When you think about fireplaces, one of the first things that come to mind is the undeniable cozy effect of warmth and a homely atmosphere.
Fireplaces are the perfect addition to a romantic winter’s evening. It adds that cheerful presence when gathered to entertain friends and family.
With that said, you want to make sure that your fireplace is on-trend and timeless. You also need to consider your budget, materials to use, as well as safety factors.
Popular fireplace options
Since there are so many different ones, it can sometimes become overwhelming when having to choose.
Wood burning fireplaces
This is the traditional fireplace that’s been around for many years. It is often built into a wall and finished off with a decorative mantle. Wood burning fireplaces add true rustic appeal to any property.
Pros:
- Adds a beautiful, crackling, cozy atmosphere
- It works without electricity
Cons:
- Expensive maintenance
- Expensive to install
- It needs wood to create the fire
Electric fireplaces
Electrical fireplaces are a somewhat modern take to the traditional wood burning favorite. As its name suggests, it relies on electricity to “burn”. It similarly creates heat like a heater would and is thus safer by not bearing an open flame. To add to the traditional style, it portrays an image of a fire burning.
Pros:
- They are simple and easy to install
- Less expensive
- They are portable
Cons:
- It could run up your utility bill
- It cannot work without electricity
- There are limited designs
Gas Fireplaces
Gas is another contribution to a contemporary lifestyle. It depends on electricity neither on logs to burn.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Reduces the cost to utility bills
- Heats up quickly
Cons:
- Expensive installation costs
- It doesn’t give the same ambience as a traditional wood fireplace
Less popular fireplace choices
Gel fireplace - are affable and uses gel fuel to burn. It is easy to install and maintain. Although gel fireplaces use real flames, it only heats a small area. These are thus not suitable to heat your entire home.
Ethanol fireplace - are affordable and the fire relies on ethanol to burn. Temperatures are adjustable but it isn’t great at heating large areas. Since they are mobile, you can mount them on the wall or place them on a tabletop.
Fireplace designs and positions
Depending on what fireplace you’re having installed, you can get pretty creative with your interior decor in this regards.
Mantelpieces
It isn’t mandatory to have a mantelpiece attached to your fireplace but it is a nice addition.
Some fireplaces can be:
- Mounted on a wall
- Lightweight ones can fit on a tabletop
- They can hang in mid-air
- Some are two-sided to warm up a larger space
- Ultra-modern fireplaces are often set in marble or glass
Popular materials for fireplaces
Material choice varies depending on the type of fireplace and the initial design. Some materials used include:
- Brick
- wood
- Stone
- Concrete
- Metal
- Glass
- Marble
- Tile
With professional help, you can choose the most ideal fireplace to suit your property and your budget. Contact Creative Home Stagers for affordable, innovative home inspiration.