The right fireplace can completely transform a room, serving a practical purpose (keeping you warm) and creating an attractive focal point.
But choosing a fireplace isn’t a decision to rush into. There are so many things you should consider, from the type of fuel you want to use, to the appearance of the surround, and the maintenance you’re prepared to commit to.
This guide breaks down all the things you should consider when you’re on the market for a new fireplace.
Fuel Type
The makes-sense starting point is to decide how you want to fuel your fireplace. You have a few different options here: gas, electric, wood burning, and even ethanol (although this is less common).
Each fuel type has its pros and cons:
- Gas fireplaces offer consistent heat and work well in modern homes
- Electric fireplaces are easy to install, with no chimney required, but they’re expensive to run
- Wood-burning fireplaces give you the real deal, with crackling logs and real flames, but they require maintenance and can cause indoor pollution
- Ethanol fireplaces are a clean burning option and don’t need venting, so they’re a popular choice for apartments
When you’re choosing a fuel type, it’s a good idea to research each type in detail, considering your lifestyle and how much upkeep you’re willing to do.
Placement
Your next consideration should be where you want the fireplace to go. Most people imagine fireplaces as a living room centerpiece, but you can also install them as a cozy addition to a bedroom or dining room, or even a statement in an outdoor space.
The size of the room and its layout will dictate your choice here.
Heat Output
Depending on the fuel type, different fireplaces produce different amounts of heat. Again, the level of heat generated from a fire—or whether you even care about heat output at all—depends on your personal preferences.
Back in the day, fireplaces were essential in homes for keeping us warm. But since most homes are now heated with modern alternatives, it’s common for fireplaces to be purely decorative. But if you’re looking to reduce your heating bill, you might specifically be interested in fires that can efficiently heat a whole room.
Style and Design
Beyond the fire itself, you also need to think about the surround. We’re spoilt for choice with the fire surrounds sold today, with something for everyone, whether you prefer sleek, modern styles or ornate and traditional designs.
When you’re considering your options, go for fireplace surrounds that will tie nicely into your home’s style. Materials like marble, brick, stone, and wood are popular for surrounds, so you’ll find it easy to something that matches your furniture and colour scheme.
Installation and Maintenance
Finally, consider the installation and maintenance requirements of different fireplaces, and how much work you’re willing to commit to.
When it comes to installation, some fireplaces, like electric fires, are easy enough for anyone with basic DIY skills to install, while others, like wood-burning fireplaces, need a chimney and a more invasive installation process.
In terms of upkeep, again, this depends on your fireplace of choice. Wood-burning fireplaces need to be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup, while gas and electric fires are lower-maintenance. Consider how much effort you want to put in when you’re making your choice.
Armed with the information in this guide, you should be able to confidently choose a fireplace that’s just right for you.
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