When winter
rolls around, our fireplaces go into overdrive trying to keep away
the chill. If your living room fireplace just isn’t doing the job
anymore and you need a new one, try this handy guide to help you find
the best replacement for your home. Whether you are searching for a
cosy wood burner or want to browse a selection of electric
fires to find one that will heat up your cold winter nights,
we’ll help you find it.
Wood-Burners
The classic
country cottage feature; wood burners are now available for most
modern homes as well. Using wood and coal to create heat, they can
really put out a lot of warmth and the real flames create a cosy look
for your living room. Most wood burners come in black cast iron and
do look amazing once lit. They will require a bit of extra care and
attention though as they need to be cleaned out on a regular basis to
prevent blockages, so be prepared for that if you want one installed.
Electric
Turn
it on and away it goes! Electric fires are the simplest kind to have
as you can just plug them in and you’re done. They come in a
variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional so you should be
able to find something to suit your décor. Another advantage over
the gas and wood burner varieties is that electric fires can be
installed by you, no electrician required and don’t require a
chimney.
Gas
Gas fires
combine realistic looking flames with a decent heat output, making
them a great choice for your living room. You will have to have it
installed by a certified gas technician but many shops offer this
service alongside your purchase. Gas fires, like electric ones, come
in numerous different styles and sizes, so even if your living room
or bedroom is on the small side, you will still be able to find a
gorgeous fireplace to fit. You can even find recessed gas fires that
fit into your wall like a picture frame. This is perfect for people
looking for an ultra-modern look but don’t have the space.
Vintage
Once you have
chosen your fire, the next thing is to pick your fireplace. There are
so many fantastic styles out there, whether you want a mantelpiece,
hearth, surround or all three! If you want a vintage look, go for
ornate surrounds in either cast iron or marble. This will create a
stunning feature for your room and, paired with an iron grate and a
ceramic tiled hearth, creates a superb vintage finish.
Modern
At the other
end of the scale is the modern-style fireplace. To create this look
you will need to look for sleek, polished finishing’s such as
chrome, oak or black granite. Modern fireplaces swap intricate
patterns and decorations for simplicity so less is definitely more.
If you are worried about it looking too plain, add a few little
touches such as a stylish vase or picture frame on the mantelpiece to
give it a personalised touch.
Like me On Facebook - Follow me on Twitter - Follow on Bloglovin'