No home is quite complete without at least one fireplace. Loved by homeowners and guests alike, the ancient feature perfectly pulls your home’s interior into the 21st century.
From their heat to their aesthetics, fireplaces have a way of instantly improving your home without a lot of effort. That said, you’ll still want to plan out what you want to make sure you get the perfect fireplace for you.
To help you out, we’ve created this guide on how to choose the best fireplace.
Let’s get started!
How Do I Choose the Best Fireplace for My Cozy Home?
Table of Contents
Consider Your Homes Style
Fireplaces make your home cozy. They add an elemental warmth and ambiance that can be hard to find elsewhere in a space. However, the right fireplace for your home isnt just about how big or small it is; its also about what style you prefer. Here are four different styles to consider when choosing a fireplace for your home.
Traditional
This is probably the most common style of fireplace, and it looks like a traditional wood-burning stove. Youll want one with a large enough firebox for plenty of fuel and cast-iron grates on the side for getting logs onto the fire.
New England
If you prefer candles and woodsy smells over glowing logs, a new England style fireplace is perfect for you. These fireplaces use anthracite coal rather than wood, so they emit a unique scent that some people love and others dont. They tend to be smaller than traditional fireplaces, so you might need to choose one that fits well in your space or pick one that has an option to add a larger firebox later on.
Chimney Style
If Danish modern or Tudor Revival are features of your home décor, then choose a chimney style fireplace instead. These models often have very steep angles, giving them an architectural look that some people love and others find off-putting. They work best if theres room above the fireplace for an air filter system
Know Your Heating Needs
Fireplaces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so its important to take your climate into account when choosing one. For example, if you live in an area with very cold winters, it would be best to choose a small, low-profile fireplace that doesnt generate a lot of heat. In contrast, if you live in an area that experiences hot summers, it might be necessary to invest in a larger, more powerful fire place.
Another factor to consider is what kind of atmosphere youre looking for in your home. If you prefer a cozy atmosphere, choose a small fireplace that produces less heat. On the other hand, if you want an inviting space full of holiday cheer, go with a larger model that will create more warmth.
Consider the Size of Your Fireplace
Knowing how big your fireplace is and how much space you have will help you choose the right one for your home. You can pull out a floor plan or measure the square footage of your living area to get an idea of how much space is available. If you don’t have a floor plan, measure the width and height of each side of your fireplace and multiply them together to get the total size.
There are also a few other factors to consider when choosing a fireplace. What kind of mantel will fit? Do you want an open fire or close? What material will be used for the mantle? Glass, wood, or both? How many logs will fit in the fireplace? Are they ready to be lit and if so, where do you find burning logs? Once you’ve answered all these questions, it’s time to shop!
Consider the Type of Fuel You Want to Use
If you’re in the market for a new fireplace, you first need to decide what type of fuel you want to use. Propane and wood are the two most common choices, and both have their own benefits.
Propane gas is probably the easiest option to use. You just fill up your tank, light the fire, and enjoy the warmth. It’s also cheaper than wood, which is good if your main goal is cost savings.
However, propane candles can be dangerous if they get knocked over or if they’re used in a windy location. They also tend to smell pretty bad too!
Wood fires are typical in homes that are older or more traditional-looking. They produce a more authentic flame look and feel and usually require less maintenance than propane fires.
However, there are some downsides. For one, burning wood produces CO2, which is harmful to breathe in over time. And because woods come from trees, it takes a lot of them (about 25 pounds per fire) to create heat comparable to propane (which produces about 3/4 of a pound per fire). If you’re planning on using your fireplace often, this could quickly add up.
The Different Types of Fireplaces
There are several different types of fireplaces to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Standard Fireplace
The standard fireplace is the most common type. It typically has a square or rectangular opening that fires up through the top surface. This is the least expensive type of fireplace to buy and maintain, but it has no special features.
Insert Fireplace
An insert fireplace is a U-shaped design that sits between the floor and the wall. It typically has two doors that open into the living room or main bedroom and a cozy seating area on the other. This type of fireplace is excellent for larger spaces because it can accommodate more people at once.
It also has more features than a standard fireplace, including access to dual fireplaces (for two people to sit around), a mantelpiece with shelves for display, or a built-in speaker system to play music.
Cathedral Fireplace
A cathedral fireplace is similar to an insert, except it’s bigger overall. It’s perfect for traditional homes with formal living spaces. Its tall height makes it ideal for making a statement in a room, and its double doors provide plenty of flexibility when designing your layout. It also has access to dual fireplaces and additional storage space on its mantelpiece or shelves like an insert.
Residential Fireplaces
Today, many smart homeowners choose to install a residential fireplace. Not only are they beautiful additions, but they can also make your home more comfortable in the colder months. Have a look at these Dreifuss fireplaces residential fireplaces, that you are going to love.
Get the Best Fireplace for Your Home Today
When it comes to choosing the best fireplace for your home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Not only should the fireplace be capable of powering up a good fire, but it should also suit your aesthetic needs as a homeowner.
In this article, we outlined the most important steps when buying a new fireplace. When making this necessary purchase, please don’t rush into it; take your time and research different options before making a final decision.
For more tips and guides on home improvement and other interesting topics, browse through other sections of our blog, and don’t miss out!
