Fireplace Locations

When planning for a new fireplace, location is everything. It is also the first choice you will need to make before beginning to look at various styles available. The two major categories that fireplaces fall into are, of course, indoor and outdoor.

If you are interested in a fireplace solely for heating purposes, chances are an indoor fireplace would be your best bet. Indoor fireplaces are almost always fixed installations, typically located in one of the larger rooms of the house, most often a master bedroom or living room. Indoor fireplaces are also designed to provide a pleasing visual impact as well, often adding a more inviting atmosphere to the room and the house in general. Indoor fireplaces come in a wide range of styles and can be found in anything from traditional fireplaces designs to contemporary fireplace designs.

Outdoor fireplace designs, on the other hand, are generally designed strictly for social gatherings. While they are still often very beautiful in design, they do tend to prize function over form. While many outdoor units are fixed installs, similar to indoor designs, there are several types of outdoor fireplace designs that can be considered portable in the sense that, depending on their size, can be easily moved form one area to another to accommodate the particular heating needs for the day. This portability is primarily due to the fact that most outdoor fireplace designs don't necessarily require the same venting setup that indoor fireplaces must often rely on.

Fireplace Designs

Once you have determined what type of fireplace you are interested in, outdoor or indoor, it's time to start taking a look at the various designs offered within each category. Designs should be selected based on desired placement and intended use above all else. While they may not seem connected, these choices can also play a large part in whether your new unit will fall into a contemporary fireplace design, a traditional design, or something altogether in a class by itself.

Outdoor Fireplace Design

One of the more traditional reasons people enjoyed outdoor fireplaces was because they offered a means of outdoor cooking. They were much more visually appealing than a standard grill, while also offering a greater opportunity for social gatherings. Unlike a grill, an outdoor fireplace was able to heat the people surrounding it as easily as it was heating the food placed above or in it.

The two basic categories of outdoor fireplaces are fixed and portable. Fixed fireplaces are generally built into an exterior wall or as a freestanding unit. Those built into a wall were designed to offer forward facing access and were often somewhat wider in nature than a traditional fireplace, offering a larger heating area in front. These were also generally built to resemble old fashioned hearth, once common as an indoor cooking and heating fixture.

Freestanding units, on the other hand, could either be portable or fixed in their design. Fixed units were often large in stature and designed to allow people to gather around the fire on multiple sides. They are typically built in either a square design, offering four cutout areas on each facing for access to the fire, or in a rounder shape, containing supports at various intervals to provide multiple points of access while still being able to support the upper portion of the structure. Some outdoor units were also constructed to resemble large fire pits, containing no upper portion at all and designed more for gathering purposes than cooking.

Portable outdoor units are often referred to as fire pits on the market. This can be anything from small metal boxes, to large clay fire pits. They can also be built into the center of outdoor tables, ideal for social gatherings with family and friends around a conveniently placed fireplace. While most fire pits can be moved to accommodate any outdoors location, some are more restricted depending on the power source they are utilizing.

Indoor Fireplace Design

Like outdoor fireplace units, indoor designs are also most common in fixed wall installations. The most common styles of fireplace, in fact, are those built into exterior walls of the house, located in master bedrooms or living rooms as mentioned earlier. The fireplaces can be small and quaint, or extremely bold and of substantial size. This is typically by the size of the room. In fact, many fireplace manufacturers and builders can recommend the ideal size fireplace based solely on the measurements and layout of the room it is being installed in. Corner fireplaces installations are also an option, often recommended for more unusual room layouts.

For a more contemporary fireplace design, some units are installed in thick interior walls, often providing access to both rooms on either side of the wall. This style is ideal for homes that have two social oriented rooms that share a single wall. Keep in mind, however, that these types of fireplaces often require major construction modifications and can be costly to install.

Another indoor fireplace choice, ideal for open floor plans, is a freestanding unit similar to those found in outdoor design. These designs are often round or square in shape, identical to their outdoor counterparts, while possessing a more refined visual appearance. Freestanding units indoors will still require ventilation access, leading to the fact that they are almost always floor to ceiling structures.

Fireplace Construction

With regards to overall visual presentation, the primary decisions lies in the materials chosen for the fireplace construction. While most fireplaces are constructed of block, their external surfaces are typically more decorative in nature. Brick fireplace designs have long been a popular choice for their ability to match nearly any décor. A brick fireplace design is also much more traditional in appearance than many other styles may be. Stone fireplace designs are also gaining in popularity, as people are beginning to rediscover that a natural stone fireplace design has to offer a room. Other materials that can be used in fireplace design include tile, able to create beautiful mosaic patterns or simply standard tile designs. Outdoor fire pits are also commonly found made of clay, preferred for its lightweight nature as well as it durability and high temperature tolerance.

Fireplace Power Sources

The final choice when it comes to choosing the ideal fireplace is what type of power source you wish your unit to run on.

Wood burning fireplaces are, of course, the most popular choice as they are also the most traditional power source for fireplaces. Wood burning units are simple to operate and only require adequate wood stores be kept for easy operation. In areas where firewood is not readily available, there are store bought logs that simulate true wood burning logs in appearance and heating capacity. Wood burning fireplaces are also the most common choice in heavily forested areas, as firewood is often free for the taking with a little manual labor. It is not uncommon for people with wood burning fireplaces to occasionally cut wood throughout the year in order to stock up for the colder months. Wood burning fireplaces do require regular cleanings and maintenance can sometimes be considered time consuming.

Gas fireplace designs are also very popular and are the power choice for homes already connected to natural gas lines. The propane gas fireplace design is also a common sight, preferred over natural gas at times because it does not require gas lines to be run through the entire house. These units, in fact can operate off portable propane tanks similar to those used for gas powered grills or portable heaters. Regardless of which type of gas being used, safety is always a primary concern as proper ventilation is of the utmost importance to avoid any ill effects from gas inhalation or exposure. Another major downside is the fact that many people feel gas fireplaces are too artificial in their overall appearance, primarily die to their lack of real wood and real flames.

The final choice for fireplace power sources is electricity. While electric fireplaces may not provide the true fireplace experience, as the flames are often simulated and the logs made of ceramic like gas designs, they are the safest to run and easiest to maintain.

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The fireplace mantel began as a simple hood covering a fire grate that was attached to a chimney stack. The hood allowed smoke to be funneled up the chimney instead of passing into the home. As the fireplace itself began to grown in popularity, the upper class demanded more than just a simple hood to rest above their fireplaces. Instead, rooms of the wealthy were designed around the fireplace. Mantels were elaborate and exquisitely detailed, often stretching the entire length of a room and reaching to the ceiling. They were more works of art than a simple functional component of the fireplace itself. Even as the styles and cultures hanged over the years, fireplace mantels remained things of true beauty, even as they decreased significantly in size. In fact, the more compact the fireplace mantel became, the more detail work seemed to be woven into it. Sculptors and wood carvers were known for their hand crafted pieces and were in demand throughout history. Each mantel was a masterpiece and many of them still remain today, obtained and restored by antique collectors around the globe.

The Modern Mantel Piece

Today, fireplace mantels are still beautiful, just in a completely different manner. The mantel piece, as well as the fireplace it surrounds, are almost designed to become an integrated part of the room itself. They are created form fine marble and other stone, and bear smooth lines and clean surfaces. Sharp angles are preferred over flowing curves, and hard stone is a favorite over carved wood. Vintage inspired and rustic mantels are still in demand, but the largest consumer demand is for a mantel that creates a sense of true form and preciseness of design.

Even though modern fireplace mantels are not necessarily created to be a focal point of a room, they can still be a major topic of conversation and appreciation amongst anyone with a taste for finer details.

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Antique Renaissance mantels were well known for their extravagance as well as their beauty, as lavish as it may have been. They often took up the entire length of the wall on which the fireplace was installed. On narrower walls, the mantels would accommodate for their lack of width by stretching to the ceiling. Mantels from this period were typically meant to be a centerpiece in the room, rich with elegant carvings, fine sculptures, and elaborate details.

Italian Mantels

Antique fireplace mantels from the height of the Italian style are some of the most subdued, yet stunning pieces on the antique market. Created and inspired by the designs on Inigo Jones, a renowned British architect, Italian style mantels were known for their simple styling and lack of extraneous component parts. The Italian mantels were typically composed of a fireplace frame and a shelf. They had a strong visual emphasis on architectural design and relied heavily on the look of columns and pillars in their designs.

French Mantels

French mantels remained very simple structure-wise, similar to the Italian styles. They focused on the detail of the pieces, however, with a heavy emphasis on elegant curves and fine scroll work. This was a major break from the Italian style and opted more towards soft lines than cold columns.

Victorian Mantels

Victorian mantels were known for their combination of medieval and Gothic influences into cohesive and stunning designs. They combined high arches and sharp angles, seemingly unlikely components to be found together. The overall design, however, was reminiscent of cathedrals and other great buildings of the period.

Keep in mind, while antique fireplace mantels are truly things of beauty, they can require a significant amount of money, time, or both. The majority of these pieces were also hand cut and sculpted from marble, raising their worth and price tag even more significantly. For more affordable options, modern mantels can be custom designed to mimic the period pieces for a fraction of the cost.

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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.

Finished or Unfinished

The two main types of rustic fireplace mantels are finished and unfinished. Finished pieces are ones that have been cut into symmetrical planks or logs. They are typically sanded smooth and often finished with a glossier lacquer or sealant. Finished pieces tend to look more modern than unfinished pieces, but they still maintain that unique appearance based on the color and grain of the wood being used to make them.

Unfinished rustic mantels are some of the most unusual while also being unmistakably one of a kid. Unfinished pieces are made from whole branches of trees that are not sanded or planked and still retain their natural outer surface. Because they are not cut, these pieces also retain the slight twists and curvature of the branch, creating a beautiful, albeit not always functional, frame and shelf for your fireplace. Like finished pieces, unfinished rustic mantels have to be coated with a sealer as well in order to protect the wood, however, it tends to be slightly less glossy to maintain a more natural appearance.

Choosing Your Wood

The best woods to use for creating rustic mantels are those with the most variation within the grain. The color of wood, along with the variations of color within the same timber, are also a key factor when choosing. While some woods are easier to work with than other types, nearly any wood can be transformed into a beautiful rustic fireplace mantel.

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A fireplace mantel kit is a great way to put your carpentry skills to the test. Most often, they include detailed carpentry instructions, millwork, and lumber. It is your job to cut the lumber to the specifications included and add the detail work by hand or with pre-made accessories. Once you're done with the details, you assemble the finished piece and its ready to install. Keep in mind, while this may sound like a fun project, you must make sure that you have some basic woodworking skills to take on the task. These include being able to properly measure, miter, and cut the lumber to specs. You must also make sure you have the proper tools on hand to accomplish such a task.

Mantel Kits for Beginners

For the less construction inclined, mantel kits are available that have the lumber pre-cut. This types of kit still gives you the satisfaction of assembling the mantel and adding the decorative details, but doesn't require as much knowledge or as many tools as the first kit. These pre-cut kits also come in very plain models. Once the basic frame is assembled, you are able to select your won decorative borders, shelf style, carving details, or other finishing touches from either the mantel kits manufacturer or your local craft or home improvement store.

Fireplace mantel kits such as these can be a great way to get the exact design and style you want at a fraction of the price of pre-assembled and decorated mantel pieces. They can also be a great family activity that will let everyone take pride in their accomplishments and handiwork during the winter months when everyone gathers around the fireplace.

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Stone mantels are believed to be the first type of mantel used in history. One of the main benefits of a stone mantel, as opposed to a wood one, is that they require much less maintenance. While a wood mantel is coated with a protective seal that must be maintained and reapplied as needed, stone mantels don't require any type of coating. Aside from dusting and occasional cleaning, they are relatively maintenance free.

Cultured Stone Fireplace Mantels

Stone mantels most commonly made from granite, marble, and limestone. Slate and sandstone mantels are also available. These types of stone are sculpted and carved into various designs. shapes, and styles to suit an assortment of tastes. True stone fireplace mantels are beautiful but, depending on the stone you choose, can also be very expensive. The price tag associated with stone mantels is driven by the fact that they have to be cut from larger pieces of stone.

Cast Stone Fireplace Mantels

A cast stone mantel is made from a type of very fine concrete. It is a mix of ground up stone and sand which is mixed with a bonding agent. The thick liquid is then poured into a pre-crafted mold and allowed to set and harden. Once removed, the cast stone mantel is essentially a finished piece. Cast stone mantels offer the appearance of luxurious cultured stone at a fraction of the price.

Regardless of the type of stone or style of design you choose, a stone fireplace mantel offers an air of elegance and beauty to your home that is undeniable.

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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.

New or Old

While new fireplace mantels can be created to reproduce the various details and design aspects from various periods in time, a new trend is emerging, and consumers are beginning to seek out older antique pieces for the purposes of restoring them. These collectors feel that, while the look from a particular period can be replicated, an actual piece that was created then is worth the extra effort. On the other hand, the majority of consumers prefer to have their mantels custom designed or select from a variety of new pieces on the market. While having a genuine antique piece is nice, the time and effort that must be put into restoring them are intensive.

Regardless of your preference of wood or inclination towards modern or antique, a wood fireplace mantel is an easy way to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your fireplace and your home.

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Fireplace mantels date back to early medieval times and were originally designed to catch smoke from the fireplace and channel it outside. Unlike the fireplace mantels of today, these were simple hoods that extended over the top of the fire and connected to the chimney. The very first example of a fireplace mantel, also called a chimney piece, is English in origin and is located in the Kings House in Southampton. It is believed to have been built in the early twelfth century. Over time, the term fireplace mantel is more often associated with the outer edge of a fireplace, including the firework's framework and mantel shelf.

Form Over Function

As time passed, and the term mantel began to encompass more than just the simple hood over the fire grate, the design element became a focal point. In Renaissance times, mantels often encompassed the entire length of the wall of the room that it was located in. It was also not uncommon for their decorative aspects to extend all the way to the ceiling. Fireplace mantels became great works of art, with famous designers and sculptors being hired to create masterpieces, just as you would hire one of the great painters to create a portrait. The trend, which started in England, quickly spread throughout Spain and France as well. The demand for massive, intricate, ornate, and decorative mantel pieces lasted for centuries.

Simplicity Regains Favor

By the beginning of the seventeenth century, the Italians gained a larger influence on the art world and introduced a movement towards simpler architecture trends. Mantels were still very beautiful, but they were also extremely understated and no longer designed to be the centerpiece of the room. In most cases, they were actually designed to blend into the room's overall decor instead of standing out like the mantels from earlier centuries.

The Bold and the Beautiful

By the end of the seventeenth century, mantels had become little more than neatly contained, yet beautiful, frames around the fireplace. Most examples from this time period did not even possess a shelf component and were designed to be flush with the wall. They did, however, return to a much bolder design, intended to stand out with the return of more ornate carving techniques and materials being used. The latter seventeenth century brought the two disparate design styles f earlier times into one cohesive style that was designed to not overpower the room, but still be a beautiful focal point.

Mantel Shelves Become Functional Again

As time went on, the styles of the fireplace mantels continued to waver back and forth between ornate and bold designs and simple and understated ones. Simple designs were sometimes highlighted with sculptural pieces on either side of the fireplace which were used to hold the shelf component that had once again become a component of the overall design. The primary reason for the shelf returning was so the upper class, especially the members of royalty of the period, would have a place to display their elaborate portraits.

From Then Until Now

From the end of the eighteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century, fireplace remained the primary source of heating for a home. The emphasis on mantel pieces continued and they gradually toned down over time. They were still ornate and intricate, often hard carved or sculpted. They were made from beautiful woods, rich stone, and other exotic materials.

As advances in heating and cooling methods took shape, fireplaces become a luxury rather than a necessity. Since they are more a matter of personal preference in most homes, there is still a great disparity in the designs of the mantel pieces. Smaller homes tend to have simple and functional mantels, while larger homes often boast more substantial pieces. They are still made from a variety of materials and can be found in designs that are inspired by every period and style that came before them.

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Why Do I Need Custom Tools?

Most fireplace tools come in three general sizes, specifically designed for small, standard, and oversized fireplaces. The various sizes and lengths of the tools are determined by suing the measurements of the fireplace to create a tool that is long enough to be safe and functional, but does not have any unnecessary length which may make it cumbersome to use. Custom tools are typically needed for custom fireplaces that may not work well with standard tool sizes, especially if the custom fireplace is much larger than the typical oversized designs. Fireplace grates are the one tool that is usually always required in a custom size for non-standard fireplaces. This is due primarily to the fact that the measurements for a safe and efficient grate are determined by a recommended amount of space between the grate itself and the walls of the fireplace.

What If I Have A Standard Fireplace?

Since the ability to have custom tools created for custom fireplaces exists, some consumers use this option to have tools and accessories specially designed to meet their visual and style preferences as well. This gives consumers the option of choosing their base metals for the tools and accessories to be made from, as well as the external finish of the metal. It also allows for custom period inspired pieces, unique modern designs, or even a designs that match or complement a visual element already in the home. When creating custom fireplace tool sets, consumers can also have other items, such as grates, fireplaces screens, and ash pails, created to match the tool set in order to create one uniform collection of fireplace accessories.

When it comes to custom fireplace tools and accessories, the design and style combination possibilities are literally endless. Whether your need is derived from having a custom size or design of fireplace, or simply your desire to have a set of tools custom made to meet your exact design specifications, the availability of custom pieces provides the opportunity to do both.

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Wrought iron is an alloy containing primarily iron with a small percentage of carbon. It is known for the fact that it is easily shaped and welded, allowing to take on a wide array of decorative forms and styles. Wrought iron was the metal of choice for most industrial applications before the steel making process was perfected. Even though may of its uses were replaced by steel, wrought iron remained very popular for ornamental metal work.

Wrought Iron Fireplace Tools

Wrought iron was an ideal material for fireplace tools because of the fact that is was extremely durable. Aside from its high functional capacity, however, it also possessed the ability to be twisted and shaped into very ornate and intricate designs. While it was more limited in its available colors than brass, it was a neutral metal in appearance that allowed it to incorporate well into most rooms with ease.

Caring For Wrought Iron

The easiest way to ensure your wrought iron tool set lasts is to take the steps to keep it properly maintained. Since wrought iron is susceptible to rust under certain conditions, exposure to the elements on a regular basis is not recommended. Wrought iron can be cleaned with a simple soap and water solution and should then be dried immediately. Any signs of developing rust can be removed with a soft bristled brush or fine grained sandpaper. Hard abrasives are not recommended since rust actually forms on the exterior of the metal and comes off rather easily. Commercial rust cleaners are also available that can remove the buildup without the risk of scratching the surface of the wrought iron.

Wrought iron, if properly cared for, is extremely long lasting, durable, and functional. It is also very beautiful in appearance and can be formed into a variety of vintage inspired designs as well as more streamlined modern styles.

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