Understanding fireplace trends and designs

As the chill of winter approaches, you might wish to consider beating the cold – and creating a sense of warmth and luxury in your home – with a new fireplace. The hypnotic flicker of flames can add a sense of tranquility and comfort to any space, but with a wide variety of design options to choose from, selecting a fireplace can quickly become overwhelming.

When selecting a fireplace for your home, it is important to consider what its primary purpose will be. Prior to the research phase, contacting vendors or shopping, ask yourself some key questions that will help you determine which fireplace is best suited for your needs.

What is the budget for this installation?

Will the fireplace be used for aesthetic purposes and to create ambience, as a main source of heating, or both?

What is your style preference – are you looking for something modern and sleek, or dramatic and showy?

What building requirements are needed to install your preferred fireplace?

You should also consider insulation, widow size and ceiling heights, as these are all factors that will impact the type of fireplace that is most effective for your space. Also, speak with an expert! Bring a floor plan and an initial idea of what you are looking for, and these talented professionals will be able to assist in calculating heating capacity and recommend suitable options for your home.

The three most common types of fireplaces to choose from are gas, electric and wood-burning. Within these categories there are a number of different styles and varieties to choose from as well.

Gas fireplaces

Over the years, there has been an increase in popularity of gas fireplaces. The heat emission from gas fireplaces is almost instantaneous; they are affordable, stress-free to maintain and the installation process is relatively easy as they don’t require a brick-built chimney. Gas fireplaces should be used as a secondary form of heating. Most built-in gas fireplaces with direct venting can be enclosed with wood framing and other standard construction materials, although offsets or heat shields may be required from some parts and materials.

Wood-burning fireplaces

The play of light from a traditional woodburning fireplace offers an incomparable, mesmerizing effect you simply can’t get with another unit. The aroma and warmth from a woodburning fireplace generates a luxurious level of comfort, and

is considered a carbonneutral way of producing heat for your entire home. These fireplaces do require a constant supply of fuel (wood), plus upkeep that is not necessary for a gas or electric fireplace, and the installation also does require a chimney.

Electric fireplaces

The evolution of electric fireplaces has grown significantly over the past few years. They now incorporate modern LED lighting technology to mimic a flame effect that is almost as good as a real flame. They also offer a higher level of heat output that is low maintenance and energy efficient. Due to the primary use – decorative purposes – this type of fireplace would not be one to consider for a primary source of heat. The variety of floorstanding, suspended or wall-mounted electric fireplaces gives much room for customization and style.

Consider which style of fireplace best fits your space.

Free-standing fireplaces:

highly efficient heating options for homes that don’t have enough wall space for a built-in. They add a fun focal point to a space with high cathedral ceilings

and open floor plans.

Suspended fireplaces:

hung from the ceiling, a suspended fireplace can create a beautiful and unique interior sculpture for your room. Suspended rotating fireplaces offer a playful 360-degree pivot rotation option that allows the fire to be positioned anywhere in the room and is great for entertaining.

Double-sided fireplaces:

using this design as a divider between two spaces is a great way to connect one room to the next.

Wall-mounted fireplaces:

One of the most popular styles for creating a statement are wall-mounted fireplaces. They are great for spaces of any size, are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Corner unit fireplaces:

These are perfect for filling dead space or an unused nook in a room. They stand alone and are similar to a free-standing fireplace, but are easily tucked away in a corner.

There are countless amazing fireplace options for you to choose from and the talented professionals from the Home Builders Association of Dayton are here to help. Begin your search for the perfect fireplace at the Home Builders of Dayton website – www. HBADayton.com – and find a member to help with your project.