Planning a cozy winter home improvement project? Read our guide to fireplaces!

With winter weather setting in, there are few things that sound more appealing than settling down for a cozy evening in front of a crackling fire! If you’re planning to install a fireplace this winter, here are some tips and advice to help you choose the right option for your home.

Tips for narrowing down your options

The first thing you’ll notice when you start looking at your options is that there are a huge range of fireplaces out there! It can be a little overwhelming to take it all in, so the best thing to do is develop your own set of criteria. It makes elimination easy when you know:

• The budget you have allocated to the project (this includes the fireplace unit itself, installation, possible building for access to gas fuel or to put in a chimney, etc.)
• Your budget for running the fireplace (what is more economical for your home – wood, gas, or electric).
• If the fireplace is needed as a primary heating source or as more of an aesthetic piece.
• The style that will suit your home’s current aesthetic.
• The layout of your home (If you haven’t got very good insulation, are trying to heat a very large open-plan space or have lots of windows, you’re likely going to need a more powerful fireplace)
• How long you are planning to live in your home (is this a long-term investment or a quick project to increase value for a sale?)

Choosing between wood, gas and electric fireplaces

This is one of the most important criteria when choosing a fireplace for your home, as each fuel type has implications for heating efficiency, installation costs and the cost of the unit itself.

• Wood burning fireplaces: This is your most traditional option and is the preferred choice for many reasons, from the scent and the nostalgia to the general appeal of a crackling log. You can choose between traditional open hearths, wood-burning stoves and enclosed fireplaces with this fuel option. Enclosed and stove-type fireplaces are known for their heating efficiency and good ventilation and are often easier to clean. Open fireplaces are not very efficient at heating a room and do best in mild climates or where they are used as secondary heating. These are also a great option if you have a good supply of wood available locally and are considered environmentally-friendly because their fuel is a renewable resource. If you don’t already have a brick chimney, installation is likely going to be costlier, as a properly insulated and fire-resistant flue will have to be installed.
• Gas fireplaces: There has been a strong gain in the popularity of gas fireplaces and it’s easy to see why! They’re affordable, don’t require the installation of a brick-built chimney, and the heating is instant and easy – similar to switching on a gas stove. They have a great modern look too and are an incredibly eye-catching feature in a modern setting. Unlike wood fireplaces, there’s no cleaning up to do, which is another bonus. Gas is a great clean-burning fuel, so maintenance is minimal. However, it is always important to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in a room where there is a gas fireplace to ensure that the fuel is being burned up completely to avoid health complications.
• Electric fireplaces: As technology has evolved, so electric fireplaces have become far more attractive and functional than their predecessors, making them absolutely worth considering as a heating option. Using modern LED lighting technologies, you get a very realistic flame effect – and they’re known for their heating efficiency too. While they are more decorative than functional, they make a great addition in homes in milder climates or that are well-insulated and have an additional heating source. They also don’t need to be flued, so they’re the perfect option for apartments or housing with shared walls.

Choosing between different style options for fireplaces

Fireplaces really push the limits of style and creativity, so get ready to see every kind of fireplace you can imagine! Here are the basics with some advice for where these styles are best suited.

• Traditional: We all know what a traditionally-installed fireplace looks like, but there are some extra factors to consider for this type of installation. It’s best to place this type of fireplace against a central wall as this allows the heat to distribute efficiently. Take into account how you position your furniture, entertainment systems and the flow of your home to ensure there’s enough space to move around the fireplace easily.
• Suspended fireplaces: This is an incredible sculptural look that’s got quite a wow-factor! They are suspended directly from the ceiling at a level of your choice, so be sure to place it where it’s going to make the most dramatic impact.
• Free-standing fireplaces: With our love for open-plan, many houses simply don’t have enough wall space to sacrifice to a fireplace – but this is the answer. It can be placed anywhere in your space and looks incredible in high-ceiling homes and as a divider between functional spaces, for example, between the sitting room and the dining space – allowing both rooms to benefit.
• Wall-mounted fireplaces: If you have a smaller space you want to heat without taking up too much room, this could be the perfect option. It’s easy to install, surprisingly inexpensive and makes a beautiful focal point in sitting rooms and entertainment areas. It also allows you to install them out of the reach of kids!
• Corner fireplaces: A free-standing or traditional fireplace can take up a lot of room, but a corner unit can give you the same heat and great aesthetic without intruding too much on your space. You can simply place it in an unused corner or nook without sacrificing large pieces of wall space or dividing your room.
• Double-sided fireplaces: Want a fireplace in adjacent rooms but don’t want to outspend your budget? A double-sided fireplace can give you your solution in just one installation! It takes up minimal space and is a great creative touch, ideal for placing between living and dining/entertainment spaces.

We hope this helped make this exciting and rewarding project a little simpler, and that you’ll be enjoying your new fireplace soon!