Fireplace Designs Ideas and Facts

When choosing fireplace designs the 3 main things to consider are the type of fuel used, the layout of the fireplace, and the material it will be built with. Unless you are designing a fireplace from scratch, some of these questions will already be answered for you. For instance if you have a built in gas fireplace then all you will need to decide on is how to change the look and the colors and materials to use.

 

When it comes to the type of fuel used you have the choice of a regular wood burning fireplace. Something most people love and think of with nostalgia in their hearts. A natural gas fireplace, which is popular in apartments and new homes. Or some of the more modern variations, such as natural gas burners with fireplace glass, a fuel gel fireplace, an electric or LED fireplace, and some of the new cleaner burner bio fuel fireplaces.

 

When it comes to fireplace layouts you may be limited to what you already have built in. If you are designing from scratch you have the opportunity to be much more creative. A large corner fireplace is a popular choice. There are also fireplaces that partially divide a room and the fire can be seen from all 3 sides of the room. Fireplaces that are built into walls are also popular because the fire can be shared from two different rooms. Recently a lot of people have been adding electric, gel, or gas inserts into cutouts in the wall which create a nice modern fireplace design.

 

The material used is where the fun really comes in. If you have a plain looking fireplace you can dress it up with a new mantle or fireplace surround kit. You can redo a boring fireplace in stone or slate tile and then add a mantle and new surround or glass fireplace door. You can also create an elegant look with a classic white mantle and surround kit or go for whimsy with a new wood mantle and a stained glass fireplace screen. You are really only limited by your imagination when it comes to fireplace design.

 

An effective way to renew a dingy looking natural gas fireplace is with fireplace glass. All you really need to do is clean the inside of the fireplace. Then cover up any remaining stains with a specially formulated fireplace paint. Then connect a fireplace glass burner to the gas valve. Test it to make sure it is positioned correctly and doesn’t leak. Then cover with your choice of colored fireplace crystals. You can also add some large diamonds or different sized and colored crystals on top. Or you can arrange large fireplace rocks or stones on top of the crystals. Once you have your design, just so, top everything off with a stainless or brass surround and you have the envy of the town when it comes to modern fireplaces.

 

Another dramatic and relatively simple fireplace design addition is the wall mounted fireplace. You can  easily have an electric or fuel gel fireplace mounted on the wall for a modern easy to use fireplace solution. If you want a portable solution to dress up a bathroom or bedroom you could always find an electric fireplace to fit the bill.

 

If you have a large room and you want the fireplace to portray coziness and warmth, you can’t go wrong with natural stone or slate. I love floor to ceiling stone fireplace covering the entire surround and going up the wall to the chimney. These natural materials can give the room an amazing focal point as the eye follows the stone up the chimney to the ceiling. Top it all off with a large hand carved mantle and you have a true rustic beauty in your home.