There is something about a fireplace that changes a room.

It can make a great room feel more inviting, give a primary suite a sense of retreat, or turn a covered outdoor space into somewhere you actually want to spend time when the temperature drops.

But once you decide you want a fireplace, another question usually follows:

Gas or electric?

Both can create a beautiful focal point. Both can provide warmth. And both have come a long way in terms of design.

The better choice depends on what you want the fireplace to do, where you want to put it, how important a real flame is to you, and how the fireplace fits into the architecture of your home.

For a custom home or major renovation, that last part matters more than people sometimes realize.

A fireplace is not simply something you choose at the end and place against a wall. Depending on the type you select, it can affect framing, electrical planning, gas lines, venting, television placement, cabinetry, stonework, built-ins, and even the layout of the room.