Fireplaces: a burning issue

THE

traditional fireplace has been having a distinctly modern makeover of late.

Whether you’re looking for an ultra-modern fireplace or just an updated twist on an old-fashioned favourite, there’s a diverse range of products and heating methods out there to indulge your fiery fancies.

Here, we take a look at some of the key points to consider...

Fuel options: Pros and cons

All but a sliver of human history has been dominated by one kind of fuel: wood. Wrought out of stone or brick, a classic wood fire is dreamy, romantic – and a right pain in the behind to clean and maintain. Soot clogs the lungs, ash scorches the brickwork, and a good portion of heat is lost up the chimney.

Throw in a smattering of environmental concerns, and it’s no wonder that modern homes may be moving away from wood-burners.

Most domestic fireplaces now tend towards one of three fuels: gas, electricity, or ethanol.

A relatively new entrant, ethanol fireplaces are ventless units that run on denatured alcohol, producing no pollutants beside negligible quantities of CO2. Ethanol doesn’t roar or crackle like a wood fire on a cold winter evening, but the flames dance and flicker attractively.

A style feature

Once a stationary object, confined to a square metre or so below the chimney, fireplaces have now found their way into almost every part of your living room.

Some protrude from the wall; some rise up through the floor; some hang precariously from the ceiling. There are even fireplaces that can be controlled remotely through an app on your smartphone, and that can change the colour of their flames at will.

Though they may not pack the most punch, ethanol fireplaces lead the pack in flexibility when it comes to styling a room.

Needing neither chimney nor plug socket, freestanding units can be re-positioned at will, while initial installation takes around 10-15 minutes. Weather-permitting, they can even be taken outside.

New twists on old models

Not to be outdone, the usually chimney-bound gas fire has been working overtime to keep up with modern trends. Consumers who know where to look can now purchase “ventless” gas fires, units with low emissions that can burn in any corner of your home.

Ventless fires can work well for those hunting a heat-centric unit with a more traditional aesthetic, but the low-level emissions they do release flow straight into your living room. Designs are strictly regulated – but make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is in good order, just in case.

The finest flames

Imaginfires sells their ethanol units for £120-£700, while limestone models from Chesneys start at around £1,600.

Those looking for more from their fire can buy a multimedia fireplace – an electric fire built into an entertainment unit that can include anything from a CD rack to a widescreen TV and BOSE sound system.