A fireplace and method of manufacturing a fireplace. Embodiments of the fireplace comprise a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, and a back wall opposite the front opening. The back wall can be controllably switched between an opaque state and a transparent state. A combustion region between the front opening and the back wall is adapted to provide a flame. A controller coupled to the back wall enables a user to switch the back wall between the opaque and transparent states. In embodiments the back wall comprises a glass panel and switchable film on the glass panel. The controller is coupled to the switchable film.