I really want to install a gas stove in my living room where I have a marble mantle surrounding a defunct coal box. Unfortunately the chimney behind the coal box isn't available because the flue is being used to vent my basement furnace. Coal box size: 10D x 22W x 27H (more dimensions in the image)
I just can't figure out how to install a gas stove in this room without it looking really awkward given that the mantle is a big focal point. I've asked around and it seems there's no way to vent a gas insert within the surround. I'd be happy to put a small stove in front of the mantle but I don't see how the vent wouldn't be unsightly.
I'd love any suggestions for how to make this work!
![[Hearth.com] Any ideas for retrofitting my chimney-less coal box with a direct-vent stove? [Hearth.com] Any ideas for retrofitting my chimney-less coal box with a direct-vent stove?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/273/273270-cd6320e88b4b07231d6684a49631215f.jpg?hash=7SobnjKD49)
I just can't figure out how to install a gas stove in this room without it looking really awkward given that the mantle is a big focal point. I've asked around and it seems there's no way to vent a gas insert within the surround. I'd be happy to put a small stove in front of the mantle but I don't see how the vent wouldn't be unsightly.
I'd love any suggestions for how to make this work!
![[Hearth.com] Any ideas for retrofitting my chimney-less coal box with a direct-vent stove? [Hearth.com] Any ideas for retrofitting my chimney-less coal box with a direct-vent stove?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/273/273269-ed7bbd12808e950acde515900e7fb7af.jpg?hash=fWC0qXBwzA)
![[Hearth.com] Any ideas for retrofitting my chimney-less coal box with a direct-vent stove? [Hearth.com] Any ideas for retrofitting my chimney-less coal box with a direct-vent stove?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/273/273270-cd6320e88b4b07231d6684a49631215f.jpg?hash=7SobnjKD49)