Fireplace Designs

Fireplace Design Articles

Finding A Modern Fireplace To Fit Home Decor

When most folks think about a fireplace they are reminded of the large opening surrounded by intricate marble or stonework complete with a mantle on which Christmas stockings are hung. Today’s modern fireplace choices are not always as large or as elaborate and may have the option of providing a real or imagined fire. Using real wood to burn in the modern fireplace or one that uses gas or electric and simulated logs are a few of the choices offered.

Some of the smaller modern fireplaces can fit into a wall, completely off the ground and look similar to a simple photograph jutting slightly out of the wall. Typically this type of modern fireplace will use gas and artificial logs to simulate a real burning fireplace. Many folks are opting for small natural gas flames to help provide a minor heat source and just to create the right atmosphere in their home. It must be remembered that whether the fireplace if going to burn wood or simply provide a gas flame, proper ventilation will be required to prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Traditional fireplaces were typically about four-feet wide at the bottom and as deep as three feet, providing ample room for a roaring wood burning fire. The chimney and flue to the roof is lined with fireproof brick to prevent the danger of fire getting inside the wall and burning unnoticed for an hour or more. With the use of a modern fireplace that does not burn any materials, the chimney will be similar to the exhaust pipe on a gas stove or hot water tank.

Smaller Sizes Offer More Diversity

Today’s modern fireplaces offer the opportunity to install them into smaller areas of the home. If so desired, a small fireplace, usually about three-feet wide, can be installed in several rooms of the home. It is made easier if the fireplaces can all be stacked in rooms above each other so that they can all connect to the same chimney. Proper precautions must be taken with these as the smoke from a lower fireplace could end up permeating the room above.

Regardless of the homeowner’s taste and décor, the choices for a modern fireplace are abundant and installation is fairly easy. However, it may be beneficial to have them installed by an experienced installer to prevent to possibility of fire damage to the home. Especially those that install above the floor grade, a professional installer can make sure the fire box is properly insulated from any burnable parts of the home’s frame.