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.

To truly unlock the potential in any fireplace, you have to know some common design fundamentals. These deal with three things — the hearth, the opening and the firebox. Additionally, you have to take into consideration how these three elements will tie into the room in which the fireplace rests.

So first, let’s discuss some terms. The hearth is the outside of the fireplace, generally speaking. The firebox itself is where the fire is burned and contained. The opening is the shape of the opening of the box. Generally it will be a rectangular opening.

When contemplating different design ideas, start with the hearth. You should consider different positional placing for the hearth. You can have it rest on the floor. Or you can suspend it so it is above the floor. The final option is to sink it, so it rests lower than the floor.

There is also the occasional fireplace design idea that does not incorporate a hearth at all. In these special circumstances, there are things you must do to the firebox so the floor doesn’t get burned. You can dress your fireplace up with different hearths.

If you are on a budget, this is where you can really stretch your dollar to design something that looks beautiful but is inexpensive.

The firebox itself is pretty straightforward, and like the hearth, generally is designed in relation to the floor. Also, the size of the firebox should be taken into consideration.

While most design ideas incorporate a rectangular fireplace opening, it doesn’t mean that you have to. For example, you can flare out the opening; you can even flare it inward, toward the fireplace.

Or perhaps you’d like to arch the top to match other design elements in the room. Or maybe you’d like to try something unique and create a fireplace opening that has no straight lines at all, but is one long curve. The most likely place you’ll see these opening are in homes that have a southwest theme.

Remember that each of these elements will affect all other elements, and also will influence the feel of the room. Keep this in mind when considering different fireplace design ideas.

Most modern fireplace designs are uncomplicated-composed of mainly clean straight lines without the lavish décor and classical curves that some traditional designs are known for. They are normally matted in silver or can be in polished wood. Here are some of the most common types and makes of modern fireplace.

Cast iron type is a polished cast insert or fascia panel that accentuates the modern look of your home. The timber surrounds, on the other hand, usually have an oak or pine frame or mantel. This elegant design would fit most contemporary home because it has no fancy corbels. Mix it with granite panel and hearth to achieve that striking contrast.

Perhaps the most common type of modern fireplaces are made from limestone. Lots of modern houses use age-old limestone not just for their fireplaces but also for other parts of the house like the kitchen or even the living room. The reason behind this is that its neutral color helps it to blend with any interior décor. If properly installed, it can even enhance the look of traditional houses. It may look simple, but it surely has a luxurious feel to it. Limestones vary in color and veining so no two limestone fireplaces look exactly the same-even if they have the same design.

Some companies offer micro grain marble mantel for you fireplace. What they do is crush these marbles into fine pieces and then bond them together to make a fireplace mantel. The good thing about this type is that they have a subtle but high gloss finish and remains as glossy for years to come.

Now if you like a modern fireplace design that can last a lifetime, then choose a fireplace suite that is made from natural stone. Some companies build these suites with a durable finish-they are scratch and stain resistant-and are suitable for gas fires.

With today’s modern styles, the options and possibilities are truly endless. These designs may appear lacklustre at first, but once you see the overall look of your home, you will realize that there is beauty in simplicity. These modern fireplace designs do not downplay the contemporary look of any home but actually highlight it. Who wouldn’t want to have a fireplace that blends well with the interior of the house? Not only is it pleasing to the eye but also provides you with a more enjoyable lounging whenever you prefer to stay in your living room.

The cosy and homey feeling brought about by the fireplace’s lit fire is a feast for the senses. And if you are a hopeless romantic, the best way to cap the night off is to sit via the fireside with your loved right beside you. What a difference a fireplace makes!

Compared to wood-burning fireplace, a gas fireplace insert is a superior choice since it is cleaner, safer and easier to use. It offers the maximum level of convenience without burden. A gas fireplace insert does not only improve your environment aesthetically, it also provides home energy savings and can improve the efficiency of the fireplace by up to 85 percent. A gas fireplace insert also works well if you use your fireplace as a zone heater.

A gas fireplace insert, which can be operated at a flip of a switch, can be fitted easily into your existing fireplace and turn it into an efficient heat provider. A gas fireplace insert is made up of a gas log set fitted in a firebox that’s made of either steel or ceramic. A gas fireplace insert has a co-linear aluminum intake and exhaust liners that stretch out to the chimney top, where a converter box enables attachment of a co-axial cap. A gas fireplace insert is equipped with an external shell that delivers heated air into a room and cut down heat loss to the masonry. A gas fireplace insert also comes with panels that shield the fireplace opening. To facilitate heat movement in a room, most units are equipped with fans and are supplemented with wall-mounted thermostats or remote control devices to allow for automatic operation. A gas fireplace insert is also an environment-friendly device that produces cleaner flames, thus producing less pollution.

If you’re planning to install a gas fireplace insert, consider a direct vent gas fireplace insert. This type has been tested to have similar standards as with furnaces. A direct vent gas fireplace insert features a sealed combustion system that provides more heating efficiency. This system ensures that the combustion air that creates flames originated entirely from outside the home through a direct vent pipe. This procedure reduces heat loss, which is common in conventional chimneys. With a direct vent gas fireplace, 85 percent of generated heat remains in the house. Plus, the direct vent pipe also protects the quality of the air indoors by pushing out 100 percent of the fire’s combustion exhaust outside the house. Because of this, a direct vent gas fireplace insert is a healthier alternative to other heat-providing devices.

The modern gas fireplace insert of today looks similar to traditional fireplace inserts wherein the gas tube is mounted on the opposite side of the wall. This is to conceal it from plain view and allow easy reloading. Fireplaces that are equipped with inserts afford a simpler means of cleaning compared to open fireplaces given that the floors of inserts are flat and even allowing people to effortlessly clean ashes or dust.

A unit of gas fireplace insert can go from a low of a couple of hundred dollars to as high as several thousands of dollars. They come in different styles like the traditional masonry and contemporary looks.

Louis style French fireplaces are imposing and striking installations that really do bring a room to life and it is possible to completely rejuvenate the look and feel of a room with carefully chosen Louis style French fireplace. There are a number of key elements to take into consideration when it comes to choosing fireplaces and with so many fantastic designs, styles and materials on the market, it really is possible to find a fireplace that meets all your needs in terms of look and functionality.

Obviously, when choosing a Louis style French fireplace, the most crucial decisive factor is that of personal preference and your choice should reflect your own tastes and dovetail successfully with the style of home in which you live. For example, if you live in a period Victorian property, your choice of fireplace should be of a design and style which takes this into account. Fireplaces are crafted in many different materials but one of the most popular is unquestionably that of Louis style French fireplaces.

Fireplaces – Making the Right Choice

Choosing fireplaces isn’t something that should be taken lightly because fireplaces last for many years and it is important to get the decision right first time. When it comes to picking Louis style French fireplace it helps to know what you are looking for and some of the main considerations include:

Design – Of course, you will need to choose a design that suits your needs and fits in well with the overall surroundings in which the fireplace is to be installed. You will find plenty of choice of designs when it comes to Louis style French fireplaces and you are sure to find a fireplace that you are happy with.
Materials – As mentioned, fireplaces come in a multitude of different materials and can be crafted from stone, metal or any material which is fire resistant. Louis style French fireplaces are generally crafted from stone and look great in many different types of home.
Size – The size of Louis style French fireplaces should be reflected by the size of the room in which it is installed. There is nothing worse than putting a highly intricate and large fireplace in a small room that simply cannot accommodate it effectively. Speaking to experts providers of fireplaces is the best way to establish what is the best type of fireplace for your needs.

Having a fireplace in your home is an excellent way for you to add an enjoyable area to your living space and a stone fireplace design is going to fit in well in almost any environment. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting started.

1. The first thing that you’re going to need to look into when you are deciding on which stone fireplace to use in your home is the local building code. These vary from location to location but you want to make sure that any of the stone fireplace designs that you’re looking at will not need to be modified in order to fit the local code. The reason why this is the case is because it can make it rather difficult and at times expensive in order to make the modifications. There is also going to be a delay in approval for your building the fireplace, especially if these modifications need to take place.

2. You might also be interested in looking at some of the designs that are available for the outside of your home. A lot of people tend to overlook the possibility of having a fireplace outside but you would probably be surprised that they are well within the building code for many areas around the country. Of course, it may need to be built to the same specifications as an indoor fireplace but if you choose from among the proper fireplace designs, you can have an extremely rustic looking area outside of your home. This gives you a great place to spend time with family and friends, away from all the distractions that tend to be inside a home.

3. None of the stone fireplace designs would really be complete without the proper accessories included. These not only include the tools that are needed in order to keep the fireplace in proper running order, it also includes screens and perhaps even things that go on the interior of the fireplace. Having everything match is an excellent way for you to have your new fireplace blend into your living environment and provide you with years of enjoyment.

Let’s face it: it is really hard to decide which style would fit in your house. This is doubly hard for people who have the slightest idea about interior design let alone building a fireplace. First you have to consider where you would want to put your fireplace. Then there’s the material to be used and the contractor that you will hire for the job (unless you are familiar with carpentry and can build a fireplace on your own).

You would also have to consider your budget. Even if you want a very stylish hearth but your finances wouldn’t allow for it, then you just might choose the next best style. While you can mix and match all the ideas that come to your mind, it is better to look at some design photos first to give you a general idea of possible styling solutions for your home.

Modern times call for houses with contemporary look. This is the trend these days. Yet some prefer a more traditional appeal. There are even avant-garde designers who fuse the old with the new, giving your home a unique look-it’s neither traditional nor contemporary, but it has the best of both worlds. Whichever you prefer, the key really is to incorporate the design of your fireplace with the overall design of your homes. Or else you could be creating a blackhole inside your homes because your fireplace just doesn’t fit right.

The good thing is that most house builders who specialize in designing fireplaces provide you with the photos of their own work. These are photos of their commissioned work from different clients. You can choose to build a fireplace based from these existing design photos or you may ask them to create a custom fireplace for your home.

In terms of fusion designs or a combination of modern and conventional, there are a lot of possibilities. At one point you might think that the fireplace in the photo you are looking at is traditional, not knowing that its fire is running on gas instead of traditional wood. Looking closer, you will have seen minute details, which reveals its contemporary influences.

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.

Starting from the materials.

When you choose a building material for your fireplace, you have to be aware of the limitations of the materials. Some materials will look nice than others for certain designs. For example, you can choose aluminum as the primary building material for your fireplace. However, you must be aware that although aluminum is fire resistant, it is rather difficult to add complicated patterns to the metal. You may have to settle for classic or more conventional looks. Of course, you can expect the cost to be cheaper.

Stones are more popular choices among homeowners. Although they cost more, you can add more intricate designs to fireplaces that are built from stones. Furthermore, there are many different types of stones to choose from. You can choose a cheaper type of stone like granite or limestone, or you can choose a more expensive type like marble. Different types of stones will have different outer appearances. This will affect the design of your fireplace.

Drawing inspiration from the surroundings.

Sometimes, homeowners find it difficult to choose a design that fits with the design of the home. So instead of choosing from existing designs, work backwards and draw inspiration from the surroundings. For instance, are there wavy lines around the fireplace? Is the style one that is Victorian or classic? From there, you can start thinking about how the fireplace can fit into the surroundings. This approach is way better than choosing from several hundreds of existing designs. It will give you a much clearer idea on the right design for your home. You may then narrow down your choices and pick one from a readily available design, or you can create a custom design.

Placing emphasis on the fireplace mantel.

The fireplace mantel can serve dual purposes. It can be a decorative element by itself, or it can serve as a shelf. The entire fireplace can be simplistic, with emphasis being placed on the fireplace mantel. All the details should be focused on the mantel. This way, attention is drawn to the mantel automatically. You may then place other items such as books or ornaments on the mantel to enhance the look and feel of the fireplace.

Furthermore, a fireplace mantel can be made from wood like oak. That means intricate designs can be carved on the mantel. Wood mantels can also be easily removed and replaced with new designs. This approach is more flexible, and more cost effective. You don’t have to remove the entire fireplace just because you grow tired of the existing look!