Designer Fireplaces: What You Need to Know

Buying designer fireplaces involve many things that should be considered, from choices of materials to style options to the size and the type of fuel. A fireplace helps create a cosy atmosphere especially during cold nights, both inside and outside of the home.

Additionally, fireplaces could serve as the focal point in a room and helps to completely transform it. So if you’re planning on adding a fireplace to your household, we’re here to break down all the things that need to be considered.

The Budget

First thing’s first—you should know your budget. Your budget dictates whether you can go all out and splurge or tighten your grip on some design aspects. By determining your budget also helps in making the process of choosing your hearth easier and making it a lot less stressful. You need to keep in touch with your budget since each fireplace has varying levels of cost. There could even be hidden costs involved.

Choose the Surrounding

One of the things that need to be considered when looking for the perfect fireplace is the surroundings. There are a number of types you can choose from, from marble to steel.

Since your designer fireplaces could be your room’s focal point, it’s vital to choose the right surround. Also, it will dictate the room’s décor. So, it’s worth remembering to have the ideal surround that complements the overall décor of the room.

Second, sizing is as important as the aesthetics. If a fireplace is too large, it could overpower the whole space, whereas if it’s too small, it would end up insignificant. There are four types of fire surrounds:

Steel Fire Surround

Although some may find steel not as homely or warm, it is considered more stylish. In fact, steel fits well in more industrial or minimalist décor. It is sleek and stylish, though lacking in some homely appeal, which are commonly associated with fireplaces.

Luxury Marble Fire Surrounds

Known previously as a luxurious item, which the rich could afford, this material now has become readily available to a wide range of people. Not only is it extremely durable and easy to maintain, but also it looks dramatic and classy. It fits both traditional and modern setting.

Ledgestone Fire Surrounds

This fireplace surround is ideal for the contemporary homes. Although often seen floor-to-ceiling, ledgestone is constructed from one of the most currently used materials.

Classic Brick Fire Surround

Nothing beats the classic and traditional. A brick surround is useful since it can be used in both vintage and modern settings. Also, it can be paired with other materials, like wood. It gives off a timeless aura.

Choosing Your Fireplace Style

The next thing to consider is the style of your fireplace. If you have a contemporary style home, then you might want to steer clear of traditional Victorian style fireplaces. Opt for something that would fit to the existing style and theme of your home.

The Traditional Victorian Fireplace

If you have a vintage style home or leaning toward the more traditional, opt for the Vintage style fireplace, which usually consists of dark colours and a real fire-burning wood. This type of fireplace is more ideal for large open spaces that need thorough warming.

The Contemporary Fireplace

As the name implies, this type of fireplace is more ideal for modern, contemporary homes. It comes in a wide range of designs and styles, from wall-hung to see-through fireplaces.

Create a modern home with a contemporary style fireplace and opt for materials that match or complement your home’s colour scheme.

Built-In Wall Fires

Also dubbed as “hole in the wall fireplace,” this type fits just about any style, ranging from modern to retro. The plus side—this is more cost-effective since no extra materials are required to complete it.

Choosing the Type of Fuel

Now, you need to decide which type of fuel you would choose for your fireplace. There are 3 main types: electric, gas and solid fuel. Also, there’s bioethanol. Although there are fireplaces that are suitable regardless of fuel type, some are not.

If you plan on having gas or an electric fire, then you have much free choice of material type for your fireplace. However, when it comes to solid fuel fire, the material you can use will be restricted.

Here are the most common fuel, including bioethanol:

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fires have gained popularity in most households because it is the easiest and the cheapest to install. In fact, it can be fitted in virtually almost anywhere.

Also, thanks to advancements in technology, gone are the days of looking at “fake” fires. Electric fires now feature beautiful visual effects, with some featuring realistic-looking flame.

There are different varieties of electric fires, depending on the flame effects. Now, you can feel warm, cosy and enjoy beautiful fires without having to worry about wasting electricity or unnecessarily using heat.

Unlike solid fuel fires, electric fires don’t use coal or wood. Instead, electronically heated metal coils produce heat, which is spread throughout the space using a fan.

Gas Fires

Although electric fireplace’s flame effects have drastically improved over the past years, many still want real flames minus without the upkeep of solid fuel fire. This is where gas fire comes into play.

Gas fires come in various types and are available in all styles, sizes and designs.

Bioethanol Fireplace

Also referred to as “gel,” bioethanol fires are attractive, innovative and carbon neutral. It’s no surprise they’re becoming a trend.

The downside to this is that arguably bioethanol fires cannot be considered an actual standard heating appliance. Instead, they can be seen as a decoration piece.

Additionally, they’re quite costly, since it requires fuel to function. Some units could appear to be of good value because the fire itself is externally big. But this may not always be the case internally since some may have small burners, restricting the amount of heat produced.

Solid fuel

There’s nothing better than real fire. If you really want real fire, make sure you have the right type of chimney. Generally, you’re good to go with solid fuel fire if you have a chimney pot or a brick chimney on the roof.

However, be prepared for the required upkeep for a fully functional fireplace. This means you need a chimney sweep and check if your chimney is in good working condition.

Choosing the Fireplace Size

Finally, the size. This involves how much you want to feature your fireplace. If you have a small space, you don’t want your fireplace to overpower the room or overwhelm it aesthetically. Likewise, if you have a large room, you would want your fireplace to be seen.

When you are redecorating, draw up the size of the fireplace on the wall, giving you an idea of the exact size that’s ideal for the space.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has given you an idea of which designer fireplaces best suit your home style and décor. As mentioned, there are many types of fireplaces, fuels and surrounds. Head to our different ranges to see all the different kinds of luxury fireplaces you could install in your home. We have wide ranges of hanging fireplaces, high-efficiency gas fires, outdoor fireplaces and more.

Contact us today to discuss our luxury fireplaces with a Design Consultant.