Fireplace Ideas – Options for Indoor and Outdoor Fireplaces
Homeowners have many different options for installing and upgrading their fireplaces. You can choose a wood-burning, gas or electric fireplace. Materials used in construction include stone, marble, brick, ceramic, cast iron or copper. With all of these possibilities, the decision process can be complicated and confusing.
An easy way to start is to browse online. Many fireplace manufacturers will have designs and images of typical installations posted on their websites. This will give you fireplace design ideas for your own home. You can also get ideas from books and magazines. Once you have identified some potential designs, it’s a good idea to learn the details of the construction process and the safety issues involved. This will help you determine if the fireplace design is feasible for your home and give you sufficient knowledge to discuss the details of the project with your chosen installer.
One option to consider is to paint or tile your existing fireplace to make it the focal point of your room. This HGTV video hosted by Kim Myles will give you some ideas:
If your current chimney is not working properly, or if you don’t have a chimney at all, you can install a direct vent fireplace which has its own separate venting pipes and fittings. A ventless gas fireplace, which does not require a ventilation system, is another option if you don’t want the expense of installing a separate venting system. Both types of fireplaces can be installed in a room that would not ordinarily accommodate a fireplace, such as a den or bedroom.
Decorative fireplace mantels and fireplace facades allow you to customize the look of your fireplace and enhance the decor of the room. A stained-glass fireplace screen is an affordable way to update the appearance of an older fireplace as well as a convenient way to cover up the fireplace between cleanings.
If you want to improve the energy efficiency of your wood-burning fireplace, a wood fireplace insert is a great choice. Wood fireplace inserts are fully insulated and promote more efficient combustion, which makes them a plus for large rooms which are more difficult to hear.
With more people extending their living space outdoors, you may want to add a fireplace, chiminea or fire pit to your backyard, not only for heating but also for cooking. Outdoor gas fireplaces provide lots of warmth in the late fall or early spring when the weather is cooler; many are fueled by liquid propane and are portable, so they can be moved around your patio or porch. If you are interested in a DIY project, you can purchase an outdoor fireplace kit and put one together yourself. Outdoor fireplace kits come in different sizes with generally good quality materials that will withstand the elements.
Whatever you’re interested in, whether it’s renovating or updating your fireplace or installing an outdoor fire unit, you can find a fireplace design or accessory that meets your needs if you are willing to take the time to do a little research.
