5 Features to Look for in a Luxury Corner Gas Fireplace

When designing a high-end space, a corner gas fireplace or corner propane fireplace can serve as a stunning focal point that adds warmth and contemporary style. But not all gas fireplaces are created equal. Architects, interior designers, and builders need to consider specific luxury features that solve common pain points – from safety and comfort to design flexibility. In this guide, we’ll explore 5 key features to look for in a luxury corner gas fireplace. These features ensure your fireplace not only looks spectacular but also performs safely and efficiently in a modern home. By understanding innovations like cool wall technology, electronic ignition, double glass systems, customizable sizes, and advanced venting, you can confidently choose a fireplace that meets both design and functional needs. Let’s dive into the must-have features that define today’s luxury gas fireplaces, and see how brands like Regency’s City Series, Flare Fireplaces, Element4, and Town & Country are setting the standard.

1. Cool Wall System – Protect Your Design and Electronics

One of the top features to seek out is a Cool Wall System. This technology keeps the area around your corner gas fireplace cool, so you have total design freedom. Why is this important? In a standard fireplace, a lot of heat radiates into the surrounding walls and upwards. This can damage electronics or limit you to non-combustible materials around the opening. A cool wall system solves this problem by directing heat away from the wall and into the room, maintaining low temperatures on adjacent surfaces​.

With a proper cool wall setup, you can mount a television or artwork just inches above a corner fireplace without worrying about heat damage​. This means no more awkwardly high TV placements or empty wall space – you can position a TV at eye-level and enjoy comfortable viewing without neck strain​. Designers also love that any finishing material can be used right up to the fireplace edge – even wood trims, wallpaper, or fabrics that would normally be unsafe next to a hot firebox​. In Regency’s City Series fireplaces, for example, the cool wall technology allows you to “use any finishing material right to the edge of the fireplace, even wood!”​, giving unparalleled flexibility in matching the fireplace with cabinetry or wall finishes.

How it works: Luxury brands achieve a cool wall through clever engineering. For instance, Town & Country’s Architectural Series corner fireplaces use a custom firebox airflow control system that redirects heat away from the wall and upward into the room​. Some models include hidden heat-release vents or ducts that channel hot air out, keeping the wall above the fireplace surprisingly cool to the touch. The result is lower surface temperatures around the fireplace, so you “don’t have to worry about long-term exposure to high heat” on your walls​. In short, a cool wall system protects your investment – it prevents heat damage to TVs, artwork, and wall materials, and it opens up creative design possibilities that were not feasible with traditional fireplaces. When evaluating a luxury corner gas fireplace, make sure a cool wall (often marketed as Cool Touch Wall or Cool Wall Technology) is on the features list. It’s a game-changer for integrating the fireplace seamlessly into modern interiors.

2. Electronic Ignition System – Convenience and Efficiency

Another essential feature in a premium corner gas fireplace is an Electronic Ignition System. This technology replaces the always-on pilot light found in older gas fireplaces with an electronic ignition that lights the flame only when needed. For luxury installations, electronic ignition offers several benefits in terms of convenience, efficiency, and safety.

Why it matters: An electronic ignition system means no standing pilot light, which in turn means no wasted gas when the fireplace is off​. In traditional millivolt systems, a small pilot flame burns continuously, consuming gas 24/7. Over time this can add to energy costs and is simply inefficient. Electronic ignition eliminates that constant gas usage – the pilot lights on-demand when you turn on the fireplace, typically via a switch or remote control. According to Regency, this feature “saves on fuel by not having the pilot light running when the fireplace is not in use. For environmentally conscious projects or clients looking to minimize wasted energy, this is a big plus.

Electronic ignition also translates to easy operation. With the push of a button, a wall switch, or even a smartphone app, you can ignite the fireplace instantly – no more fumbling with matches or manual controls. Many luxury gas fireplacespair electronic ignition with smart remote controls or home automation compatibility. For example, Element4’s Summum 140 corner fireplace comes with an E-Save remote that allows you to adjust flame height and LED lighting, and even offers app controls for ultimate convenience​. This level of control is ideal for architects and designers who want the fireplace to integrate into smart home systems or simply provide the homeowner with an effortless experience.

Importantly, high-end electronic ignition systems are designed with reliability in mind. Most include a battery backup feature so that the fireplace will still operate during a power outage. In Regency’s City Series, if the power goes out, the system can run on battery power to ignite the fire – ensuring you won’t be left in the cold​. Additionally, because there’s no continuously burning pilot, there’s no visible pilot assembly or flame when the fireplace is off, giving a cleaner look to the firebox​. Town & Country’s direct ignition system, for example, eliminates the standing pilot and keeps the burner area clean and unobstructed for a more sleek appearance​.

Bottom line: When shopping for a luxury corner gas fireplace, look for terms like “electronic ignition,” “direct ignition,” or “IPI (intermittent pilot ignition).” This feature will save energy and offer modern convenience. It addresses the pain point of wasted fuel from old pilot lights and ensures your fireplace is ready at a moment’s notice with minimal effort. Combined with features like remote control or smart home integration, an electronic ignition system is key to a hassle-free yet sophisticated fireplace experience.

3. Double Glass System – Safety Barrier Without the View Obstruction

If you’ve ever seen a child press their hands on a fireplace glass, you know how important a safety barrier is. Traditional gas fireplaces often require an added mesh screen or grille in front of the glass to prevent burns, which can detract from the clean look. A Double Glass System is a luxury feature that solves this by making the glass itself a safe barrier – no additional screen needed.

A double glass system means the fireplace has two layers of glass with an air gap in between. This design significantly reduces the outer glass surface temperature, as air (sometimes actively ventilated air) insulates the heat. In fact, modern double-glass fireplaces like those from Flare Fireplaces use built-in blowers to push cool air between the panes, keeping the exterior glass under about 172°F even when the fire is roaring​. While 172°F is still warm, it is low enough to meet safety standards and be considered “cool-to-touch” for a brief contact​. The key is that the outer glass stays cool enough to comply with industry safety requirements so that curious fingers won’t get serious burns​.

No more unsightly screens: By having this sealed double-pane setup, the fireplace doesn’t need a front safety mesh. Luxury models tout an “invisible glass safety barrier,” which is exactly this: the safety barrier is the glass itself​. For instance, Regency’s City Series corner fireplaces feature a “seamless glass safety barrier” – essentially a dual-pane glass that keeps the outer surface cool​. The result is a clean, uninterrupted view of the fire with nothing between you and the flames except crystal-clear glass. You get to enjoy the full beauty of the flames dancing around logs or modern fire media without a metal screen in the way. This enhances the aesthetic appeal, which is crucial in high-end designs where every detail counts.

Safety and comfort: Double glass systems give peace of mind in homes or commercial spaces where people might touch the glass. It’s an elegant solution to the pain point of choosing between safety vs. style. With this feature, you maintain a sleek look without compromising on safety. Families with children, for example, often insist on screens for protection – but with double glass, the fireplace already provides that protection in a virtually invisible manner. Flare’s corner fireplaces all come standard with a “Quick Touch Glass Safety Barrier” which replaces the traditional screen with a second pane of glass​. As they explain, air flows between the glass layers and “reduces the temperature of the outer glass to under 172°F, making it safe for a brief touch”​. And importantly, this innovation does not alter the visual dimensions or require a bulky frame, so you still get that frameless, minimalist look​.

When evaluating luxury corner gas fireplaces, ask about their safety barrier. Double-pane glass systems (sometimes marketed as “Safe Touch Glass” or “Seamless Safety Glass”) are a hallmark of premium fireplaces. Brands like Flare and Regency have made this standard on their high-end models. It’s a feature that ensures your corner gas fireplace is not only gorgeous to look at but also family-friendly and up to code, without any sacrifice in style.

4. Multiple Glass Heights and Lengths – Custom Fit for Your Space

Designers know that scale and proportion are everything. That’s why the best luxury fireplace lines offer multiple glass heights and lengths for their corner models. Instead of a one-size-fits-all box, you can select a fireplace size that perfectly suits the room’s dimensions and the design vision. When shopping high-end corner gas fireplaces, look for manufacturers that provide a range of sizes (both width and height) – this versatility is a feature in itself, ensuring you get a made-to-measure look.

Imagine you want a dramatic floor-to-ceiling corner fireplace in a hotel lobby versus a low, elongated corner fireplace under a built-in media center in a home. These scenarios call for different shapes and proportions. Luxury fireplace brands accommodate this by offering corner units in various lengths (widths) and glass heights. For example, Flare Fireplaces’ modern corner models come in lengths ranging roughly from 30″ up to a stunning 100″, with at least two or three height options (such as 16″ or 24″ glass height) to match​. In fact, Flare’s Double Corner series boasts “7 lengths and 3 heights to choose from”​, so architects can pick the exact configuration that suits their layout. This kind of flexibility means you can create anything from a compact cozy nook fireplace to an expansive statement piece that anchors a large space.

Town & Country’s Architectural Series corner fireplaces are another great example – they offer models with glass heights of 24″ or a lofty 32″ for extra visual impact. The length of these units is also customizable, with options typically ranging from 5 feet to 8 feet wide​. An eight-foot-wide corner fireplace with 32″ tall glass makes a bold statement in a luxury living room or restaurant, while a five-foot unit with 24″ glass might be perfect for a more intimate space. By mixing and matching length and height, designers can achieve the ideal aspect ratio and flame presentation. Element4’s Summum corner fireplaces similarly come in multiple sizes – the Summum 140 is a ~54″ wide corner fireplace, and the series includes smaller models (like Summum 70 and 100) to suit different projects​. These options let you scale the fireplace to the room so it neither overwhelms the space nor looks undersized.

Benefits of multiple size options: Having access to various lengths and heights ensures the fireplace will fit harmoniously into your design. You won’t be forced to add filler cabinetry or excessive stone surrounds to make a tiny fireplace work in a large wall, nor will you struggle with a fireplace that’s too large for a modest room. Instead, you choose the dimensions that complement the overall layout. This feature addresses a common pain point – in the past, designers were constrained by limited standard sizes and often had to compromise on placement or aesthetics. Luxury lines erase that compromise. Many high-end corner gas fireplaces are also modular or configurable – for instance, Regency’s City Series has corner kits that allow a model to be installed as either a left or right corner in different lengths (their Chicago Corner 50″ is positioned between their 40″ medium and 60″ large models, offering that “just right” size)​.

When reviewing product specs, take note of available dimensions. A premium manufacturer will advertise multiple configurations. Choosing a fireplace with the right glass size is as important as choosing the right style. It ensures the flames are properly framed and the proportions feel intentional. With brands like Flare, Town & Country, and Element4, you’ll find luxury corner fireplaces that can be practically tailor-made to your project, whether you need an ultra-wide linear look or a taller portrait-oriented fire window. This feature ultimately helps you achieve your design vision without compromise.

5. Direct Vent or Power Vent System – Flexible Venting for Any Installation

Last but not least, pay attention to the fireplace’s venting system. High-end corner gas fireplaces will use a direct ventsetup and often offer a power vent option for maximum flexibility. Venting might not be as glamorous as flames or finishes, but it’s critical to a successful installation – especially in modern builds where the fireplace could be located away from an exterior wall or in unconventional locations. A good venting system ensures the fireplace operates safely and that you have freedom in where to place it.

Direct Vent Technology: Nearly all luxury gas fireplaces today are direct vent, which is the gold standard for safety and efficiency. A direct vent fireplace is a sealed system that draws combustion air from outside and expels exhaust outside, typically through a coaxial pipe (pipe-within-a-pipe design). This means the fireplace does not use indoor air for combustion and thus maintains better indoor air quality and efficiency. It also means you don’t need a traditional chimney; you can vent horizontally out a side wall or vertically through the roof​. For example, Regency’s corner fireplaces are direct vent systems, which allows great flexibility in installation — you can place the fireplace on an interior wall and run a vent pipe to an outside wall or up through the ceiling as needed. Direct vent keeps the combustion sealed off, which, in tandem with features like the double glass, keeps your room air clean and the fireplace enclosure controlled.

Power Vent System: The real magic for luxury installations comes with the option of a power vent. A power vent system is essentially an inline fan (or external fan unit) that assists in moving the fireplace exhaust through the vent pipe. This feature is incredibly useful if your design demands a long or complex vent run. With a power vent, you can install your corner gas fireplace almost anywhere in the building, even if it’s far from an exterior wall or if you need to route the flue in a non-standard way. For instance, Flare Fireplaces notes that with their optional power vent, a fireplace can vent up to 100 feet with as many as eight 90° bends in the pipe​. That means the flue gases can zigzag up, down, and around obstacles – giving architects huge freedom. Heat-&-Glo’s technology similarly states you can vent up, down, over or under – making it possible to install a gas fireplace virtually anywhere​.

Why would you need this? Imagine a high-rise condo where the fireplace is in the middle of the unit, or a large home where the client wants the fireplace on an interior feature wall. A standard direct vent might require a short, mostly straight run to an outside termination. But a power vent allows for extra-long horizontal runs, multiple turns, or even downward slopes that normally would be impossible because hot air doesn’t naturally flow downward. It effectively “pushes” or “pulls” the exhaust, so you don’t rely solely on the buoyancy of hot air. This means you could have a corner fireplace in a basement room and vent out through a sidewall high above, or place a fireplace in a penthouse living area and run the venting through conduits to reach an outside wall many feet away. The power vent fan is typically installed at the vent termination or inline along the vent path, and it ensures proper drafting of the fireplace.

Many luxury corner fireplaces offer power venting as an optional kit or upgrade. Regency’s City Series, for example, lists models as “Available as Direct Vent or Power Vent”​– you can choose the configuration that suits your project. Element4’s Summum 140 also can be paired with an optional power vent kit (their documentation includes a power vent manual, indicating it’s supported)​. Town & Country and other high-end brands often recommend power venting for their largest fireplaces or when doing custom installations in high-end homes. It’s essentially a problem-solver for tough layouts.

In summary, a direct vent system is non-negotiable for a luxury gas fireplace (avoid any vent-free or antiquated vented systems if you want top performance and safety). On top of that, having a power vent option is a feature that gives you peace of mind that no matter the design constraints, you can make the fireplace work. It addresses the pain point of limited placement options – you won’t have to redesign your space around the venting; the venting will adapt to your space. When consulting with fireplace suppliers, ask about the maximum vent run and if a power vent kit is available. A quality corner gas fireplace from a luxury line will check this box, ensuring your beautiful fireplace can be installed exactly where you envision it, without compromise.

Elevate Your Corner Fireplace Design with the Right Features

A luxury corner gas fireplace or corner propane fireplace should do more than just look pretty, it needs to integrate into your design flawlessly and perform to the highest standards. By prioritizing the five features above, you’ll ensure the fireplace meets the practical needs of modern interiors while delivering the wow-factor clients expect. Let’s recap these features briefly:

• Cool Wall System: Keeps surrounding walls cool so you can mount TVs or use delicate materials right up to the fire’s edge​. No more design limitations due to heat – enjoy flexibility and protect your electronics and décor.
• Electronic Ignition: Offers easy, on-demand ignition with no standing pilot (saving fuel) and often includes battery backup for reliability​. It brings convenience and smart functionality to your fireplace, making it effortless to use.
• Double Glass Safety: Provides a built-in cool-to-touch glass barrier so no additional screen is required​. You get a clear, unobstructed view of the flames with peace of mind that it’s safe for family and guests.
• Multiple Sizes (Heights & Lengths): Available in various configurations to perfectly fit your space – whether you need a compact corner unit or an expansive floor-to-ceiling glass showcase​. This ensures your fireplace looks proportional and intentional in the room.
• Direct Vent / Power Vent: A sealed direct vent system for efficiency and indoor air quality, with optional power venting to allow installation virtually anywhere, even with long or complex vent routes​. No matter your floorplan, your fireplace can be accommodated.

By choosing a fireplace that excels in these areas, you are addressing common pain points head-on: overheating walls, wasted energy, obstructed views, sizing constraints, and venting hurdles. The solutions are already engineered in the high-end models. Brands like Regency’s City Series (for instance, the Chicago Corner models), Flare’s corner fireplaces, Element4’s Summum 140, and Town & Country’s Architectural Series exemplify these luxury features in action. They allow architects and designers to incorporate breathtaking corner gas fireplaces that merge form and function. The result is a fireplace that not only enhances the ambiance of a space but also complements the overall design without compromise.

Ready to take the next step? Luxury Fire specializes in these state-of-the-art fireplaces and can help you find the perfect corner unit for your project. We encourage you to explore Luxury Fire’s curated corner gas fireplace collections featuring all the innovations discussed here. See for yourself how a cool wall system or double-glass design can elevate a fireplace from standard to spectacular. Our team is here to help you compare models, discuss customization options, and find a fireplace that aligns with your design goals and building requirements.