Master Class - Fireplaces

At this time of year, a good fireplace is the perfect thing for cold winter nights. Especially if you use your fireplace often, it is important to recognize what kind of fireplace you want when you are initially scouting for a new home (or in the event of a remodel). 

For those seeking a particular type of look to their living room and would like to have the fireplace harmonize with that look, today we’ll be talking about some details to keep in mind.

Two Types of Fireplaces

At the most basic level, there are essentially two types of fireplaces: a masonry box or a prefabricated metal box. There are pros and cons to each.

The masonry box is the one that comes to mind for most people when they think of the classic fireplace. The advantage of the masonry box is that they can be much larger than metal boxes. Also they have the ability to burn natural wood as well as gas. 

The prefabricated metal box has two options: vented (requiring a chimney) and non-vented (which requires no chimney, burns at a much higher temperature, and burns up its own toxic fumes).

In a lot of communities, new fireplaces are required to be metal boxes and burn only gas, as the smoke in some areas has become an environmental hazard. While it’s a shame that more traditional, wood burning fireplaces are on their way out (there’s something about the scent of burnt wood that’ll be sad to leave behind), it has led to improvisation and the rise in popularity of some of the newer, more contemporary fireplaces that are gas only. (By the way—sparkfires.com has a whole variety of linear fireplaces that are vent-free and create a chic, modern look.)

The fireplace as a central space

For homeowners that are stuck with the fireplace that came with their property and didn’t have the opportunity to scout fireplaces when they were looking (or didn’t think to do so back then!), the question becomes how to make this central space in their home work for them. 

As a rule of thumb, I would say the more already decorated the mantle, the more simple you decorate it, and vice versa. Having said that, here are a few more tips that you might find helpful:

• If you want to make the mantle look a little less formal, try stacking some art on it. Two or three pieces sitting on the mantle, leaned on the wall, is a perfectly subtle accent that’ll also show off your particular taste. 
• A symmetrical arrangement of decor items on the mantle will increase the formality of the look. 
• A massive, great painting is always a good choice. I prefer the look of the painting to go against the style of the fireplace—a contemporary piece over a traditional fireplace, and vice versa.  

And my most important piece of advice: stay away from clutter, which will muddy the look of your living room. When in doubt, go for a single bold gesture!