subject: Choosing The Right Fireplace For Your Home [print this page] Thinking about getting a fireplace for your home? It's easy to see why. Fireplaces add coziness and warmth. For generations families have gathered in front of a fireplace. While today's family does not typically use a fireplace only for warmth, it still has many benefits. Many who look for a new home are quite pleased to see a fireplace in any home they look at. If you are looking for a new fireplace, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for a fireplace is the size you have available for a fireplace. You'll need to measure this area and get an exact measurement. Take these measurements a few times to confirm them, so there is no question about the measurements. There will be great disappointment if you discover if your measurements are off by even an inch or two.
Another important thing to consider is the location for the fireplace. This may be a circumstance where you'll want to consult a contractor or your architect for best results. Try to keep an open mind about the "best" place, while you may have one idea, the contractor may have a suggestion that is better for your home and will insure that the fireplace is far more successful.
There are several different types of fireplaces and you'll want to choose a specific type. The most popular are electric fireplaces and gel fuel fireplaces. Electric fireplaces are powered by electricity and can easily heat a smaller room. You also have no fuss or hassle about cleaning up after the fireplace. Your fireplace is adjusted by remote control. A gel fireplace has heat that is generated by fuel canisters. This can heat larger rooms easily. With the gel fireplace you have that wonderful flame "crackle" people love about fireplaces. One of the best things about the gel fireplace is that you can put it just about anywhere, no outlet is needed.
You'll want to choose a finish for your fireplace. Today's homeowner has many choices to compliment home dcor and make their living room look beautiful. Some will prefer a light finish, others will want a dark finish and some will prefer something in between. Other colors can be found, such as white, ivory, black and brown. Whether your home dcor is modern, traditional, contemporary or eclectic, you'll find a fireplace and mantel that will compliment it well.
There are options to showcase your fireplace's mantel. Consider traditional, transitional or rustic mantel shelves. Any of these can look stunning, depending on your preference and what you prefer to use your mantel for. There are also fireplace surrounds, made of wood or stone. Each of these options can customize your mantel and make it truly your own. Some want a mantel that looks larger and others want one that looks more minimal.
Other accents truly add to your fireplace and mantel's dcor, such as a fireplace screen or fireplace tools. These are also especially important for fireplace safety. They will help to keep curious children and pets from getting to close to the fireplace.
There's nothing better to add coziness and warmth to any room than a fireplace. Today's homeowner has many options to choose that "just right" fireplace and mantel to easily compliment their home dcor so well.
