Finding the Right Fireplace

One of the most comforting things you can do during the long, cold winter months is to cozy up next to your fireplace. Nothing beats the feeling of relaxing with a good book, a cup of hot cocoa, and a burning fire. Fireplaces provide entertainment, a practical alternative heat source, and aesthetic value to a home. Today we delve right into how to craft the perfect fireplace for your home.

Choosing the Right Kind of Fireplace

If your house is entirely void of a fireplace and you are looking to make an addition, you must first consider what kind of fireplace is most suitable for your home. The three major types of fireplaces are electric, gas, and wood burning. All are amazing in their own ways, but they do have their differences.

 

Electric: If your fireplace will mostly serve as a decorative piece, electric might be the way to go. While it is still an excellent heat source, it is not as authentic as a gas or wood burning fireplace. Electric fireplaces are also easier and less expensive to install, which would make them an excellent choice if you are not planning on staying in your home for a long time.

 

Gas: Gas fireplaces can be seen as the middle point between an electric and wood burning fireplace. The flame they produce is real; it is just not a result of burning actual wood. Gas fireplaces are the right choice if you want the true fire effect without dealing with the extra work that a wood burning fireplace requires. 

 

Wood burning: While certainly the most authentic way to bring fire into your home, wood burning fireplaces require much more work to install and maintain than their gas and electric counterparts. If your home does not already have a fireplace, you will have to take extra steps to ensure a proper ventilation system. You also need to make sure you have storage space in your home, garage, or yard for extra firewood, especially if you plan on relying on this as a heat source. While this may sound like a lot, wood burning fireplaces are well worth the trouble!

Spruce Up an Existing Fireplace

If you have an existing fireplace that doesn’t seem to suit your needs or taste anymore, there are many updates that will leave you feeling as if you have a brand new fireplace! A first step would be to consider the color. Could a fresh coat of paint on the mantel, surrounding shelves or embellishing, or fireplace frame do the trick? Beyond paint, you could give your fireplace a complete makeover. This includes adding new tile to the hearth or frame, installing a new mantel, and adding new gates or doors to the front of the fireplace.

Make the Most of Your Mantel

If your fireplace has a substantial mantel, don’t be afraid to dress it up! The fireplace is often the focal point for a living space, so the mantel should be the platform to display your proudest and favorite items. Traditional mantel decorations include family photographs and heirlooms, homemade decorations, and beautiful plants. Nowadays, many people are hanging televisions just above their mantel, which enables you to comfortably view the TV while enjoying the heat of the fire. If you are more of a minimalist and just want to go with one, bold piece for on or above the mantel, consider an over sized mirror. There are so many different designs, and strategically placing a mirror here will really open up the room.

 Whether you need a brand new fireplace or would just like to make some changes, D.J.'s Painting & Remodeling can help! With numerous fireplace remodels under our belt, we consider ourselves experts. Call us today to take the first step towards the fireplace of your dreams!