If you were to ask your ancestors why they had a fireplace in their home, they would have looked at you askance - how else were they going to stay warm in the cold winter months?

Today the fireplace is no longer a necessity as there is gas and electric heating in almost every home. Those who choose to go with a fireplace do so because of design and the desire to curl up in front of a fire that is not at a campground.

Modern fireplaces have come a long way and are made to fit into any decor. Here is a look at 5 unique and modern designs.

The company Napoleon manufactures traditional fireplaces, stoves and BBQ's but we're going to look at a few of their modern direct vent fireplaces.Direct vent fireplaces do not have to be the center piece of a room, as the one to the left shows, they can be an accent on a wall made to resemble a piece of art.

The Torch direct vent fireplace has heat resistant ceramic glass that encases the single flame. When you visit the website be sure to click on the installation ideas link for some inspired interior design ideas.

The LHD50 direct vent fireplace is 48" long for a landscape view. This unit comes in 2 versions, you can get the traditional one-sided model or the two-sided model that can be seen from both sides of the same room. Depending on your design theme, you can also purchase the optional kits to enhance the flames: ceramic twigs, ceramic stones or ceramic geoshapes.

Now these fireplaces are meant for aesthetics more than warmth but you probably have central heating so why not splurge on an art piece?

Stephane Perruchon is the designer of these Bablyon Ethanol Fireplaces. Perruchon explains that his fireplaces are "beautiful object(s) to be heated." And if you have already invested in a magnetic floating bed, you can now buy the matching fireplace.

If you don't like the circular design, there is also a rectangle with various options on how the flame is hung within the supporting frame.

La Malle a Feu, also known as the box of fire is made by the French Company Atria. The concept is a box of fire, you can close it up and guests will wonder what treasures hide inside. But they will never guess the truth - a fireplace!

The Cameleon (Chamelon) is probably the most traditional looking fireplace highlighted in this hub, but looks can be deceiving. This clever cube is self-contained and is not bound by the color you originally choose for it. This modern fireplace comes in 3 colors that you can easily change on your own as you redecorate or if the moods strikes you - the easily removeable panels are magnetic and fit seemlessly onto your fireplace.

Shipping may be an issue as they are sold primarily in France with a few locations in Belgium, Italy and Turkey.