Fireplaces came into existence around the 11th century along with chimneys for the two-storey houses. Throughout centuries fireplaces have evolved in functionality and design till they started being considered as a part of decorative elements inside the house made with materials such as marble, granite, cast iron, patterned tiles and ornaments during the Victorian era. At present, we have the option to merge aesthetics with functionality and there are a number of designs and styles to choose from. We are happy to bring you a list of things to consider before you invest in a fireplace.
Wooden fireplace – A classic fireplace with a stone chimney and burning wooden logs creates a genuine look, sound and smell in your home. It comes at a cost as installation, management and upkeep are more expensive compared to other contemporary fireplaces. While fireplaces using real wood are challenging to install and maintain, they also need careful monitoring for safety reasons. If managed well, a wooden fireplace can be the highlight of your home for generations to come, if not managed well it could turn into an eye-sore real soon.
Gas fireplace – As a realistic alternative to wooden fireplaces, Gas burning fireplaces as the name suggests are fueled by natural gas or propane. Most gas fireplaces (vented and vent-free) feature decorative ceramic logs that replicate real wood with fireballs, glass rocks and stones offering a modern vibe. Gas fireplaces are adjustable, efficient and produce the most heat while being cleaner and environment friendly. They take way less maintenance than wooden fireplaces, but one needs to be careful of the gas hazards or a potential leak.
Electric fireplace – Easiest to install, an electric fireplace has no fire involved. It gets simply plugged in and blows heat into the room like an electric heater while the aesthetics and multiple assorted designs make them a center of attraction in your home. There is no fire and fumes and thus it does not require any ventilation. We have the most energy-efficient electric fireplaces available in a variety of designs and styles to match and complement the decor in your home. These are a much safer option to use around your children and pets.
Design of a fireplace – It is possible to get any of the electric or gas fireplaces in the design of your choice. Contemporary fireplaces feature flames over glass rocks, stones and other unique materials and offer a modern vibe to the fireplace. On the other hand, traditional fireplaces that involve natural wooden logs burning in front of a classic brick, blend perfectly in farmhouses and homes with Victorian, nautical, Mediterranean, and rustic design themes.
Efficiency of a fireplace – Fireplaces insulated with ceramic glass doors are efficient and offer maximum heat transfer while using minimal energy. There is also an option of firebox-only fireplaces that offer an almost realistic design of a wood-burning hearth and highlight the flames without any glass barrier.
Where to put the fireplace?
A fireplace is a valued addition to almost any room such as living rooms and bedrooms to bathrooms. You can anchor the space with a multi-view fireplace that can support the living room, kitchen and dining area in an open-concept house. Living rooms are ideal as the family spends quality time together in a living room. A fireplace in the living room often becomes the decoration area for all major celebrations and events indoors. An outdoor fireplace can enhance your backyard, creating the perfect space to relax and entertain guests.
Size of a fireplace – Fireplaces can be classified into four sizes such as small, medium, large, and extra-large. As a thumb rule, a small gas fireplace won’t heat beyond 500 sq. ft., a medium fireplace can heat between 500 – 1,000 sq. ft, a large fireplace can heat between 1,000 – 2,200 sq. ft., and an extra-large fireplace can heat over 2,200+ sq. ft. These are related area sizes and final results may differ depending upon the storeys, climate and the floor plan.
Factors affecting heat – A wide variety of factors can influence the heating capacity of fireplaces such as the height of the ceilings, insulation at home, number of windows, layout of the house, vented appliances in the house like the exhaust, kitchen chimney etc.
A right fireplace can help decorate your house and keep the family warm on those chilly days. It can also help bring down the utility bills while transforming the style and vibe of your home. It is important to consult a specialist before installing a fireplace. At Livwell, we can incorporate the nature and placement of the fireplace in the layout design that offers optimum results while consuming less energy. A fireplace can change your home’s look and feel for generations to come and is an investment in upgrading the value of your home.
