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Decorative fireplace
In many homes and dwellings, chimneys have lost their utilitarian function, that is, as heat dispensers, making room for other more efficient systems.
Due to a question of comfort, of extremely sophisticated technological advances in heating appliances that in many cases are not perceived or simply because we do not have space for a complex installation, "fire" is disappearing from many homes.
However, neither floor or ceiling heating, nor extra-flat and designer radiators, nor the famous electric heat emitters has the appeal of fire and its combustion, and this is where the benefits come in. decorative fireplaces. That they are not only a viable option for decoration lovers or those who live in small houses or flats, they also provide us with pleasant sensations.
It must be remembered that the fire in the logs exerts an almost magical power of attraction on us. It is nice to be with family or friends around a fireplace in the middle of winter … Why can't we have it at home and enjoy those sensations?
What are decorative fireplaces?
The decorative fireplace concept wants simulate a real fireplace Without the complexity of its installation, price, maintenance, handling, cleaning or having to buy a fuel based on logs, pellets, etc., and everything that entails.
Ultimately and as an objective, it is pretend we have a heating system, without all the hassle of its installation and work. Looking, in addition, a fireplace that adapts to the decoration of our home and its design, in an easy way and that transmits those pleasant sensations and even, and, as we will see later, there are some types that will provide real heat to the home.
So we started to see what options and designs for decoration exist in the market and we can buy.
Types of decorative fireplaces
Although power is in the imagination and of course, the field of decoration and interior design is very broad. The decorative types that we can differentiate between them focus on three ranges:
1. Decorative electric fireplaces
They are those that only they work with electricity (We have an extensive article on types of electric fireplaces and their very useful characteristics). From a visual aspect, the housing is made of stainless steel and the simulation of fuel burning - firewood It is made with ceramic logs.
The flame appearance, which can be adjustable, is by a halogen or led lighting system (Super realistic Led electric effect) with a flame effect. Some models are decorative fireplaces without heat which are the cheapest.
The inner workings of a decorative electric fireplace it is simple. In most cases, its mechanism looks like an electric stove - heater, but of large dimensions, that is, these devices incorporate a resistance that gives off heat when heated (2000W, 2500W, 3000W, etc)
Its installation is very fast or with small works if it is embedded, in a clean way and as we see in the following image, what the system is is very simple. Only one outlet is required for an electrical connection (no smoke evacuation duct required). The market mainly offers three of electric decorative stoves:
- Decorative electric fireplace embedded in wall
- Decorative electric fireplace embedded in furniture
- Decorative electric mobile fireplace (We do not represent them as they are difficult to see)
From an interior design and design perspective, although we have a wide range of models - new and second-hand -, if we want a good aesthetic we will have to buy the most sophisticated ones that provide realistic finishes and therefore, a higher price and they will not be cheap.
The heat input of this electrical system is through a resistance. It is not usually very efficient compared to other types of heating and more, if we have it embedded in the wall (they should have inserts - fans for heat diffusion). Remember! Are appliances that look like heating systems.
In the upper mid-range, almost all models with remote control work where we can regulate the temperature of the heater, and the intensity of the flame effect with light.
2. Decorative bioethanol fireplaces
The bioalcohol or bioethanol stoves (some call it the bio-fireplaces) are mainly designed for decoration. It allows us to obtain that feeling of comfort that flames provide us in rooms where we cannot install a wood-burning fireplace.
Note: Ethanol is a liquid, colorless, flammable and volatile chemical compound that can be obtained by anaerobic fermentation of sugars present in some plants or vegetables (Example, potato, corn, etc.) and a subsequent distillation in which its different components are separated. liquids through condensation or evaporation processes and converts it into another compound called bioethanol or bioalcohol (biofuel is 100%).
The bioethanol fireplaces stand out for their wide range of designs and aesthetic solutions. With equipment that can be placed on the table, on the floor, on the wall - embedded in the wall and there are even designs that hang from the ceiling Decorators love them!
The characteristics of the bioalcohol calorifers are as follows:
- Clean combustion: Bioalcohol does not generate odors or residues, although it is recommended to install it in rooms with easy ventilation.
- The most interesting thing about this type of stove is that we can see the flames and they are real (obviously some precautions must be taken)
- Very low CO2 emissions.
- Installation is easy (no works are needed) where no connection to the electrical network or smoke outlet is required.
- A minimum maintenance where we will only have to recharge the bioalcohol tank through a funnel.
- Since the whole of the device usually weighs little, there are models both portable and those that we can hang from the ceiling.
If we are looking for a device that simulates the flames of fire without complicating our lives, directly, they are the best aesthetic solution.
It must be taken into account that, from the perspective of heating compared to bioethanol, when burning, it gives off a high calorific value and without residues, but it is quite expensive if we want to heat a room (On average they consume 0.25 - 0.35 liters / hour of bioethanol and price per liter is between 4 - 6 Euros according to drum sizes).
If it is true that bioethanol stoves to decorate, and we have to comment, that there are manufacturers that are launching models with more extensive features and with heating capacities up to 100 square meters of surface.
They are more modern devices - obviously they are more expensive - that have a ventilation system with several speeds to move the heat, an adjustable burner and even some with remote control.
By having a flame that is true and using a highly flammable fuel we should have a fire alarm system. Precautions must be taken with a bioethanol fireplace, spreading the separations before the fire and appropriate margins with other furniture or having the liquid well protected.
There are the small-sized bioethanol burners that only provide a flame effect. They can be placed on or embedded in home furniture and surely you have seen them in gardens more than once. The good ones are not cheap at all but they have a wide range where there are quite affordable prices.
As you note, accessories are sold to improve the visual aesthetics and its design; ceramic logs, decorative stones, modern lighters or different housings with metallic finishes.
3. Decorative gas fireplaces
The decorative gas fireplace represents a more complex system both in the installation and in the need to have a conditioned smoke outlet. It can be a problem when we practice interior design at home, but it should be noted that there are very good designs.
They are the perfect alternative for any flat or house where traditional fireplaces have no place due to lack of space for storing firewood or due to some type of restriction in the installation.
It allows us to enjoy the fire with a medium energy efficiency and with the comfort of using gas (medium municipalities already exist city gas or we can access the propane most intended for single-family homes and some models even work with refillable LPG cylinders)
From the perspective of decoration, it fully fulfills its function, with varied aesthetic patterns that mimic the traditional heater quite well. An example is the following image:
As main characteristics of the decorative gas fireplaces we would have:
- The heat efficiency is considered average
- In the installation, they can be placed both in new and existing construction where a gas connection and an electrical connection will be needed.
- Its structure is normally a watertight natural draft chamber
- Recommended to heat rooms between 20 to 70 square meters of surface.
- Its main advantages include that it does not need ash cleaning or tedious refueling. In addition, most models have a remote control ignition, automatic flame regulation.
- The most modern ones work with a built-in thermostat (See thermostats characteristics). They can be programmed to heat the room to the desired temperature and according to hours of the day and some even have Wi-Fi to connect them to the mobile.
- The biggest disadvantage is the installation of the smoke outlet that can cause us problems:
The gas fireplaces They can work with a sealed or atmospheric chamber:
- Airtight gas fireplaces or direct ventilation system. Combustion takes place inside an insulated receptacle and takes the necessary air directly from outside. It is a safer system and keeps the air inside the room unchanged.
- Atmospheric chamber gas fireplace. It extracts the air from the room where the llar is placed and expels it through the installed evacuation tube.
The decorative gas fireplace is the best performing with heat input with reference to fuel price
Although it may be a viable option for many floors, it must be said that the unit sale price is not cheap and that it will increase due to the need for a more complex installation.
As a rough summary …
| Types of decorative fireplaces | Esthetic | Price | Installation |
| Decorative electric fireplaces | medium - low | medium - low | Simple |
| Decorative bioethanol fireplaces | high | medium - high | Simple |
| Decorative gas fireplaces | high | medium - high | You need smoke evacuation |
Regarding prices, look for recognized brands with guarantees and specialized centers such as Leroy merlin, Bauhaus, etc. Always compare and as a matter of fact, on the Amazon website there are interesting offers where you can always compare prices.
And remember, We are mainly looking for the ornament, decorative appearance and flame effect. These systems that fall within the field of home heating, are not the most ideal in terms of energy efficiency, where other mechanisms such as biomass boilers with pellets or the latest generation inverter air conditioning are more efficient to heat our house.
Styles in fireplaces
As a recommendation, before choosing a fireplace for the home and that fits with the style, do not keep the first impression based exclusively on its aesthetics or design, but rather take into account other aspects: the material of its manufacture and its properties, cost and its suitability with the decoration design of your home.
Although decorative finishes of fireplaces They are very varied, we leave you the following general options …
1 Styles of modern fireplaces
Here we directly enter the game of the minimalist fireplace, that is, the one that has straight and simple lines, use noble materials without trimmings (usually polished aluminum or forged iron in simple shapes) and that adds elegance and "cleanliness" to a space.
Although there is an extensive catalog, normally the basic shapes are used; rectangular, circular or even triangle shape with corners ending at an angle. In colors, although they are usually pieces of noble material seen, there are also black, white and dark blue ranges … Decorators and interior designers enjoy these pieces!
By presenting simple shapes it does not mean that they are cheaper, since the elegant ones are signed by great designers who increase their sale price but with impressive ornament results, like these elegant and designer radiators.
The flame system and effect is usually very simple and in most cases decorated with stones where black and white color abounds.
Obviously they are indicated for modern rooms, industrial environments and where the use of furniture is scarce. Remember the famous phrase "less is more" and check out this article on minimalist houses. There are also some designer outdoor stoves; for terraces, porches or gardens that we could practically say that they are two pieces using a very pure minimalist style.
2 Styles of classic fireplaces
The classic llar represents the top sales and in product, they are the best sellers, so the competition in manufacturers is greater and the sale price - on average - is lower.
They are inspired by the architectural motifs of the past to make the front and mouth ornaments of the chimneys. The hearth is usually recessed and its front flush with the wall or protruding a few centimeters.
In the classic style, the ornaments are already beginning to appear, especially on the front with pieces that are more ornate. Gold, ocher tones and slightly more elaborate wrought iron elements with reliefs are normally used.
The materials can be varied in their visible coating but we highlight the forging, which is the most common and that transmits heat very well.
In the fire and flame area, decorative elements are used such as ceramic logs and other accessories that can give play and disguise a more realistic look to a traditional fireplace in its combustion.
3 Styles of rustic fireplaces
Your sale is more dedicated to single-family homes in the countryside where having an optimal heating system we do not want to get rid of the power to enjoy the pleasure of observing a flame.
Rustic fireplaces use natural materials and colors without polishing or masking. Inspired by rural chimneys, bare brick or natural stone is left unpolished with visible mortar joints.
As a whole, the system is normally made up of a front and a shelf at the top that offers an almost perfect replica of the traditional stove and is always embedded in the wall.
Materials are used for the coating; stone, wood and even marble that raise its price quite a bit.
The fireplace for the home is not only a decorative element integrated into the house, but it is the protagonist in providing warmth and comfort.
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