A fireplace is an architectural component that is composed of a space made especially to contain a fire. It is an opening made in the bottom of a chimney. The opening is typically framed in an elaborate manner by a mantel, or mantelpiece. The firebox or fire pit refers to the open space found below the mantel where the fire is burned for warmth. Although this space is sometimes used for cooking, it is generally used for room-heating purposes.
Like everything else, there are countless fireplace design ideas that can inspire you to improve the look of your room. Fireplace design ideas depend on factors such as the area to be covered and the purpose that it needs to serve. These fireplace design ideas cover optional face designs and finishes, efficiency in fuel consumption and heat recovery. One idea would be to fill a fireplace with candles of all shapes, sizes, colors and textures; another of the fireplace design ideas is to tuck favorite branches, flowers and pinecones into the fireplace grate, for an inexpensive natural display. The choice of brick is also important, so make sure you shop around for that exact color you require, taking into account the lighting in the room they are going to feature. Many times a brick will appear much darker once installed in the room.
Fireplace designs are abundantly available when you are planning a fireplace. Fireplace design ideas range from simple fireplace designs to a contemporary design fireplace. You could be looking for the classic stone fireplace designs or a brick outdoor fireplace design – whatever it is, you will find one that appeals the most to you. When you want to design a fireplace, you might like to consider the hearth, which is the area just outside the firebox; the firebox where the fire will burn and the kind of opening you intend to have between the firebox and the room where you plan to build the fireplace.
Fireplace mantels are functional design elements that add character and depth to your room while displaying your unique taste and style. A rustic fireplace mantel can transform a living room. A mantel, whether you choose to have an entire surround or just the shelf mantel, could be just what the interior designer ordered for a dull living room.
Fire is made from three components: air, fuel and heat. Increasing the efficient use of these three elements will make your fireplace a more efficient source of heat. A wood-burning fireplace with a chimney presents special problems for the air part of the equation. Most fireplaces are found in a home with central heating. That means that if the fireplace design draws the air from the room, it is taking in warm air, heating it up and sending much of it out of the chimney into the cold. As more cold air is drawn into the home to be heated by a furnace, drawn into the fire and sent up the chimney, a net loss of heat occurs.
A lot of fireplaces are constructed inside buildings. However, there are occasions when people make outdoor fireplaces to warm the evening, cook outdoors or plainly for ornamental purposes.
