What types of fireplaces are there?
Installation of a solid fuel fireplace in urban apartments is not allowed. The only exception is apartments located on the top floor of the building. But in this case, a well-designed chimney is required, facing the street, running through the attic and roof.
For modern apartments, you can choose a wall-mounted or corner fireplace. The second option fits more successfully into a modern interior. Corner designs look more elegant and compact. To make a choice, it is worth understanding the features of the models available to urban residents.
False fireplace
A false fireplace is a structure that imitates a real hearth. Its frame is constructed of plasterboard or brick, and the external finishing is made of the desired material. This model can be installed in any part of the living room, matching the overall style of the room.
It is not uncommon for designers to use artificial fireplaces to decorate a room. They may contain flames drawn with chalk or contain decorative firewood.
Electric fireplaces
Electrical products are easy to use in an apartment. Their main elements are made of wood and glass. This is the best option for those who want to have an analogue of a wood-burning fireplace in their home. At the same time, it does not require a chimney, is easy to maintain and runs on electrical energy.
With the help of a decorative electric fireplace you can illuminate and heat the room. The undeniable advantage of such models is their affordable cost and safety for the health of people and animals. To activate such a device, just plug the plug into a socket and enjoy the beauty, adjusting the heating temperature if necessary.
There are mobile electric fireplaces designed as a heater or humidifier.
Biofireplaces
Biofireplaces are a relatively new device in interior design. It runs on biological fuel in the form of multi-colored granules: solid alcohol, sawdust or bark, compressed peat.
An ideal option for city apartments, given the fact that during operation they emit a minimal amount of carbon dioxide. Accordingly, the installation technology does not require the installation of a chimney or a special ventilation system. When the granules burn, very little ash remains, so maintenance of the bio-fireplace is minimal.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a fireplace, you need to evaluate all the important factors in advance:
- in which room the item will be placed;
- its dimensions in relation to the room;
- planned power of the product;
- acceptable price;
- compliance with the existing, newly created interior.
There are a lot of options for making fireplaces, so each of the lovers of this ancient architectural element can choose the one they like.
An electric fireplace is best suited for an apartment fire - it does not need to be planned in advance, the product is fireproof.
Power level
The more spacious the room, the more powerful the design is purchased to fully heat it. The extent to which an object is capable of performing a given task depends on its “filling” - details about it can be easily found out by reading the instructions supplied with the device. An average-power electric fireplace easily heats up about 25-30 square meters. m. area of the room.
Depending on the owner’s preferences, it can be a romantic “antique” fireplace or a cubic bio-fireplace in a modern style.
Room size in relation to fireplace
The larger the room, the larger the device is installed. A small room should not be overly cluttered; in a spacious room, a tiny fireplace will simply get lost and will not look beautiful. The dimensions of the product also determine the possibility of its unhindered installation.
Visual design
Spending a long time at the portal, contemplating the fire, calms and relaxes. So that nothing interferes with relaxation, the hearth should have a beautiful appearance and design that matches the style of the room. Usually the design is an accent element, the semantic center of the room.
The most ancient purpose of a fireplace is to heat the room in which it is installed.
Price
Price is most important when renovating apartments on a budget. It is not recommended to buy the cheapest one - it is unlikely that the product will be of high quality or durable. Expensive, luxurious is purchased for the appropriate interior design.
Finishing methods
Almost any material can be used for cladding electric or artificial fireplaces, since the surface does not heat up to high temperatures. The most popular finishing materials include:
Tiling
Ceramics occupies a leading position among finishing materials for decorative portals. In addition to high fire resistance, the material is distinguished by a wide range of colors and patterns.
Thanks to the applied glaze, the surface is easy to wet clean and repels moisture. The original shape of the tiles will help make the fireplace the main decorative element of the living room, decorated in any stylistic direction.
Tree
Wood does not have heat-resistant characteristics, but if you follow a number of recommendations, you can easily use it to improve your fireplace:
- The material is pre-impregnated with a special fire retardant;
- The firebox is equipped with a protective screen;
- A ventilation system is provided;
- Not the entire portal is covered with wood, but decorative inserts are made;
- Ash and alder are not used.
Otherwise, there are no contraindications for using wood when decorating a fireplace.
Fake diamond
Artificially created stone is quite popular due to its low cost compared to its natural counterpart and similar characteristics.
The material is moisture resistant and durable and does not require special skills when working. For the same reasons, preference is given to artificial brick.
Plaster
When choosing such a finish you will not have to spend a lot of effort, time and money. The technological process is as simple as possible and no additional strengthening of the structure is required. In this case, it is worth selecting materials that meet fire safety requirements.
A huge range of colors allows you not only to choose a shade that suits the style of the room, but also to easily change it if necessary.
What to look for when purchasing:
To make the right choice when buying an electric fireplace for the living room, it is not enough just to decide on the design. In this case, a few professional tips will help:
- Power. The degree of heating of the room will depend on this indicator. If the device is assigned not only a decorative function, the power should be calculated based on the area of the hall;
- Size. An important point, since its location and the arrangement of other pieces of furniture depend on its dimensions;
- Designer design. When choosing exterior decoration, you need to build on the general stylistic direction in the room and apartment;
- An additional advantage will be the ability to adjust the brightness of the flame and temperature;
- If possible, you should give preference to a model equipped with an air humidification and aromatization system.
Following simple recommendations will allow you to choose a fireplace that will not only decorate the living room and heat it, but will also make the interior much more comfortable and harmonious.
Fireplace space
The presence of a fireplace in the interior of a city apartment requires the appropriate organization of a recreation area in the adjacent space. The most comfortable rest is in soft, deep armchairs, between which you can install a nice coffee table. The latter should be low so as not to block the view of the firebox. In spacious rooms, instead of armchairs, it is worth installing a composition of sofas with a carpet and a coffee table between them.
Organizing a relaxation area next to the fireplace
Near the electric fireplace in the interior of a studio apartment, you can place a rocking chair and a small round table on a high leg, allowing you to put a glass of grog and put your favorite book. In this case, a checkered blanket thrown over the chair will give a special coziness to the fireplace area. If there is a shortage of free space in the interior of a room with a fireplace, then bulky chairs should be replaced with compact banquettes.
Cozy chair next to the fireplace
You should not complement the fireplace space with a TV. Although a modern accessory noticeably spoils the mystery of the decor, this does not prevent our contemporaries from ignoring design advice.
Fireplace in the interior of the apartment (photo selection)
See our collection of photos, which presents modern solutions on how to place a fireplace in the living room of an ordinary apartment. Various materials, styles and types of useful accessories that will bring a piece of warmth to your cozy home.
Where and how best to install
Modern decorative fireplaces for an apartment are installed almost anywhere in the home, while real ones, occupying several square meters. m. of space - only in large rooms. Fireplace appliances are installed in the kitchen, bedroom, office, loggia, hall, hallway.
In the living room
The hall is the most suitable place to gather around a live or artificial fire with the whole family, like the ancient “cave” ancestors. The fireplace area here is the most extensive.
The location of the fireplace largely depends on its design and type.
In the hall
Placing a fireplace in the hallway, from the threshold, will give guests the impression that the family is living well, because not everyone has a fireplace at home. Some, even not too expensive, fireplace models look very luxurious.
In the bedroom
The bedroom is made warm, so the portal will be in place here. Place the structure on the opposite side of the bed, preferably near a free wall.
Large built-in fireplaces can be either wall or corner, regardless of whether they are working or have a purely decorative function.
In the kitchen
A kitchen space decorated with a fireplace becomes even more cozy. Sometimes the stove itself is neatly disguised as an “ancient” hearth, which gives the kitchen uniqueness and originality.
In the office
A study space equipped with a fireplace is the best place for receiving important guests, business partners, and also an excellent place for relaxation alone.
You can zone the room by highlighting a small fireplace area, convenient for relaxation and contemplation.
On the loggia
Installation of a fireplace on a loggia is carried out if it is not littered with various rubbish, but is used for relaxation. The fireplace is placed at the far end of the room, relative to the entrance.
In the nursery
In a children's space, structures are rarely installed - only fake versions are acceptable, as well as electrical ones, but with carefully hidden wires.
In most cases, it is this arrangement of fireplaces that is considered a classic.
Fireplace in the interior of a country house
Below are photos of how you can implement and organize a fireplace in a country cottage. The favorite place where all relatives gather on weekends should radiate warmth and love. Get inspired and take ideas home with you.
Design tips for design
Installing a small fireplace in a Khrushchev-era building is also acceptable. It is better to decorate it in a minimalist, classic, Scandinavian style. It is advisable to purchase an electric, bio-fireplace, or “false” one. The easiest way to choose a design is on the Internet.
Too voluminous options are not desirable - they will take up all the free space.
Tip: the best place to install a portal in the kitchen is a winter “Khrushchev” refrigerator.
