Such a question may sound rhetoric to most people, given that obviously enough we live in an age that replaced the fireplace by central heating, perceived as being more practical.
But the real question behind it is what type of style we prefer, do we go for the heating value plain and simple, using unsophisticated electric heaters, or we are more romantic and we are inclined to preserve the fireplace effect.
Even if technology has invented more efficient ways of heating or cooking, and a large screen TV replaced the social function of the fireplace gathering people around, we should not forget that the fireplace is also an architectural item, and its decoration valences are still valid nowadays.
Therefore, if the heating or cooking needs are not the issue, and neither is the sharing function, but rather the ornamental value of the fire place, the question may be answered differently, depending on the person you are.
Even if you want to preserve this historical piece in your home, it comes in different styles, and your choice will reflect your personality.
If you are traditional or love grand proportions and dramatic effects in your home, you will opt for the masonry type, some stone and marble fireplaces displaying high craftsmanship.
Useless to say that their element will interest you most is their mantel.
They are ideal for a suitably designed living room, where they may play the role of the center piece.
Like an old piece of clothing we would like to wear indefinitely, they express a cozy kind of charm and allow various face options.
You may stop at a large open hearth or prefer a three-sided peninsula, especially if you want the fireplace to be properly speaking the center piece.
If your home goes country, then why not help it with a wood fireplace? Or if you are in a transition from traditional to modern, you may choose a cast iron fireplace with hand finishes and beautifully polished.
If you are more contemporary minded but you still want a fireplace to match with a minimalist decorative approach, you may opt for a manufactured fireplace with fire boxes made of sheet metal, brass or stainless steel.
Or if you go even farther in this direction and you are more economic, not needing romantic chimneys and hearth, for you there are ventless fireplaces in sizes that match the exact area that you want to have heated.
You may choose a smaller scale one with a slim design..
The fact that usually fire is sold separately shows that fireplaces are considered independent decorative items.
Nevertheless, even your style wish will prevail, it's better to go through a mental list of advantages and disadvantages in each case.
The masonry type is expensive to build and maintain.
But given that you do not like it for its practical value, this might not concern you.
The manufactured ones are preferred because they are inexpensive to construct and provide more safety.
Naturally, the ones that almost don't need installation are the ventless ones, but their economic advantage is offset by the unsafe operation, their releasing moisture.
If you need oxygen sensors, what's the use of their apparent lack of sophistication? Whatever you opt for, the answer is we may want fireplaces for our gas fire, given that there are so many customized options available and they add a plus of beauty and decoration value.
Otherwise, we would go 100% electric.