Which Style Of Fireplace Is Best For My Home?

There are many things to consider when it comes to buying a fireplace or stove for your home. Some people tend to go for looks over practicality, but when it comes to heating your home, why compromise on something that won’t do the job properly?

With so many styles and options available, it can be difficult to choose one.

Understanding what kind of fireplace would be best for your room size can help to narrow down the search however.

Wood Burning Fireplaces

Traditional Open Hearth

This type of fireplace has been around for centuries, typically styled with a stone surround and a mantlepiece. A focal point of any room, this large fireplace means you will certainly feel the heat once it gets going, this is generally suited to larger living rooms due to the amount of space it takes up and energy it produces.

Enclosed Fireplace

More subtle than an open hearth fireplace, these fireplaces are enclosed, often by a glass panel or large fireguard. Meaning you still get the warmth, but with a less intense heat. These fireplaces are designed to ensure more of the warmth is kept within the room and less goes up the chimney.

Wood Burning Stoves

Also called a ‘Log Burner’ These are not strictly fireplaces but are a popular option for a number of reasons. Mainly, a simple and (relatively) low maintenance way to heat your home fairly quickly.

Gas Burning Fireplaces

Ethanol Burning Fireplaces

These have become a recent trend due to their ease of installation. Taking up a very small amount of space for a fireplace, they provide a sleek and futuristic design with the ability to buy ethanol burning inserts that slide right in.

Some designs of ethanol burning fireplaces wouldn’t look out of place in the lair of a bond villain.

Direct Vented Built-in Fireplaces

Vented through an existing or newly constructed chimney, they can be installed using a pipe so drastic changes to the property are not always necessary.

Ventless Built-in Fireplaces

Some of the simplest to install as there is no need for a chimney or pipe to the exterior of the home. This is the typical blue flame fireplaces that are popular due to the lower installation costs than direct vented gas fires. Although they are clean burning, there is evidence to suggest that some small amount of contaminants do enter the home compared to a direct vented fire.

Electric Fireplaces

Cost effective due to their simple installation and low maintenance. The lack of smoke means that there aren’t any nasty contaminants that could enter the home and cause illness or odours. The downside is that they do not offer the same cosy atmosphere that you get with more traditional fireplaces, though there are some convincing screen visuals available.

We stock a full range of fireplaces in different designs, styles and fuel types. With Gas, electric, wood burning and multi-fuel options in designs that are sure to suit your home and budget, we can help you create a warm and cosy home. If you require any advice or need help on what fireplace would be best for your home, get in touch with one of our friendly experts today.