When it comes to fireplaces, there are three main types of units that you can choose from including fireplace inserts, zero clearance fireplaces and freestanding fireplaces. Below is a brief description of these types of fireplaces. This article will also discuss some of the common fireplace styles that many are using to design their homes.

Types of Fireplaces

The fireplace insert is specifically designed for being installed in an existing fireplace location. This is the best option to changing your fireplace to another fuel source. The most popular option for many in gas fireplace inserts.

Zero clearance fireplaces are specifically designed for those who have minimal space between the fireplace and combustible materials like studs and wallboard.

Lastly, there are freestanding fireplaces, which are perfect for places where you need supplemental heating such as basements.

Fireplace Styles

Fireplace manufacturers are staring to offer more styles and features to their fireplace options in order to meet consumer demands and in an effort to offer more than their competitors do. The most popular styles of fireplaces today are the corner fireplace and the see through fireplace. However, consider some of the more popular options below so you can find a design that interests you or works well with your home design.

The first is an outdoor fireplace, which is an excellent addition to a location where the family and friends can gather. The most popular option is the outdoor brick fireplace which can also increase the marketability and value of your home should you choose to sell.

The second option is the corner fireplace, which is perfect for smaller living spaces such as apartments, condominiums, lofts or single-family homes. A corner fireplace will make the perfect focal point of a room. A corner electric fireplace also provides a very convenient installation point.

Next is the multi-sided island fireplace. With this option, you get a style that is attractive as well as functional. These fireplaces will effectively radiate heat in multiple directions due to the open four-sided design of the fireplace.

Then there is a see thru fireplace, which can provide a unique barrier between two main rooms or a gathering location. With this option, you get not only a room divider, but you also get two beautiful fireplaces for the price of one.

Alternatively, consider the peninsula gas fireplace, which gives you a dramatic design that is visually appealing with three open viewing sides as well as a very energy efficient heating option.

Lastly, there is the fireplace stove option. This will provide your home with a traditional appearance that will last for many generations to come.

No matter which type or style of fireplace you choose you will be making an excellent addition that adds to the value of your home. Take the time to carefully consider all your options and choose a design that both works with your home and is a pleasing choice that shows off your unique style. With so many options to choose from you are sure to find the perfect choice.



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Coordinated Fireplace and Hearth Products are the Secret To Making Your Fireplace the Focal Point of Your Room

By nature, fire places attract attention to an area, which is a reason the hearth is a common gathering point for so many people. The addition of a couple of wall sconces on each side of the mantle is a wonderful way to draw attention to your fireplace. But for a truly unified look that can’t help but make the fireplace mantle the focus of your room, try using coordinated fireplace hearth products made of similar materials and decoration. Log holders, accessories, firescreens, rugs, and wood baskets can be coordinated to unify the hearth space and make it the envy of all your guests.

Firebacks

Even though firebacks were popular throughout the 18th century in North America, they were actually invented in Europe with roots going much further back. But, in both the New and Old World, their popularity faded to all but collectors and true fireplace fanatics. However with energy costs sky rocketing to record breaking levels, everyone is looking to extract more of their heating needs from different sources like fireplaces, although they’re also looking for the most effective fireplace available. Fireplace firebacks are constructed with cast iron and retain heat (and therefore provide warmth to the room) for a long time after a fire has burned out.

Fireplace Grates

Fireplace grates are a requirement if you like to burn a wood fire in the fireplace. The grate is elevated above the surface of the hearth floor to allow air to feed the flame from underneath. It also alllows the ashes from the burning wood to fall so they do not smother the flame. When picking a grate for the fireplace it is extremely important to measure your fireplace opening correctly. You’ll need the width of your fireplace opening in the back and front (if it tapers) plus the depth of the opening to find the perfect fireplace grate. Allow a 1 to 2 inch clearance on each side.

Hearth Accessories

The amount of fireplace accessories on the market for the fireplace hearth seem only to be limited by your creativity with some of the more popular choices being: wood holders, firesets, and firescreens. But do not forget about the other accessories such as fireplace rugs that can add extra pleasure to your evening in front of the fireplace. They are also good presents for people who have everything already. Who couldn’t use a fireplace bellow ?

Fireplace Tools

What fireplace hearth isn’t more complete with some fireplace tools neatly placed to the side? While people may use them just as a stylish element in a room, firesets are some of the most necessary fireplace accessories especially if you plan on burning a real wood fire in your fireplace. In general, fireplace tool sets come with a poker, tongs, a broom, and a shovel. Everything that’s necessary in order to keep the fire burning and the hearth clear of wood debris. Keep in mind, not all fireplace tool sets are created equal. You will find a huge selection of styles, materials, finishes, and prices. If you’re looking for a tool set that is reliable enough to last a long time, then a wrought iron or brass set will be the way to go. Once you have chosen the level of quality you are looking for, then decide on a finish that will go with the rest of your other decor.

Fireplace Screens

While we all love to sit and relax by our fireplace after working hard all day, the truth is that our hearth space is an extremely dangerous placeparticularly for those of us who have both kids AND animals! Trapped gases inside the wood might cause sparks to fly from your fire. Wrought iron fire screens are necessary to safeguarding your family and house from the hazard of flying embers. They’re essential, but when coordinated correctly with your decor, it adds an individual sense of character and style to the space. So while you can get the standard screen for the fireplace that simply protects your floors and family, you can also match and coordinate the design features with the other decorations in the house for a more distinctive and full look. With that in mind, fireplace screens become decorations in their own sense.

Log Baskets and Wood Holders

Keep your firewood stored neatly with a log basket or log holder. These popular accessories for the fireplace typically appear to be more ornamental than practical, and many people use them to store their favorite magazines. But don’t undervalue the functionality of the wood basket. Lets face it, if you are burning a wood fire, where do you plan to hold your wood for the evening? Wood holders have a built in handle so you will be able to take them to your wood pile for an easy refill when needed. Standing log holders generally have a detachable log tote made of thick cloth or leather that can also be used to easily move your logs from the log pile to the log holder. Match the design and finish with your other fireplace accessories for a more complete look.

For more information and tips on fireplace gloves or fire glass screens, please visit FireplaceScreensEtc.com and sign up to receive a FREE Quick Guide to buying appropriate fireplace accessories for your home.



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Fireplaces come in many shapes and sizes. There are also different types of fireplaces, including Wood Fireplaces, Gas Fireplaces, Electric Fireplaces, Traditional Fireplaces, Stone Fireplaces

Wood Fireplaces

There used to be a time when the most suitable material for the fireplace and the mantel was marble, stone, or simple bricks and mortar. Nowadays, many houses substituted it with wood, or have a significant amount of wood fitted in and around it. Wood fireplaces can enhance beauty and warmth to a home on top of being energy efficient. Wood fireplaces are now available in a wide assortment of designs from modern to rural and everything in between. The newest designs include multi-view wood fireplaces, wood fireplaces with unique surrounds and mantels and see-through wood fireplaces.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are an outstanding options to wood burning fireplaces. They offer the warmth and comfort of a fire without splitting, hauling, or stacking wood. They are low-maintenance appliances that’s why a lot of people buy them. Gas fireplaces are growing popular significantly each year. The popularity of gas fireplaces is growing substantially every year. The high demand for gas fireplaces has produced a spike in production.

Stone Fireplaces

This other type of fireplace has one of the most traditional looks. A stone fireplace can look gigantic with large stones reaching up the chimney to the room’s ceiling, or it can look fragile with a white, carved stone fireplace surround. The stone fireplace can fit into any fashion of decorating. It can also bring a natural texture and color into a room. Stone fireplaces are usual in older and newer homes. The size of the fireboxes will establish the size of the fireplace needed. The firebox is the interior where the fire will be burning. Older stone fireplaces did not come with doors, but with screens.

Cast Iron Fireplaces

Those who have homes with very little room for a fireplace will like the cast iron fireplaces. This type can be put up in a home using just a cement slab, the size of the fireplace and a fire proof stone wall at the back. It will require venting into a chimney, or outside, according to your municipal codes. Cast iron fireplaces and stoves are perfect for small areas. Cast iron fireplaces create a smokeless fuel fire so they are appropriate for interiors.

Traditional Fireplaces

The most recognizable type of fireplace is the typical “wall-mounted” design found in living rooms, dens, and even bedrooms. It may be consisted of brick, cement, stone, ceramic, or some mixture of these materials. The opening will typically be covered with a metal or glass screen of some type. Fireplaces of this kind often are surrounded by an exterior mantle, which can be made of wood, stone, brick, marble, metal, or some other material. Mantle styles can vary from unadorned to stylish to ornate to fanciful. Due to their importance, they often set the decorative tone for the whole room. Mostly they use wood for fuel, but some can also burn peat, coal, and other materials. Fireplaces of this type are not for the most part energy-efficient.



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