subject: The History Behind The Fireplace [print this page] Fire pits have been around since prehistoric times, there is evidence of man-made fires on all five continents, and they were built in the ground, caves, and huts. They were used solely to keep you warm and cook your food. But what has happened since those days to create what we now call a fireplace?
In 1678 Prince Rupert raised the grate of the fireplace, improving the airflow and venting system. Then in the 18th century, Ben Franklin created a connection chamber for the fireplace and he also improved the airflow by pulling air from a basement and venting out a longer area at the top. It was Count Rumford in the later parts of the 18th century that designed a fireplace with a tall shallow firebox that was better at drawing the smoke up and out of the building. This design also improved the amount of radiant heat projected into the room.
By the 1800s fireplaces were made up of two parts, the surround and the insert, and were used to provide heat and were thought to add coziness to a home. The surround which was the mantel piece and side supports made of wood, marble or granite. The insert was where you would put the wood for the fire, made of cast iron.
After World War 1, in the early 1900s, came the Art Deco movement, it pushed for modern aesthetics and the fireplaces followed suit. Then, in the latter half of the 1900s, due to such destruction after World War II came the development of electric fire. Now, just 31 years ago came the first techniques for electrical fireplaces in 1981. Commercial electric fireplaces were introduced in 1988. Then in the 1990s came the gel fireplaces and because of how convenient they were they soon became popular in the UK as well as America. Today there are two types of gel fireplaces, wall mountable and free standing, whichever one you were to choose they both look beautiful, have a realistic flame, and give warmth.
Through the centuries the design of fireplaces has changed from rustic fire pits used for warmth and cooking most often placed in the center of the room in the center of the house. To now where they are the focal point of our home, there are many styles depending on what look you want, traditional or modern.
The differences between a traditional fireplace and an electrical fireplace vary; it is not to say one is better than the other in general, but that one will suit familys needs differently. Electrical fireplaces do not require chimneys, are often portable and do not require remodeling or installing like a traditional fireplace would. Traditional fireplaces have more realistic flames, as they are real, than an electric one would. Also, traditional fireplaces can withstand harsher conditions if ever exposed to bad weather, and can take a beaten better than an electric one could. Lastly, a traditional fireplace will not cost anything in your electric bill, all you need is firewood.
