The Top Fireplace Features that Homebuyers Want

Fireplaces have always been about comfort. In 2026, they’re about credibility. Buyers expect more than a flicker in the corner. They want integrated design, intuitive control and choices that match how they live now.

A fireplace should feel like part of the architecture, not an afterthought. Flush installs, floor-to-ceiling surrounds, and linear formats give buyers that seamless “this home was designed for me” impression. The finish palette is shifting too; Pantone’s 2025 trend forecast points toward grounded, tactile tones like Mocha Mousse and Weathered Wood. Think matte black framing a slab of warm stone or reclaimed timber wrapping a minimal firebox. When the fireplace feels permanent, buyers feel confident. And confident buyers sign faster.

No one wants to hunt for a remote. They want the heat on before they’re out of bed, the flames dialed in before the movie starts, and all of it to happen from the same device they use for lights, locks, playlists and more. That’s why our latest products like the Scion and Triton linear electric fireplaces feature Wi-Fi controls baked in. “In 2025, ‘smart’ should be the baseline,” shares Kristina Greene, Heat & Glo’s Electric Portfolio Director.

Electric fireplaces are breaking out of their “condo appliance” stereotype. With no venting and no gas line, they drop into plans whenever the design calls for them, even mid-construction or years after move-in. For builders, that means fewer constraints. For buyers, it’s the freedom to put a fireplace where they actually want one, including trending spaces for fireplaces like primary bedrooms and ensuites, as well as guest suites and wellness rooms.

Personalization sells, but so does a smooth build. The sweet spot is offering enough choice to make it feel bespoke (like selecting from glass media or logs, two-sided or corner units, stone or steel, etc.) while keeping installs predictable. When you control the options and the execution, you get the wow factor without the schedule creep. And that’s where HHT comes in.

A fireplace is still the emotional anchor of a living space, and in this day and age, it’s also a credibility test. The right design tells buyers you understand current style and really considered how they’ll use the space in addition to how it looks. With our Trade Program, you get that partner, plus local expertise, top-tier products and the lead times to keep your schedule yours.

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