Types of fireplaces such as masonry, gas, electric, pre-fabricated and woodstoves are available today. Fireplace design ideas depend on factors such as the area to be covered and the purpose that it needs to serve.
While masonry fireplaces in which natural wood is burned might be a common sight in old, large houses, gas fireplaces are the most common these days because they are easy to install and use. Although masonry fire places may have an old world charm of their own, they are not the most effective means of heating the house as a large amount of heat escapes through the chimney. Continue reading
Fireplaces and fireplace mantels are fast becoming a core feature in homes across the world as they add a real feature point to any formal or indeed casual living area.
Strangely enough, fireplaces have had a relatively short history, considering that fire itself has been around for hundreds of thousands of years.
Fireplaces only became common in 1367, when a gentleman while visiting in Rome, was dismayed at the fire pit in his room so he ordered his servants to build a chimney. They did so, adding his coat of arms above the two fireplace mantels. That fireplace is now part of history as ever since it has been the model of almost any room with a fireplace.
Not all fireplaces have mantels, of course. Most do however have either, a single shelf, a marble or tile surround, or a traditional wood carving. Accessories such as mantels, iron tools, guards and screens are an important decorative feature of fireplaces and can often set the tone of a room. Continue reading
With today’s growing costs for fuel, people are looking more and more toward alternative heating methods. People who live in climates where it gets cold have to have a means to heat their homes. Natural gas is used most often today in the United States. This type of energy is found in most homes that have a central heating system. Continue reading
