Fireplaces for Modern Interiors: Choosing the Right Type for Your Home

Fireplaces for Modern Interiors: Choosing the Right Type for Your Home

May 30, 2025Kylie Long

A fireplace isn’t just about warmth - it’s about atmosphere, design, and lifestyle. Whether you’re building a dream home or renovating a Central Coast classic, choosing the right fireplace can elevate your interior style while enhancing comfort and functionality.

At Avoca Interiors, we support home builders, interior designers, and renovators across the Central Coast and beyond by helping you pair design-led interiors with premium architectural solutions. From classic wood-burning fireplaces to electric fireplaces with designer cabinetry, this guide explores the most popular types of fireplaces available in Australia today - including a spotlight on Ember Arc, the first Australian designer furniture collection made exclusively for electric fireplaces.

1. Electric Fireplaces – Safe, Stylish, and Easy to Install
Electric fireplaces are a top choice for modern homes thanks to their safety, efficiency, and ease of installation. They’re ideal for apartments, contemporary homes, and renovations where flues or gas connections are not practical.

Featured: Ember Arc - Designer Electric Fireplace Furniture
Ember Arc, available through Avoca Interiors, is Australia’s first designer furniture collection created exclusively for electric fireplaces. These aren’t just heaters - they are statement pieces that combine beautiful cabinetry with realistic LED flame effects.

We can source Ember Arc units and organise delivery Australia-wide, offering homeowners and designers access to exclusive fireplace furniture that elevates any room.

Why Choose Ember Arc?
Elegant cabinetry built for interior design-led homes

Seamless electric fireplace integration - no flue, chimney, or gas required

Ideal for rentals, units, or compact spaces

Safer and more energy-efficient than traditional fireplaces

Designed for modern Australian living

Pros of Electric Fireplaces (including Ember Arc):

Plug-in installation with no structural work

No soot, ash, or smoke - low maintenance

Safe for children and pets (cool-touch glass)

Realistic flame visuals with LED technology

Available in styles that suit modern, coastal, or minimalist interiors

Cons:

Simulated flame (no real fire or scent)

Dependent on electricity

Lower heat output than gas or wood-burning fireplaces

2. Wood-Burning Fireplaces – Timeless Warmth and Atmosphere
Nothing beats the crackle, scent, and heat of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Ideal for heritage homes, country properties, and rustic interiors, they create an unmatched ambience.

Pros:

Real flames, sound, and warmth

High heat output

Works during power outages

Adds heritage value and aesthetic charm

Cons:

Requires chimney, flue, and regular maintenance

Not suitable for apartments or compact homes

Restricted in some council areas due to emissions

More effort to use and clean

3. Gas Fireplaces – Convenience with Real Flames
Gas fireplaces offer the look of a real fire with the convenience of push-button operation. They’re ideal for homeowners who want strong heat output with minimal maintenance.

Pros:

Instant heat and flame with remote control

Efficient and clean-burning

Reliable heat source

Works well in contemporary or coastal homes

Cons:

Requires a gas connection (can increase install costs)

Less ambience than wood-burning

Professional installation required

4. Ethanol Fireplaces (Bioethanol) - Ventless and Stylish
Bioethanol fireplaces are a popular option in design-led interiors that want real flames but no flue or gas installation. These units burn clean ethanol fuel and are often portable or wall-mounted.

Pros:

Real flame without smoke

No chimney or gas line needed

Easy to install and relocate

Great for apartments or open-plan spaces

Cons:

Less heat output than gas or wood

Fuel cost can add up

Manual refuelling needed

Smaller flame compared to other options

5. Hydronic Fireplaces - Whole-Home Heating with a Modern Look
Hydronic fireplaces heat water that is circulated through underfloor systems or radiators, offering energy-efficient, whole-home warmth. These systems suit new builds or eco-conscious homes.

Pros:

Very efficient and even heating

Low emissions

Discreet and integrated design

Can use wood, gas, or pellet fuel

Cons:

Expensive to install initially

Requires integration with home heating systems

Less of a focal point than traditional fireplaces

Which Fireplace Style Is Right for Your Home?
Choosing the right fireplace comes down to your goals and home setup. Ask yourself:

Do I want real flames or the ambience of fire?

Is this for main heating or visual impact?

Are there building restrictions (gas access, flues)?

Do I prefer a low-maintenance solution?

Ready to Elevate Your Space?
Enquire today about Ember Arc electric fireplaces - premium furniture with integrated electric fireplaces, available exclusively in Australia.

We can source your Ember Arc unit and deliver it anywhere in Australia.



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