Feature Fireplaces for your Home
How cosy does it sound to be sat on a comfy chair with a glass of wine on the side table and your favourite book in your hand enjoying the warmth and glows of an open roaring fire whilst outside the weather is cold and miserable? A picture perfect thought that appears on many front pages of books / magazines / birthday cards and more.
When it comes to open fires and property, do they two really partner up well in modern day times?
Of course, the main purpose of any fire at home will be to provide heat (previously also a hot surface to heat foods and liquids). Older property would usually have had open fires in many rooms and mostly the fuel would have been coal. Property built prior to the 1930's, when central heating in new build homes was more widely spread, would have had a collection of small coal fire places with vents in place for rooms above.
Larger property / luxury property will most likely have had feature fireplaces usually much large than standard coal fires, these would have seen wood as a main source of fuel. Especially in property abroad, the likes of Western European countries, many property would have seen larger fireplaces with big stone surrounds, especially France.
Today we have the option of both feature fireplaces and that of wood burning stoves. There is a great choice today and quite a varied selection of prices, sizes and styles.
Does an open fireplace effect the value of your home?
Many will say that they would prefer an open fireplace of at least a wood burner stone feature, it is said that a feature fireplace can add up to 5 per cent to a home’s value. Others will say contrary and prefer not the responsibility of a live fire at home for many reasons such as having young children / pets or the concern of the risk of fires starting.
We can use gas fires, such as stone or live flames thanks to fuel such as wood / coal. We have to think also about building regulations as professional installation to meet set standard is required and also factors such as some parts of the UK having “smoke-controlled” rules.
Typical fuels for open fires:
Gas
Wood (logs)
Wood Pellets
Wood Chips
Wood Briquettes
Coal
Gel
Ethanol
"Wood fuel can be very near to being carbon neutral. It absorbs as much carbon dioxide in its growth as it releases when it is burnt. For this reason, the installation of wood fuel appliances is currently treated more favourably in the Building Regulations. Typical household carbon emissions when using different fuels are shown in the adjoining table." source solidfuel.co.uk
Feature fireplace options:
Traditional Open-Hearth Fireplace
Free-Standing Fireplace
Wall-Mounted Fireplace
Built-In Fireplace
Hanging Fireplace
Photo Credit: Pixabay