Creating warmth and glow in posh dwellings, these 15 unique and elegant fireplaces are far, far more than simply ways to generate heat.
To many, fireplaces are just a source of heat. To the wealthy, a fireplace can act as an art form.
1. Pictofocus 1450
Pictofocus offers clean lines and a large curved glass window to frame the flames with transparency unrivalled by competitors. The model is available in two sizes. It has a purity of design earning the Paris design show awards, it may be obtained for corner installation or as a double-sided unit.
This costs: $21,000
2. Fire 2.0
Brett Levin is a local artist who works with fire as his medium. He has created a revolutionary fire pit, manufactured by Live Space, which allows flames to dance to the beat of music.
A former software entrepreneur, he began selling his “Fire 2.0” to Las Vegas hotels for $15,000 and the guests were thrilled and intrigues.
Using algorithms, the music or specific instruments in a room are analyzed and signals are sent to gas lines which open and close 100 valves quickly, permitting actuation up to 30 times each second.
This costs: $15,000
3. MetaFocus 8
“Meta” comes from the Greek word which means “prolong and transcend”. This model takes its name, very appropriately from this word. With the MetaFocus, fire moves to new peaks and is affirmed as an art form. Sculpted of bronze façade, each unit is signed and number by artists Dominique Imbert.
This costs: $33,400
4. Hummer Fireplace
Germany’s Geiger Cars chose to really trick out a Hummer for the holiday season. There are not just fancy rims and stereo; there’s a fully functional fireplace with hearth and chimney.
This costs: $Unknown
5. Fireplace in a Chest
Perfect for anyone stuck home without a flickering, cosy fire, this fireplace in a chest opens to reveal a full self-contained functioning fireplace. It has all the appeal of a traditional fireplace but is totally mobile and you aren’t likely to burn down the house with this model.
Using bio-ethanol as fuel, the Mall Fire fire trunk by Atria is appealing and functional. When it is closed, it appears to be a standard steamer trunk. It probably doesn’t produce a huge amount of heat, but fires are not always about heat production; sometimes romance is the most important factor.
This costs: $5,400
6. Fire Sticks
Fill you your home with sticks of fire that provide tall dancing flames. You’ll think you captured lightning in a jar, the captive fire dances within a tall glass column. Fascinating to watch, you’ll find hours or relaxation studying the varied fire dance which seems to never repeat.
This costs $3,800 per stick
7. Glass Fireplace 
Fireplaces have ruled the roost when it comes to heating solutions to warm up your home. But the Nobo Fire pit series electric radiators sees the radiator in entirely different light with captivating designs that are sure to overshadow your designer fireplace and become the focal point of your living space. Much said, the Fire pit series radiator featured above is a modern iteration of the fire pit. Within the sleek shape of the radiator lies a projector displaying a cyclic fire flame video which gives the visual along with the sensual impression of a natural fire. Another “wow” factor is its iPod-wheel-like flush control panel to control both temperature and lighting.
An LED light shines through wood grain pattern of glass logos from which heat dissipates, which arouses the natural fire feel in a different form. This campfire-shaped radiator is a perfect addition to a living room with a central radiator and coffee table merged into one with an additional ambient light combination.
This costs: $2,800
8. Boomerang-shaped fireplace
Once again, standing at the forefront of innovation, the firm introduces its all new “EcoSmart Zeta fireplace.” The designer of the fireplace, John Dimopoulos, takes a cue from the boomerang. Bent into a perfect elliptical shape, the fireplace emits heat by setting its stomach on fire while burning ethanol. A brainy fusion of timber, leather and stainless steel, the completely portable fireplace rests on a lustrous stainless steel swivel base.
This costs: $12,880
9. Lounge Fire
if you are on the market for a new fireplace, then this “Lounge Fire” bio designed by Carsten Gollnick will add immense style to grab all the attention rightly toward it. The fireplace features a long elegant sculpture as a framework for the central fireplace, which makes it perfect for your nicely-done-up lounge area.
The cover is magnetic and can be placed underneath the fireplace while it is burning. The fireplace is crafted in steel with a high quality powder-coated high gloss surface in white or semi gloss black, which harmonizes with the detail of the matte brushed stainless steel finish.
This costs: $1,617
10. Cubico XT
Stunning in brushed steel the Cubico XT free standing fire was designed by Jan des Bouvrie for Safretti & forms part of our collection of flueless wall fires & free standing fires. The Cubico XT flueless fire has a completely open design, & is best in the middle of a room rather than against a wall.
Fuelled by eco friendly potato based Bio Ethanol the wonderful Safretti flueless fires require no flue, special ventilation, gas or electricity. The flame is very clean, with no smell, or soot produced. Fuel is bought in 2L bottles @$10 per bottle, & each 2L refill lasts several hours – depending on the height of the flame.
This costs: $6,199.00
11. The Aqueon Water Fireplace
This Aqueon fireplace by Heat & Glo actually uses regular water to create fire. Ordinary tap water (preferably distilled) is supplied to the fireplace through a pipe or tank, a 220 volt electrical service then separates the hydrogen and oxygen atoms through electrolysis, the Aqueon ignites the hydrogen, and ta-dah, fire! The oxygen is then added for color and brightness, while the rest is released into the room. It doesn’t require venting because it doesn’t produce any harmful vapours like carbon monoxide — just water vapour.
This costs: $50,000
12. Plasma Screen Fireplace
There’s a range of fireplaces available from the Beachcomber (£2140-$3551) to the top-end "Firelight Modern", which has a remote controlled fire, built in down lights and a space to conceal the DVD/VCR. Alas that price doesn’t include the screen.
This costs: $3,551
13. LED Fireplace
Want the look of a fireplace without the heat? Then go for this fireplace that utilises cutting edge LED circuits with single and multiple colour options. These can be controlled and mixed using a remote control handset.
This costs: $2,655
14. Waterfall Fireplace
Here’s a combination of the soothing effects of a waterfall with the tranquil cracklings of a fire: The Hearth fall. Think of it as a facade for your fireplace, giving that focus of your living room’s attention something to do during the summer.
This costs: $2000+
15. Focus Tube Fireplace
Ever since founder and designer Dominique Imbert set up his workshop in 1967, Focus has been hammering, forging, welding, and sculpting their fireplaces in southern France.
This costs: $14,500
Thanks for the mention. Those other picks are some great looking picks.