Hi Taggy, Sorry it appears no one replied to your question. But your question came up when I asked about ethanol vs. electric fireplaces. I'm wondering: 1) which type of fireplace did you choose? 2) have you been pleased with decision and why? 3) anything you'd do differently if you were doing it again?

The sash bars make it look more traditional. You don't have to style it like that though. If you create a black shelf with two big screen glass doors it looks completely different. You could also put the TV itself inside the fireplace. For me that's not an option because I don't like looking down on the TV. I prefere to lean back and look up. But if you're someone who preferes their TV close to the ground then consider it. And just think about how the fireplace channel will looks inside an actual fire place :)

Hi Malibu_tan Well I must also agree with the other four comments "the fireplace is a focal point" , all I would add to that is - man/woman has been looking at fire for many years, and it's reference to our being most likely goes back to primordial times. Fire (the moving flame) is deeply rooted in our psychic, and our relationship with safety and comfort, I would remove the heater and celebrate the fireplace. You can always put in an ethanol fire and close of the flue if required, but I would not get rid of such asset to your residence and your life. Depending a bit with the style of the house I would go as far as providing side book shelving storage, or DVD's, or your best collection of miniature spoons should miniature spoons bee your interest. Whatever you wish to display for your or your friends enjoyment. Then I would complete the lounge design around your final choice of tiles and mantle, if you are putting in a slightly better mantle than you have at present, or if you are going for a modernist look. (it all depends a bit on tastes and budget) If you are in a "period style" you could look at something like Regardless of your tastes I think you can get an ethanol insert in just about any fireplace, corny as it sounds the fireplace is "the hearth of the home" . Possibly not the response that you were perhaps seeking, and you might have a lot of reason why you want to remove it - well I would like to hear your comments. Hope this is of some help Regards Michael Manias

any gas log fireplace should have very specific instructions for safe installation with measurements for distance from back and side walls, height above floor and height of any mantlepiece above the front of the heater and details of the correct method to enclose the flue..first check these instructions and then decorative finishes will be much easier to decide...if you haven't chosen your heater yet all the instructions should be available on line and this will also help decide the best heater for the space available