Fireplace Designs
There is nothing more inviting on a cold Winter's night than a sitting in front of a warm fireplace. While many people think that fireplaces are reserved for the Northern states, they can, in fact, be found in nearly every state, regardless of the average Winter temperatures. Fireplaces can provide a beautiful backdrop to a family gathering at the holidays, offer a romantic retreat for couples looking for some down time, or even make the ideal gathering spot during an outdoor get together. If you are looking at buying a fireplace, or just having one built, there are several key decisions regarding fireplace designs that need to be made before you're ready to commit. Not only do you need to decide where the fireplace will be built, you must also determine what style of fireplace you are interested in and what fuel source you will use to power it.
Electric Fireplace Inserts
One of the novelties for many home buyers is a fireplace. Thoughts of cold nights lying on blankets in front of the crackling fire make the notion of having a fireplace a very appealing one. It can sometimes even be a major selling point of the house. At the time, the homeowners have every intention of using every night that the temperature outside drops. When Winter does come, however, many homeowners realize all too quickly the effort and labor involved with having a fireplace. This is when the benefits of electric fireplace inserts come into play.
Electric Fireplace Heaters
There is nothing more relaxing or soothing on a cold winter's night than sitting in front of a fireplace. Often located in a central area of the home, such as the living room, fireplaces offer a comfortable gathering spot for friends and family. If you live in an apartment or condominium, however, you may not be afforded the opportunity to enjoy a fireplace. The same issue arises in smaller homes or those otherwise unable to accommodate the chimney feature that is needed to provide proper exhaust for the fireplace. There is, however, a viable solution that is both affordable and effective and can be found in the form of electric fireplace heaters.
Propane Fireplace Heaters
One of the most comforting images that comes to mind when the weather starts to cool down is a warm and inviting fireplace. Fireplaces provide a source of heat as well as beauty, however, they can be somewhat difficult to maintain. Between stocking firewood and cleaning soot, you also have to worry about chimney cleaning and other tiresome, and potentially costly, maintenance items. A propane heater, on the other hand, can provide the same amount of comforting heat, if not more, than a wood burning fireplace. The thought of curling up with a good book in front of a propane heater, however, may not seem as inviting. The perfect solutions, combining both efficiency and effectiveness, are propane fireplace heaters.
Modern Fireplace Mantels
Unlike the fireplace mantels of old, modern mantel designs are created to blend in with their surroundings. While the goal during the Renaissance period was to create the most elaborate and decorative fireplace mantels you could, on the grandest scale possible, the look that is aimed for today is sleek and sophisticated. Modern fireplace mantels offer the traditional function blended with modern style.
Antique Fireplace Mantels
If you are ready to invest in a new fireplace mantel, you have several options to choose from. A growing trend is the demand for antique fireplace mantels. Whether your are purchasing an already restored piece or obtaining an antique to refurbish and restore yourself, there are several notable styles to choose from.
Rustic Fireplace Mantels
If you are looking for a unique fireplace mantel and with an air natural beauty, marble or stone mantels may not be the best choice. A rustic fireplace mantel made from wood, however, may fit your tastes perfectly.
Why Rustic Mantels Are So Popular
One of the biggest consumer markets for rustic fireplace mantels are people who appreciate nature even when it's in its more unpolished forms. The charm of rustic mantels comes from the fact they are typically made from lumber that may not appear completely finished, which lends to its handmade charm. They are very affordable and ideal for casual settings, unlike many cultured and cast stone mantels. Rustic fireplace mantels also, almost always, have a one-of-a-kind appearance due primarily to the individual variations within the grain and shape of the wood itself.
Fireplace Mantel Kits
If you're interested in installing a new fireplace mantel but want to try and cut costs a bit, there may be a perfect solution. With some basic carpentry skills, and a little time, you can actually have the mantel of your dreams at an affordable cost. Do it yourself fireplace mantel kits are the perfect way to get a beautiful mantel that you can take even greater pride in because you actually hand a hand in creating it.
Stone Fireplace Mantels
When it comes to choosing a fireplace mantel, there are several choices that must be taken into consideration. The style of the mantel is essential since it must reflect your personal style and taste as well as accent the decor of the room it is in. The size of the mantel will determine how large of a focal point it will become in the room. The most important choice, however, when selecting a new mantel is what material it should be made from. The two most common types are wood and stone. A stone fireplace mantel is not only beautiful, its also extremely durable, and can be found in a variety of designs.
Wood Fireplace Mantels
One of the most beautiful things about wood fireplace mantels is how they can encompass such a wide variety of styles, from simplistic to extravagant. They can be built or found in any shape or size and replicated to mimic the style of any time period. Even for modern styles, the appearance can range from rustic to modern. The wood used for the fireplace mantel can be basic and affordable, such as oak or pine, or it can be exotic and rare, such as mahogany or rosewood, and can also be enhanced with a wide array of finishes.
Wood Types
The most common types of wood used for fireplace mantels today are oak, walnut, and cherry. Pine, hickory, and poplar are also used frequently, as well, primarily in regions where they are harvested. These woods are popular choices because they are all durable, affordable, and easy to care for. Exotic woods are harder to come by and, therefore, much more expensive. Some wood carvers are also not as experienced with the various levels of softness an exotic wood can possess, which makes custom designs more difficult. Pre-made mantels are typically limited to the more basic types of wood unless you are in an area where one of the exotic types is naturally abundant.