Your home style is unique to you. You’ve stamped your personality on the place and made your mark. If you’re in the midst of a redecorating project or just thinking about changing up one or two things, we’re taking a look at one aspect of your living space that can create a huge impression: your fireplace.
In this short blog we explore the different types of fires and wood burners you might think about installing for this feature which so often becomes the heart of your living room.A focal point where friends and family gather around to warm up on a cold wintery evening, eat and drink and spend time together.
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Preparing Your Chimney
Whether you’re thinking of replacing your gas fire or installing a wood burner, the first thing you should do is take a look at the state of your chimney. As popular places for nesting birds, it’s common for them to become clogged and need clearing. Have a certified Chimney Sweep take a look and check that it’s quite safe to use with no cracks or obvious weaknesses inside or out.
Wood Burners
There’s not much that’s more romantic than the flicker of real flames and the heat from a real wood burner. While real fires have a reputation of being messy to use and of needing space to store logs, once you’re up and running you’ll find they’re both economical and straightforward.
Logs can be stored outside and brought in to dry out in advance of the colder months.Coal and kindling can be stored out of site or in bespoke fire props kept near your fire. When installing your wood burner you should let the professionals do the job. They will need to make sure your chimney is fully lined or add a lining themselves to ensure the smoke can’t leak out through any cracks into your home.
When firing up your wood burner, use coal and kindling as a base layer. The coal will stay warm for longer and add logs on top for a burst of heat and the impressive looking flames.
Gas Fires
The beauty of the modern gas fire is that it looks so similar to a real fire that it can be hard to tell the two apart. Make sure your fire is fitted by a fully certified gas technician. The other great thing about gas fires is that you can really concentrate on providing a beautiful fire surround for your centrepiece, without fear of it getting blackened by smoke.
You might opt for a dramatic marble surround or Victorian-style tiling. Natural wood creates a homely atmosphere, while flagstones give a country feel.
When you’re designing your living space, find a look that reflects your family life to a tee. Gather friends and family around your wood burner and create an atmospheric warm, cosy centrepiece.
Have your chimney given the once over and put the finishing touch to your living room with a fireplace that is both unique and comforting.
