envy
We also need to acknowledge a bit of neighbor or relative envy. Fireplaces are growing in popularity in part because they’re already so popular. Going over to a neighbor’s house or relative’s house and experiencing the warmth and comfort of their fireplace may spark interest, prompting you to get one of your own.
As you can see, there are many factors motivating the rise in the popularity of fireplaces. Because many of these factors are only going to become stronger over time, it’s likely that the trend of popularity is only going to accelerate.
Whether you’re interested in the warmth, the coziness, or just a boost in your home value, a fireplace could be exactly what you need.