Posted: December 9, 2025

Adding a Gas Fireplace to Small Spaces: Options and considerations for compact living areas

K.B. Johnson can find the right fireplace for your home

You may automatically think that just because you have a small and compact living area that you don’t have any extra room for a gas fireplace. However, that is actually not true! In fact, gas fireplaces can be great additions to small living spaces – they help add warmth (both literally and figuratively) and create an inviting and cozy ambiance.

Keep reading to explore exactly what your gas fireplace options are for a compact space as well as what factors you should consider before purchasing a fireplace.

Key considerations before purchasing a gas fireplace

No matter how many square feet you are working with, there are certain factors that you should think about as you are researching and looking for a gas fireplace for your home.

Room size is certainly one of them. For example, if you are looking to install a fireplace in a smaller size room you should be able to get the warmth you need from a model that has a lower BTU (British Thermal Unit) output. You will need something with a higher BTU for larger spaces.

You should also think about:

• How large of a viewing area you want: This is the visible portion of the firebox that you can see through the glass. For smaller rooms, a small viewing area is typically best. If your fireplace is going in a large living room or an open-concept space you may want to look at fireplace models with large viewing areas.
• Whether or not you need a direct vent fireplace: These fireplace models pull fresh outside air into a home while they simultaneously get rid of the combustion that they produce. Vent-free fireplaces use your home’s indoor air to exhaust it as heat.
• How real you want your fireplace to look: If you want your gas fireplace to look as close to a wood-burning fireplace as possible, vented gas logs are your best bet.

Gas fireplaces and small spaces

If a small space is what you’re working, with a gas fireplace can actually be pretty ideal. They usually don’t require that much square footage and installation is relatively simple.

Vent-free gas fireplaces can be installed anywhere within a home, including a bathroom, a bedroom or a living room. If you are really short on space you can even mount a vent-free gas fireplace to your wall – this won’t take up any square footage at all!

Gas stoves as well as a propane fireplace insert with gas logs (if you already have a wood-burning fireplace) work well in small spaces as well. These options provide heat and allow you to get the look and feel of a real fireplace.

K.B. Johnson can help you find the gas fireplace that works for you

K.B. Johnson Oil & Gas is here to help homeowners in Central North Carolina find the fireplace that will work best in their home. We carry propane, natural gas and electric hearth products. All you need to do is set up an appointment to come by our showroom in Fuquay-Varina and we’ll assist you with the rest.

Contact K.B. Johnson today to learn more about your gas fireplace options.