Small Fireplaces: Gel Fuel, Electric, Wall Mounted or Virtual?
Although most of today's homes no longer rely on a fireplace for heating purposes, they are still in high demand. Fireplaces will always have a special allure. The vision of cozying up in front of a roaring fire, mug of hot chocolate in hand, while snow falls gently outside the window or sitting in front of a rippling fire while you and your beloved spend a romantic evening together are two appealing scenarios that may come to mind when thinking of a fireplace. If you live in a small home, apartment or condominium, you may not have the luxury of a built-in fireplace. However, today you can purchase a fireplace that would fit into even the smallest of spaces. There are various options to choose from.
These include:
Virtual/Digital fireplaces
Compact fireplaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces
Tabletop fireplaces
Whether your style leans more toward modern, contemporary or anywhere in-between, one of the above-mentioned fireplaces would suite it perfectly.
Electric or Gel Fuel Fireplaces
When looking into purchasing a fireplace for your small space, you will discover that some use gel fuel and others electric. The advantages are both are eco-friendly, do not require venting or special hook-ups and are clean and odor-free. However, you may want to consider the cost and convenience of both before making a particular small space fireplace purchase.
Gel Fuel
Each gel fuel can lasts approximately 3 hours. They come in a case of twenty-four and cost $65 on average. By doing the calculations, it can be determined that one case of gel fuel will last around 72 hours. Due to the cost, most retailers will inform you that small fireplaces that run on gel fuel are mainly for decorative purposes rather than heating.
Electric
The advantage of purchasing a small fireplace that runs on electricity is the ease of use. It is also unnecessary to spend your valuable time (not to mention gas), to make trips to the store to get what is required to keep the fireplace going. The disadvantage is that your electric bill may increase significantly. However, this can be remedied by monitoring the amount of time the fireplace is in use.
Virtual/Digital Fireplaces for Small Spaces
Many may not consider a virtual fireplace as a serious fireplace option. However, before it is written off completely, it should be noted that today's technology has brought the virtual fireplace a long way from the mock fireplaces of yesteryear. Today's virtual fireplaces are basically a DVD that you put into your television or personal computer that creates a realistic illusion of a crackling fire. The DVD loops around and plays continuously until you turn it off.
Depending on your expectations, you may find yourself disappointed either by the quality of the video or that it is just not "real" enough for you. However, a virtual fireplace is perfect for small spaces. If you have room for a television or computer, you are already one step closer to having a fireplace. It may only be a facsimile of the real thing, but it is worth looking into if you have limited space and you want to add an ambiance of romance or the warm cozy feel that a real fireplace adds to any room.
Compact Fireplaces Made for Small Spaces
A normal size fireplace is around 40-50 inches wide. Those in the range of 25-35 inches wide would classify as a compact or small fireplace. Most traditional fireplaces are available only in floor models. Compact fireplaces are wonderful space savers as many are designed as corner units.
Wall-Mounted Fireplaces Perfect for Small Spaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces obviously take up no floor space. For that reason alone, a wall-mounted fireplace would be considered the ultimate in space saving design. If your style in décor is traditional, you may have difficulty finding a wall-mounted fireplace to suite your taste as most have a contemporary look and feel. However, as wall-mounted fireplaces increase in popularity, it is probable that the selection will grow offering more variety in design.
Tabletop Fireplaces Uniquely Designed for Small Spaces
Tabletop fireplaces are in one word "unique". If you are not wanting a floor model or wall-mounted fireplace, but you desire a small fireplace that is not only fun, but also out of the ordinary, then a tabletop fireplace may be just what you are searching for.
From a smokeless glass-fire tabletop fireplace made specifically to enhance the view of the dancing flames to a contemporary tabletop fireplace with stainless steel logs mounted on a slate base, these small scale fireplaces are miniature works of art that are bound to be great conversation starters.
Today, there are various options to choose from to have a cozy romantic fireplace in even the smallest of spaces. From compact, wall-mounted, tabletop, to a virtual/digital fireplace, there is sure to be one to suite any home or even office décor.
About the Author:
These include:
Virtual/Digital fireplaces
Compact fireplaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces
Tabletop fireplaces
Whether your style leans more toward modern, contemporary or anywhere in-between, one of the above-mentioned fireplaces would suite it perfectly.
Electric or Gel Fuel Fireplaces
When looking into purchasing a fireplace for your small space, you will discover that some use gel fuel and others electric. The advantages are both are eco-friendly, do not require venting or special hook-ups and are clean and odor-free. However, you may want to consider the cost and convenience of both before making a particular small space fireplace purchase.
Gel Fuel
Each gel fuel can lasts approximately 3 hours. They come in a case of twenty-four and cost $65 on average. By doing the calculations, it can be determined that one case of gel fuel will last around 72 hours. Due to the cost, most retailers will inform you that small fireplaces that run on gel fuel are mainly for decorative purposes rather than heating.
Electric
The advantage of purchasing a small fireplace that runs on electricity is the ease of use. It is also unnecessary to spend your valuable time (not to mention gas), to make trips to the store to get what is required to keep the fireplace going. The disadvantage is that your electric bill may increase significantly. However, this can be remedied by monitoring the amount of time the fireplace is in use.
Virtual/Digital Fireplaces for Small Spaces
Many may not consider a virtual fireplace as a serious fireplace option. However, before it is written off completely, it should be noted that today's technology has brought the virtual fireplace a long way from the mock fireplaces of yesteryear. Today's virtual fireplaces are basically a DVD that you put into your television or personal computer that creates a realistic illusion of a crackling fire. The DVD loops around and plays continuously until you turn it off.
Depending on your expectations, you may find yourself disappointed either by the quality of the video or that it is just not "real" enough for you. However, a virtual fireplace is perfect for small spaces. If you have room for a television or computer, you are already one step closer to having a fireplace. It may only be a facsimile of the real thing, but it is worth looking into if you have limited space and you want to add an ambiance of romance or the warm cozy feel that a real fireplace adds to any room.
Compact Fireplaces Made for Small Spaces
A normal size fireplace is around 40-50 inches wide. Those in the range of 25-35 inches wide would classify as a compact or small fireplace. Most traditional fireplaces are available only in floor models. Compact fireplaces are wonderful space savers as many are designed as corner units.
Wall-Mounted Fireplaces Perfect for Small Spaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces obviously take up no floor space. For that reason alone, a wall-mounted fireplace would be considered the ultimate in space saving design. If your style in décor is traditional, you may have difficulty finding a wall-mounted fireplace to suite your taste as most have a contemporary look and feel. However, as wall-mounted fireplaces increase in popularity, it is probable that the selection will grow offering more variety in design.
Tabletop Fireplaces Uniquely Designed for Small Spaces
Tabletop fireplaces are in one word "unique". If you are not wanting a floor model or wall-mounted fireplace, but you desire a small fireplace that is not only fun, but also out of the ordinary, then a tabletop fireplace may be just what you are searching for.
From a smokeless glass-fire tabletop fireplace made specifically to enhance the view of the dancing flames to a contemporary tabletop fireplace with stainless steel logs mounted on a slate base, these small scale fireplaces are miniature works of art that are bound to be great conversation starters.
Today, there are various options to choose from to have a cozy romantic fireplace in even the smallest of spaces. From compact, wall-mounted, tabletop, to a virtual/digital fireplace, there is sure to be one to suite any home or even office décor.
About the Author:
Tameka Norris has been living in small spaces since she was 10 years old. She now runs a website titled Furniture for Small Spaces to help people who go through the same frustrating circumstance of trying to make big bulky furniture fit in places that barely offer enough room. She offers nifty tips and tactics, a Q & A section for people in need of answers, photos of her own small space trials, projects for the DIYer and recommendations on furniture choices.
 |
 Nu Flame Fiero Free Standing Floor Ethanol Fireplace $299.99 Time Remaining: 17d 6h 12m Buy It Now for only: $299.99 Buy It Now |
 GV Tempered Glass Electric Fireplace Heater 1500W Wall Mount Log with LED Flame $145.99 Time Remaining: 39m Bid now |
 36 Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Heater Blacklight 1500W 5200BTUs 510GLB $189.95 Time Remaining: 42m Bid now |
 750 1250W 3D ELECTRIC FIREPLACE HEATER BLACK CSA CSAus $322.99 Time Remaining: 13d 20h 39m Buy It Now for only: $322.99 Buy It Now |
 New Wood Trim Panel Electric Fireplace Heater Wall Mount Flame Light 510A Log $159.00 Time Remaining: 44m Bid now |
 Elk in Meadow Fireplace Wood Stove Flue Stop $7.95 Time Remaining: 48m Buy It Now for only: $14.00 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Nu Flame Ardore Table Top Bio Ethanol Fireplace NEW $129.99 Time Remaining: 17d 6h 12m Buy It Now for only: $129.99 Buy It Now |
 Radiance Gas Stove Fireplace Model 2600 $200.00 Time Remaining: 52m Bid now |
 Charmglow Gas Indoor Fireplace Fan Forced Heater Solid Wood CabinetUsed Once $150.00 Time Remaining: 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $225.00 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Nu Flame Fiamme Free Standing Floor Ethanol Fireplace $199.99 Time Remaining: 17d 6h 12m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 Buy It Now |
 1800s FIREPLACE FOOD BREAD WARMER VERY RARE ITEM FOR YOUR FIREPLACE $19.99 Time Remaining: 1h 50m Bid now |
 Mahogany Electric Fireplace Heater with Remote Wall Mounted $189.99 Time Remaining: 10d 7h 31m Buy It Now for only: $189.99 Buy It Now |
 PLEASANT HEARTH CRAWFORD ELECTRIC FIREPLACE 218 181 64 $42.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 3m Bid now |
 Martin Gas Fireplace $100.00 Time Remaining: 2h 24m Bid now |
 Mahogany Classic Mantle with Electric Fireplace FREE SHIPPING $349.95 Time Remaining: 12d 12h 3m Buy It Now for only: $349.95 Buy It Now |
 Wood Stove Fireplace Insert Freestanding Heats 2700 SF $1,399.00 Time Remaining: 2h 53m Buy It Now for only: $1,699.00 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Wood Stove Heats 2500 SF Free Standing or Insert $1,399.00 Time Remaining: 2h 56m Buy It Now for only: $1,699.00 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 25 1 2 BRONZE REFLEC FIREGLASS Fireplace Logs FirePit $159.00 Time Remaining: 11d 16h 40m Buy It Now for only: $159.00 Buy It Now |
 REAL FLAME W BIO GEL VENTLESS STAINLESS STEEL WALLMOUNT BIOGEL FIREPLACE 10 $49.00 Time Remaining: 3h Bid now |
 VENTLESS STAINLESS STEEL WALLMOUNT BIOGEL FIREPLACE 3 REAL FLAMES W BIO GEL $49.00 Time Remaining: 3h 1m Bid now |
 Stove Heater Heat Electric Fireplace 750 to 1500 Watt Heater Up to 400 sq feet $69.33 Time Remaining: 8d 20h 1m Buy It Now for only: $69.33 Buy It Now |
 DIMPLEX 30 FIREPLACE INSERT HEATER MODEL DFB6016 $229.99 Time Remaining: 3h 6m Buy It Now for only: $274.99 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 LifeSmart Electric Dynamic Infrared Fireplace Heater $199.99 Time Remaining: 1d 48m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 Buy It Now |
 New 1500W Diva Tranquility Wall Mount Electric Fireplace Space Heater 1500 Watts $169.95 Time Remaining: 3h 8m Bid now |
 Stone Fireplace Mantel Mantle $950.00 Time Remaining: 3h 8m Buy It Now for only: $1,200.00 Buy It Now | Bid now |
 Nu Flame Accenda Table Top Bio Ethanol Fireplace NEW $109.99 Time Remaining: 17d 6h 12m Buy It Now for only: $109.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Fireplace Bellows Leather with Brass Accents Eagle Shield $7.99 Time Remaining: 3h 10m Bid now |
 New 1500W Diva Tranquility Wall Mount Electric Fireplace Space Heater 1500 Watts $81.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 18m Bid now |
 LifeSmart Electric Dynamic Infrared Fireplace Heater $269.95 Time Remaining: 21d 3h 42m Buy It Now for only: $269.95 Buy It Now |
 Desa cast iron freestanding gas fireplace propane $213.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 22m Bid now |