Fireplaces are antiquated. After all, the first in-home, or should I say in-cave, fireplaces date back to the Paleolithic Age. But even through the advancements of furnaces, radiators, central heating, and radiant flooring, we still save room in our homes to light a fire. A fireplace is essentially obsolete, and it takes up valuable space that could be used for art, storage, or a TV. However, humans are still drawn to fireplaces after all this time, and we’ve decided to keep them around. So, they must hold some importance, right? 

 

My Texas Fireplace is More of a Gathering Place

You’d think climate would also play a role in whether or not we add a fireplace to our homes. In Texas, there are very few months that warrant the warmth of a roaring fire. However, I am eagerly awaiting the delivery and installation of a new set of faux logs for my gas fireplace. Once complete, it will resemble a real wood fire with glowing embers and a mesh screen to keep my cats from inadvertently burning themselves alive. I can’t wait! 

 

For the past few years, my fireplace setup has consisted of a tight-fitting TV screen set into our fireplace opening. Every winter, I cue up a burning fire on YouTube. It is a poor substitute for the real wood-burning fireplace behind the TV, but it is all I have been able to do since I have suicidal cats who insist on getting too close to flames. (I guess curiosity can kill the cat if you let it.) 

 

When my faux fire was rolling, my family would trickle one by one into the little living room like moths drawn to a flame. Before you knew it, everyone was gathered by the fireplace and chatting before dinner time. A few weeks ago, I moved the TV into a different room for my teens to play games, knowing I’d have my faux logs soon enough. The change was almost instant. The traffic to the living room stopped, and our cozy fireside gathering space was no more (for now). 

 

So that brings us to the reason we have fireplaces. Fire is a primal and fundamental excuse for people to gather. 

 

Why are Humans Drawn to Fireplaces? 

There is something about the subtle crackle and dancing flame of a fire that just mesmerizes humans. Curling up by the fire makes us feel relaxed, cozy, and secure—and the reason might be more instinctual than aesthetic.

When early humans discovered fire, it opened up a realm of possibilities and evolutionary advantages. Food could be easily cooked, predators could be scared off, and the dark nights were a little less scary and cold. Humans still hold onto that primal instinct for the warmth and security of a fire. However, it developed into so much more. 

 

For the first time in history, fire created a gathering place for humans. There was a communal effort to kindle the flame, pool resources, and come together. While sitting around the fire was great on its own, it also sparked the development of language and communication. Early humans started passing the time by telling stories, and the fire became a community space. Thousands of years later, we’re still telling stories around the campfire! 

Ignite the Flame & Create a Gathering Space in Your Home

While we’ve developed more efficient heating solutions that could have replaced the fireplace, we’ve also spent time refining the good old-fashioned fire. Today, there are many types of fireplace options allowing everyone to have a fire in their home, whether you live in a cabin or a high rise. 

Wood Burning Fireplace Alternatives

Nothing beats the charm of a wood-burning fireplace, but there are options that come close. Gas, electric, and ethanol fireplaces give you the look of a roaring fire but are easier to install in a variety of places and often cleaner and safer. I am looking forward to flipping the switch on my gas fireplace, knowing my cats are protected from the flames with my fireplace screen and accessories.

Firepits 

If you have an underutilized backyard, add a firepit off the back porch. Guests will see the roaring flame from the window, drawing them outside and establishing that indoor-outdoor flow. This option has the most primal feel and is, in many ways, the most relaxing. 

Candles

Even simply adding candles to a firebox or a dining table tends to draw people in. Give it a try. Dim your lights, light a few candlesticks, and see just how different your dinner party feels. I promise the conversation will be so much better. You’d be surprised! 

 

Light a Fire Tonight 

I encourage you to light a fire tonight and see how it changes the dynamic of your home. Whether you chop your own wood and kindle a flame in the wood-burning fireplace or simply dim the lights and light a few candles at the dinner table, the result will be warmth and connection. 

 

After all, we tell stories around the fire.