Are wood burners going up in smoke?
Concerns over harmful emissions are making us think again about fireplaces — here’s how you can reinvent the space
AS THE weather turns nippier, so the woodburner starts to come into its own.
And for years, that orange glow and crackle of blazing logs has left us smug in the knowledge that we’re helping the environment as well as creating a cosy ambience.
But all is not well in the wood-burner firmament. While they have become hugely fashionable, with almost 200,000 sold every year — making them the Aga of our era — they might not be quite as appealing as previously thought.
Having been reassured for years that using a renewable fuel such as wood was green and clean, we’re now being told that wood-burners can be bad for our health and the environment.
Some scientists believe they are more harmful than traffic pollution. That’s because wood-burning produces particulates — tiny toxic particles that get into the lungs, the blood and even the brain. They can cause heart attacks and lung problems and can be particularly damaging for children.
A recent study showed the biggest source of these dangerous soot particles is wood-burning, a third of which occurs in homes.
New generations of the stoves will be more efficient at reducing emissions, but they won’t be able to eradicate them. So, for some wood-burner owners, the love affair is over.
If you do decide to ditch it, what can you do with the fireplace?
Lindsey Forrester Roberts, partner at Forest field ,( forrest field studio.
com) says: ‘First of all, start by thinking about the finish of the recess itself. You might want to keep the brick or refinish the interior space. Try interesting tiles, or make even more of a statement by using metallic sheets such as aged brass.
‘A favourite way to fill the space is with artificial candles, or “smart candles”, which are amazingly realistic. The flames flicker creating a warm glow and they are child-friendly.
A cluster of different sizes of candles looks welcoming and will really set off a metallic backdrop.
Interiors stylist and writer Joanna Thornhill ( joanna thornhill.co.uk) also goes with faux fire.
‘A non-functional fireplace complete with its hole can still be dressed like the real thing: pop an iron fire basket inside, add some garden logs and finish with a fire guard to create a convincing fake — LED pillar candles can give that authentic glow,’ she says.
‘ You could create a reading nook for your children or a comfy den for dogs if it’s big enough, or even fill it with ferns and succulents in terrariums.’
Interior designer Sophie Robinson (sophierobinson.co.uk) suggests a less radical course of action.
‘I’d be inclined to leave the wood-burner in place even if you decide not to use it, as they do make a lovely focal point,’ she says. ‘If you do remove it, you’d need to think of creating a new feature. A striking piece of artwork above the fireplace, for example, will draw the eye upwards.’
If you want an alternative way to heat your room, Dimplex ( dimplex.co.uk) has a range of electric imitation stoves virtually indistinguishable from actual burners. Its OptiMyst range has adjustable flame and smoke effects.
And if you choose to keep the home fires burning, be sure to use wood that has been dried for at least two years, have the stove checked regularly and the flue swept every year.