The latest trends in fireplaces include the use of modern materials and designs to create aesthetically pleasing focal points in living spaces. Popular materials include marble, brick, stone, and stainless steel.
Contemporary designs may employ geometric shapes and asymmetrical lines for a truly unique look. Additionally, more homeowners are installing electric fireplaces, which use LED lights to create a realistic-looking flame and don’t need a chimney or flue.
Many electric fireplaces also come with easy-to-use remote controls, thermostats, and pre-programmed settings, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance any time of day or night. With all of these options, you can customize your fireplace to best suit your home’s décor and create a unique focal point in any living space.
How do you update an old fashioned fireplace?
Updating an old fashioned fireplace can be a great way to modernize your home and create a beautiful focal point for your living room or den. The first step is to assess the condition of the fireplace and ensure that it is in good standing and is safe to use.
This means that all moving parts should be inspected and replaced if necessary and that the flue and chimney should be inspected and cleaned if needed. Once the fireplace structure is in good working order, you can start thinking about how to refresh the style and look of the fireplace.
One way to update an old inefficient fireplace is to simply paint it. You will want to use heat-resistant paint suitable for your unique situation. Give the fireplace a good scrub before painting to ensure the paint sticks properly.
You can also upgrade the look of the fireplace by replacing the existing mantel with a style that better reflects the design aesthetic in the rest of the room. A great way to instantly add character and style to an old-fashioned fireplace is to replace the opening screen with a beautiful sturdy iron grate.
These grates come in a range of styles and sizes, so you’re sure to find something that suits the rest of the room’s decor.
In addition to enhancing the appearance of the fireplace, you should also consider upgrading it to a more efficient model. This will help reduce energy bills over the long run and provide a more efficient heat source during colder months.
Updating an old-fashioned fireplace can be a great way to improve the value of your home and create a beautiful, stylish look for your living space. With the right inspection, some careful planning, and a few upgrades, you can take your old fireplace and create a wonderfully modernized look that will last for years to come.
What is a decorative fireplace called?
A decorative fireplace is usually referred to as a fire feature. A fire feature is an outdoor fireplace that is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, and often provides a focal point for outdoor areas.
They are typically made from various materials such as brick, stone, concrete, or metal and may have other decorative elements such as carved designs, glass, intricate tiles, and/or various metals. Fire features provide a wonderful atmosphere for entertaining, and can often become the centerpiece of an outdoor space.
They can also be a great source of warmth and ambiance in cooler climates.
What is the hole in the bottom of a fireplace for?
The hole in the bottom of a fireplace is typically referred to as a ‘fireplace grate’ or ‘ash dump door’. Its main purpose is to provide an outlet for ashes that have been accumulated from burning wood logs or coal.
It is also used for air circulation which is important for helping the fire to burn more steadily and safely. Some fireplaces have metal grates in the bottom or come equipped with ash doors, but many do not.
In these cases, you may need to cut an opening in the bottom of the fireplace to install the grate or ash dump door. The ash dump door should be open when the fireplace is in use, allowing the ash to fall through the grate into a metal ash pan that should be placed directly underneath it.
It is also important to make sure the ash dump door remains closed when the fireplace is not in use, as leaving it open can put your home at risk of smoke damage. Additionally, the fireplace grate, when in use, should be checked regularly and maintained to ensure that it is clean and not blocked with fallen pieces of wood, coal, or other debris, as this can cause the fire to burn too quickly and create a potential safety hazard.
Do fireplaces add value to your home?
Yes, fireplaces can add value to your home. Depending on the type of fireplace and the features it has, it can even be a major selling point. Fireplaces are considered luxurious and can create a cozy atmosphere in any home, making them attractive additions to prospective buyers.
They are also believed to increase a home’s resale value and even make homes more desirable for rent. A fireplace can also be used as a decorative feature, providing a stunning visual element to any living space.
Additionally, fireplaces can provide less tangible benefits like providing a comfortable gathering space, a warm spot to curl up, and a source of unique ambiance.
What do you put in front of fireplace on floor?
It is important to consider the type of floor and materials you have in front of your fireplace before choosing what to put there. Generally, a rug with a fire resistant fiber is best to protect against heat and sparks.
Wool, seagrass, and sisal are all good fire resistant materials. You also want to avoid synthetic, petroleum-based fleece, nylon, and polyester fibers, as those materials can melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Additionally, the rug should be large enough to extend well past the edges of the hearth to prevent sparks from landing on unprotected areas. If your flooring is ceramic tile, you should also consider adding a rug pad to protect the tile from cracking from the heat and to make the rug more comfortable to walk on.
Can you have a fireplace without a hearth?
Yes, you can have a fireplace without a hearth. Hearthless fireplaces typically consist of a firebox that is constructed from metal and set into a space within an existing wall. They are easy to install and can look almost like a traditional hearth, aside from the fact that the floor space beneath the firebox is left open.
Hearthless fireplaces can be heath efficient and can provide a great space-saving solution in some settings.
How can I make my fireplace more attractive?
Making your fireplace more attractive can be a fun and rewarding task that can give your room a whole new look. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Paint or stain your fireplace mantel and surround. A fresh coat of paint or stain can really make a difference, bringing life to the area. If you don’t want to do the job yourself, consider hiring a professional to do the work for you.
2. Put some photographs or artwork in the mantel area. This is a great way to not only make the fireplace a focal point, but also to make it your own. Choose pieces that are special to you and your family.
3. If you have a hearth, consider installing tile or stone around it. This will bring a whole new life to the area and adds a nice contrast against the wood of the mantel and surround.
4. If you want to get more creative, consider painting a mural on the fireplace wall. This is a great way to add character and get the design you want.
5. Add some accents like a fireplace screen or candles. These small touches will bring a coziness to the fireplace area.
No matter what you choose, with some creativity, you can make your fireplace look amazing and give your room a whole new look.
How do you make a brick fireplace look modern?
Making a brick fireplace look modern is achievable by using a few different techniques. The most important thing is to keep the fireplace area as open and unencumbered as possible. Start by removing any bulky mantels or hanging items.
To update the look, you can whitewash the brick. This will create an all-white, modern aesthetic. If whitewashing isn’t an option, you can also paint the bricks. Choose a solid color or even a fun, subtle pattern that enhances your existing decor.
Then, incorporate modern décor and furniture, such as a sleek set of shelves, minimalistic design and muted tones. To really amp up the modern effect, use ceiling and wall lights to add light and a contemporary look.
Finally, you can accessorize the area with a few statement pieces like a modern mirror or painting. With some simple updates and accessories, your brick fireplace can be quickly and easily transformed into a modern-looking centerpiece.
Are brick fireplaces coming back in style?
Yes, brick fireplaces are definitely coming back in style. In recent years, traditional brick fireplaces have been making a comeback in interior design trends—especially when combined with modern elements for a more contemporary look.
Their rustic, natural aesthetic can help add a touch of warmth and character to any room. Plus, bricks usually tolerate heat well, so they’re a practical choice for fireplaces. Many people are also opting for lighter hues of bricks to pair with their existing decor.
For these reasons, brick fireplaces can be a great centerpiece for any home.
Should I whitewash my brick fireplace?
Whitewashing a brick fireplace can be a great way to update the look of your home. It can either create a completely new look or allow you to preserve the original charm of the brick while lightening the colors in your space.
Before whitewashing your brick fireplace, there are several steps you should take to ensure you get the best possible results.
First, you’ll need to clean the brick thoroughly. A gentle detergent and water solution or a brick cleaning solution will help remove dirt and grime. It’s also important to use a heavy-duty brush for cleaning the brick so you can reach all the nooks and crannies.
Then, you’ll need to let the brick dry completely before proceeding with whitewashing. Though a few days of waiting is inconvenient, it’s important to allow the brick the time it needs to dry out.
Once the brick is prepared, you can whitewash it in one of two ways. For a natural, more transparent look, you can dampen the brick before applying a whitewash solution of latex paint and water. With a ratio of one part paint to two parts water, you’ll be able to reduce opacity and still provide your brick with a clean and bright look.
Alternatively, you can go with a more opaque look by first applying a coat of paint, and then adding a top coat of diluted whitewash afterward. Doing so will create more contrast between the brick and the white, and will provide more of a statement piece.
Overall, whitewashing a brick fireplace can be a great way to update the look of your home. In order to design the best look for your space, make sure to prepare the brick properly, choose the best whitewash solution for you, and take your time applying the solution.
What kind of paint do you use on a brick fireplace?
For painting a brick fireplace, the best paint to use is a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or zero VOC paint formulated for high temperature surfaces. A heat-resistant paint specifically designed for fireplaces is ideal, as the paint can withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees.
If you are unsure if this paint is appropriate for your particular fireplace, it is always recommended to consult with a professional. Additionally, be sure to choose a satin or gloss paint for the best aesthetic results.
Prior to applying the paint, it is very important to clean the area with a damp cloth and detergent. Once the surface has been wiped down and properly cleaned, it is important to allow the area to completely dry before applying any paint.
To ensure the paint adheres to the surface, consider using a high quality primer designed for bricks or masonry surfaces. When painting, be sure to use long brush strokes in the same direction, and if needed, apply additional coats of paint to get the desired look.
Make sure the area is well-ventilated during the process.
Finally, to ensure that the paint remains in good condition, it is important to regularly inspect the surface and remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated. With proper care and maintenance, the paint should last many years.
What type of fireplace is most popular?
The most popular type of fireplace is an open-faced wood burning fireplace. This type of fireplace offers the traditional look of a wood burning fire and the freedom to use different woods to create a unique aesthetic in the home.
The open-faced design of a wood burning fireplace also allows for better air circulation than a closed-faced option, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Additionally, wood burning fireplaces offer a more natural and realistic flame than an electric or gas-burning alternative.
The cost of a wood burning fireplace is often comparable to other alternatives, and there is a wide range of styles and sizes available, making it accessible for most budgets.
How do I choose a fireplace surround?
When it comes to selecting a fireplace surround, there are a number of factors to consider. First, consider the size and shape of your fireplace. Consider inspiration from your home’s style, like a nice wood surround if you have a cottage-style home, or something more modern if your home is more modern.
If you are looking for something to make a statement, perhaps look for an ornate marble or metal surround. Next, measure your fireplace to be sure the surround you choose will fit. Decide if you would like mantel shelves or over-mantle mirrors and make sure these measurements are exact.
Consider any other elements you would like to incorporate in the surround, such as gas lines for a gas fireplace, and make sure all these aspects are combined for a cohesive look. Once you’ve narrowed your options, decide what material you would like the surround to be made from.
Popular options are stone, cast iron, marble, or wood. Finally, consider the budget and make sure the fireplace surround you select is within it. Research if the fireplace surround may need additional installation pieces and add those costs into your budget.