Looking for a modern and chic way to upgrade your fireplace and make it the centerpiece of your living room? Fireballs and fireplace cannonballs are unique and effortlessly make a statement in any fireplace. But what’s the difference and which is best for you?

Let’s explore everything you need to know about these uniquely spherical fireplace features so you can decide whether they are right for your home.

Separate fireballs for the gas fireplace. 

How are fireballs and fireplace cannonballs different?

First and foremost, we need to set the record straight: there is no real difference between fireballs and fireplace cannonballs. That’s right – there are two names for the exact same product! It all comes down to the brand of the product to decide which name is used.

From here on out, we’ll be referring to this fireplace feature as fireballs, as that’s how we market the accessory, along with our fire stones, at Mantels Direct.

Separate stones used as fireballs in a gas fireplace.

What are the benefits of fireballs? 

There are many advantages to using fireballs in your fireplace. Not only are they beautiful or interesting to look at, but they are an affordable way to add some extra elegance to any space. 

Compared to other fireplace accessories, here are some of the main benefits of fireballs:

  • Fireballs give your fireplace instant personality, transforming a simple fixture to one that will become the artistic centerpiece of any room;

  • Fireballs come in a variety of sizes and colors, meaning they can match many different interior styles;

  • Our fireballs at Mantels Direct are made from heat-resistant ceramic, offering a rustic, chic vibe that lasts a lifetime;
Fireballs in mixed sizes for a gas fireplace.

How do fireballs work?

Fireballs typically sit on top of a burner pan or decorative sand. From there, you can stack the balls on top of or next to one another to create the desired shape and look that you like best. For instance, some homeowners may like an arrangement that represents a pyramid shape, while others may choose to simply lay all of the balls flat and spaced equally apart.

Once the desired structure is defined, lighting the feature will allow flames to pop through the voids in the balls. As the flames maneuver around the circular fireballs, they will elicit an intriguing visual effect and look as though they are dancing. 

Be aware that the fireballs will become very hot as they radiate heat. Even after the flames are extinguished, the ceramic nature of them will keep the heat for an extended time period.


Fireballs in gray stone for a gas fireplace.

Interior styles that pair best with fireballs

Now that you know the benefits of fireballs and how they work, you may be curious whether this sculptural fireplace feature will align with your current interior style. As mentioned, fireballs come in many different sizes and, more importantly, colors, so you can easily match them to practically any palette.

However, there are a few interior styles that are undeniably suited to this type of display, as the shape and texture of the fireballs pair perfectly with the main elements of each aesthetic. Based on our expertise, here are 3 interior styles that pair best with fireballs:

  • Minimalism - Characterized by simplicity and clean lines, the rounded nature of fireballs will pair beautifully with a Minimalistic space. Fireballs embody this visual style with their focus on unadorned, reductive design and a simplistic, elemental form. Check out this uniform set of Rasmussen Fireballs in white or black for a Minimalist look. 

  • Contemporary - Contemporary design celebrates curved lines, natural materials, stark contrasts, and cool tones, making this style an ideal backdrop for fireballs. This Mixed Fireball Set in particular is ideal for a contemporary space, as the varied sizes present a cutting-edge look with added visual contrast.

  • Rustic - While you may think that classic logs would speak best to a rustic style, dark-colored fireballs – like these Grand Canyon Cannonballs in black or dark gray – are actually perfect for a country or cabin-like space. Since rustic interiors are all about using organic elements, fireballs fit right in with this aesthetic by appearing like rocks in nature.


Ready to get your fire started? Shop fireballs for the fireplace here.

 

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