A fireplace can be much more than a source of warmth. It can become the architectural focal point of a room, complement a home's interior style, or create a comfortable gathering space outdoors. Choosing the right fireplace and accessories involves considering the design of the space, the type of fuel or heating system, the desired appearance, and the practical features that support everyday use.
Since 1924, Wilshire Fireplace Shops has provided fireplace equipment, accessories, and related products for homes and living spaces throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. The company offers an extensive selection ranging from traditional and antique-inspired fireplace products to contemporary fireplaces, custom designs, outdoor fire features, and decorative accessories.
Whether you are designing a new fireplace, updating an existing hearth, or creating an outdoor entertaining area, understanding the different product categories can make the selection process easier.
Fireplaces for Traditional and Contemporary Spaces
The fireplace itself establishes the foundation for a hearth design. Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers fireplace options designed for different applications and interior styles, including natural gas, wood-burning, propane, and other fireplace solutions. The current fireplace collection includes a range of models and configurations for residential spaces.
When selecting a fireplace, homeowners and designers can consider factors such as:
- Fireplace size and available installation space
- Fuel type and heating requirements
- Traditional or contemporary design preferences
- Existing chimney or venting requirements
- Room layout and viewing area
- Surround, mantel, and accessory compatibility
A properly selected fireplace can provide both a functional heating feature and a strong visual focal point.
Electric Fireplaces for Flexible Fireplace Design
Electric fireplaces offer another option for homeowners looking to incorporate the appearance of a fireplace into a room. They can be considered for spaces where a conventional wood or gas fireplace may not be appropriate.
Electric fireplace designs can complement contemporary interiors while also providing a decorative focal point. When planning an electric fireplace installation, it is important to consider the dimensions of the space, electrical requirements, installation instructions, and the manufacturer's specifications.
Fireplace Mantels: Creating a Finished Look
A mantel can dramatically influence the appearance of a fireplace. From traditional architectural designs to simpler contemporary profiles, fireplace mantels help frame the hearth and connect it visually with the surrounding room.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers a broad fireplace mantel collection, including designs in materials and styles such as marble, stone, wood, and other decorative finishes. The current mantel collection includes numerous traditional architectural profiles and decorative designs.
When selecting a mantel, consider:
- Fireplace opening dimensions
- Overall wall proportions
- Material and finish
- Interior architectural style
- Hearth and surround materials
- Desired decorative appearance
A carefully proportioned mantel can help create a cohesive fireplace design rather than making the fireplace look like a separate element within the room.
Andirons & Chenets for Fireplace Character
Andirons and chenets are functional and decorative fireplace elements traditionally used to support firewood while adding architectural detail to the hearth.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers an extensive collection of andirons and chenets, including traditional, decorative, and period-inspired designs.
For homeowners interested in classic fireplace styling, the right pair of andirons can introduce metalwork details that complement the mantel, fireplace screen, toolset, and other hearth accessories.
Fireplace Screens and Custom Fire Screens
Fireplace screens can add an important layer of function and visual detail to a hearth. They are available in a variety of designs, materials, finishes, and configurations.
The Wilshire collection includes fireplace screens as well as custom fire screens, with designs ranging from traditional decorative screens to custom doors and specialized configurations.
A fireplace screen should be selected according to the fireplace opening and intended application. For custom projects, measurements and installation requirements should be reviewed carefully before ordering.
Gas Logs & Accessories
Gas logs can help create the visual character of a traditional fireplace while working with a gas-burning system. Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers gas logs and related accessories as part of its fireplace product selection.
Gas log projects can involve several considerations, including:
- Natural gas or propane compatibility
- Fireplace or firebox specifications
- Log arrangement and appearance
- Burner system compatibility
- Control options
- Installation requirements
Because gas-burning equipment involves fuel and ventilation considerations, product specifications and professional installation requirements should always be followed.
Custom Logs & Coal Baskets
For homeowners seeking a more distinctive hearth appearance, custom logs and coal baskets provide additional design possibilities.
The collection includes products designed to complement different fireplace styles and applications. Custom logs and coal baskets can be particularly useful when creating a period-inspired, traditional, or decorative fireplace design.
Fireplace Glass, Glass Doors & Glass Products
Glass components can contribute to both the appearance and functionality of a fireplace. Wilshire Fireplace Shops carries fireplace glass, glass doors, and other glass products within its fireplace collection.
Glass doors can provide a defined appearance around the fireplace opening, while fireplace glass and related products may be used for specific fireplace applications.
Before selecting any glass component, homeowners should verify dimensions, temperature requirements, fireplace compatibility, and manufacturer specifications.
Fireplace Toolsets and Accessories
A well-designed hearth often includes more than the fireplace itself. Fireplace toolsets and accessories can provide practical functions while contributing to the overall design.
Common fireplace accessories include:
- Fireplace toolsets
- Fire baskets
- Bellows
- Andirons
- Fireplace screens
- Decorative hearth accessories
- Firebacks
- Fireplace doors
- Gas fireplace accessories
Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers a large fireplace accessories collection covering traditional, antique-inspired, modern, and gas fireplace applications.
Matching accessories with the fireplace, mantel, and room design can help create a more coordinated hearth.
Stoves for Traditional and Functional Hearth Designs
Fireplace stoves can provide another approach to residential heating and fireplace design. Wilshire Fireplace Shops carries a selection of stove products within its fireplace collection.
Depending on the model, stove options can include different fuel types and configurations. Before purchasing a stove, consider the available space, venting requirements, fuel type, heating needs, and applicable installation requirements.
Outdoor Fireplaces for Outdoor Living Areas
Fireplaces are not limited to indoor rooms. Outdoor fireplaces can help define patios, terraces, gardens, and other outdoor living spaces.
An outdoor fireplace can serve as a visual centerpiece while helping create a dedicated gathering area. When planning an outdoor fireplace, consider:
- Available outdoor space
- Fireplace placement
- Materials and weather exposure
- Fuel source
- Ventilation
- Seating arrangement
- Local installation requirements
Outdoor fireplaces can also be coordinated with outdoor furniture, landscaping, lighting, and other architectural features.
Fire Pits and Fire Bowls
Fire pits provide another way to introduce fire into an outdoor environment. Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers fire pit products in various shapes, configurations, and styles, including fire bowls, fire tables, custom fire pits, and related outdoor fire features.
Outdoor fire pit designs can range from compact features for smaller patios to larger installations intended to become the center of an outdoor entertaining area.
When planning a fire pit, homeowners should consider the size of the space, fuel type, placement, clearances, surrounding materials, and applicable local requirements.
Outdoor Heaters for Year-Round Comfort
Outdoor heaters can complement fireplaces and fire pits by providing additional warmth for patios and outdoor living areas.
The Wilshire collection includes several outdoor heating options, including freestanding, standup, in-ground, LP or natural gas, and other heater configurations.
The appropriate heater depends on the size and layout of the outdoor area, available fuel or power source, mounting requirements, and intended use.
Barbeques for Outdoor Kitchens and Entertaining
Outdoor cooking areas can be designed around more than a grill alone. Barbeques can become part of a larger outdoor living environment that includes fireplaces, fire pits, heaters, seating, and other features.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops includes barbeques among its product categories, allowing outdoor living projects to incorporate cooking and fire features within the same overall design approach.
Antique Reproductions and Period-Inspired Fireplace Products
For traditional interiors and restoration projects, antique-inspired fireplace products can provide architectural character.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers antique reproductions as well as period-inspired fireplace products. The company's website notes that its collection includes authentic period antiques and antique reproductions alongside contemporary and traditional products.
These products can be useful when designing a historically inspired interior, restoring an older home, or adding traditional character to a newly constructed space.
Custom Fireplace Screens and Custom Design Elements
Every fireplace opening has different dimensions and design requirements. Custom fireplace products can provide additional flexibility when standard products do not meet a project's needs.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops offers custom fire screens and custom fireplace sculpture among its product categories. Its custom screen collection includes multiple configurations and decorative designs.
For custom fireplace projects, accurate measurements, material preferences, design requirements, and installation considerations should be established before fabrication or ordering.
Custom Fireplace Sculpture
A fireplace can also function as a place for artistic expression. Custom fireplace sculpture provides an opportunity to introduce decorative elements specifically suited to a hearth or architectural setting.
For designers and homeowners working on distinctive interiors, custom decorative elements can help connect the fireplace with the broader design language of the room.
Weathervanes and Decorative Outdoor Details
Wilshire Fireplace Shops also carries weathervanes as part of its broader product collection.
Weathervanes can add architectural character to rooftops, garages, garden structures, and other exterior spaces. Traditional designs can complement historic or classic architecture, while decorative styles can provide an individual finishing touch.
Fireplace Design Inspiration: Start With the Complete Space
Choosing individual fireplace products is only one part of a successful design. The fireplace, mantel, screen, and accessories should work together with the architecture and furnishings around them.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops maintains a fireplace design gallery featuring a variety of fireplace-related designs and product combinations.
Before selecting products, consider the complete visual composition:
- Choose the fireplace or fire feature based on the space and intended application.
- Select the mantel or surround to establish the architectural style.
- Add screens or glass doors according to the fireplace design and requirements.
- Choose andirons, toolsets, and accessories that complement the overall look.
- Consider gas logs or decorative fire media where appropriate.
- For outdoor spaces, coordinate fire pits, fireplaces, heaters, and barbeques with the overall patio design.
- Review dimensions and installation requirements before finalizing products.
This approach helps create a fireplace area that feels intentionally designed rather than assembled from unrelated pieces.
Choosing Fireplace Products for Your Home
The right fireplace products depend on more than appearance. Homeowners should consider the intended use, available space, fuel type, installation requirements, architectural style, maintenance needs, and applicable safety requirements.
For example, someone updating a traditional living room may focus on a mantel, andirons, fireplace screen, toolset, and antique-inspired accessories. A contemporary outdoor project may instead involve a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, heater, and barbeque.
The goal is to select products that work together while meeting the practical requirements of the installation.
Why Experience Matters When Selecting Fireplace Products
Fireplace projects often involve multiple components, and compatibility between those components can be important. Product dimensions, fuel type, ventilation, installation method, materials, and intended application should all be considered.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops has been serving fireplace needs since 1924 and maintains showrooms in Beverly Hills, Costa Mesa, and Hermosa Beach. The company states that it serves Los Angeles and Southern California.
For homeowners, designers, builders, and remodeling professionals, having access to a broad range of fireplace products can make it easier to evaluate different design directions for a project.
Build a Fireplace Design That Fits Your Space
From traditional fireplaces and custom mantels to andirons, fireplace screens, gas logs, electric fireplaces, stoves, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, heaters, barbeques, and decorative accessories, a fireplace project can be tailored to the architecture and lifestyle of the space.
Wilshire Fireplace Shops brings these product categories together in one collection, including contemporary, traditional, antique-inspired, and custom fireplace products.
Whether you are renovating an existing hearth, designing a new fireplace, updating fireplace accessories, or planning an outdoor living area, start with the requirements of your space and then build the design around them.
Explore Wilshire Fireplace Shops to discover fireplace products, accessories, custom designs, outdoor fire features, and decorative details for residential spaces throughout Los Angeles and Southern California.
