In many homes and dwellings, fireplaces have lost their utilitarian function, that is to say, dispensing heat, giving room for other more efficient systems.
For reasons of comfort, technological advances in extremely sophisticated heating devices that in many cases they are not perceived or, simply, because they are not we have space for a complex installation, the "fire" is disappearing from many homes.
But, neither the heating by the floor or by the ceiling, nor the extra-flat and designer radiators, nor the famous emitters electric heaters has the appeal of fire and its combustion, and this is where the chimneys come in decorative . That they are no longer just a viable option for decoration lovers or those who live in houses small or flats, in addition, they give us sensations pleasant.
We must remember that the fire of the logs exerts on us an almost magical power of attraction. It is nice being with family or friends around a fireplace in midwinter… Why can't we have her at home and enjoy of those sensations?
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The decorative fireplace concept wants simulate a real fireplace without the complexity its installation, price, maintenance, handling, cleaning or having to buy a fuel based on logs, pellets, etc, and everything that entails.
So we started looking at what options and layouts for decoration exists in the market and we can buy.
Although in the imagination is the power and of course, the The field of decoration and interior design is very broad. The decorative types that we can differentiate focus on three ranges:
They are those that only work with electricity (we have an extensive article on types of electric fireplaces and their very useful feature). From a visual aspect, the casing is made of stainless steel and the simulation of burning fuel – firewood It is made with ceramic logs.
The appearance of the flame , in a ring with electric heating can be adjustable, it is for a halogen or led lighting system (Super realistic Led electric effect) with a flame effect. Some models are
The inner workings of an electric fireplace decorative is simple. In most cases, its mechanism resembles an electric stove – heater , but of large dimensions, that is, These devices incorporate a resistance that when heated gives off heat (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 is the system is very simple. only required an outlet for an electrical connection (You do not need smoke evacuation duct). the market mainly offers three of electric decorative stoves:
From an interior design and interior 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 perfected ones that provide finishes realistic and therefore a higher price and 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 diffusion of heat). Remember! They are devices that they look like heating systems .
In the upper medium range, almost all models work with remote control where we can regulate the temperature of the heater, and the intensity of the flame effect with light.
Bioalcohol or bioethanol stoves (some call them the bio fireplaces) are mainly designed for decoration . It allows us to get that feeling of comfort that flames provide us in the rooms where we cannot install a wood-burning fireplace.
Note: Ethanol is a colorless, liquid chemical compound. flammable and volatile that can be obtained by fermentation anaerobic sugar present in some plants or vegetables (Example, potato, corn, etc) and a subsequent distillation in the that separates its different liquid components by condensation or evaporation processes and turns 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 teams that can be placed on a tabletop, on the floor, on a wall – embedded in the wall and there are even designs that hang from the ceiling Decorators love them!
The characteristics that the bioalcohol calorifiers are the following:
It should be taken into account that, from the perspective of heating before bioethanol, when burning, gives off a high calorific value and no waste, 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 liter price round between 4 – 6 Euros according to drum sizes).
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 system of fire alarm. Precautions must be taken with bioethanol fireplace, spit out the separations before the fire and appropriate margins with other furniture or keep safe the liquid.
There are bioethanol burners of small dimensions and that only provide a flame effect . They can be placed on or embedded in the furniture of the house and surely that more than once you have seen in gardens. The good ones are not cheap but they have a wide range where there are quite affordable prices.
As you note, accessories are sold to improve aesthetics visual and its design; ceramic trunks, decorative stones, modern lighters or different casings with finishes metallic.
The decorative gas fireplace represents a more complex system both in the installation and in the need to have a conditioned smoke outlet. Could 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 apartment or house where traditional fireplaces have no place for not having space for the storage of firewood or for some type of installation restriction.
It allows us to enjoy the fire with an efficiency average energy and with the convenience of using gas (medium municipalities already have city gas or we can access it propane more intended for single family homes and even some model works with refillable LPG cylinders)
From the perspective of decoration, it fulfills its function with grow, with varied aesthetic patterns that imitate the traditional heating quite well. An example is the image next:
As main characteristics of the fireplaces of decorative gas we would have:
The gas fireplaces can work with airtight or atmospheric chamber:
Although it may be a viable option for many floors, it must be say that the unit sale price is not cheap and that will increase due to the need for a more complex.
As a broad summary…
| Types of chimneys decorative | Aesthetics | Price | Installation |
| Decorative electric fireplaces | medium – low | medium – low | Simple |
| Decorative bioethanol fireplaces | high | medium – high | Simple |
| Decorative gas fireplaces | high | medium – high | Need smoke evacuation |
Regarding prices, look for well-known brands with guarantees and specialized centers such as Leroy Merlin , Bauhaus , etc. always compare and as data, on the Amazon website there are interesting offers where you can always compare prices.
And remember, we are mainly looking for the ornament, the decorative aspect and the flame effect . These systems that fall within the field of heating home, are not the most ideal in 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.
As a recommendation, before choosing a stove for the home and that fits the style, you don't have to stay with the first impression based exclusively on its aesthetics or design, but other aspects must be taken into account: the material of your manufacture and its properties, the cost and its adequacy with the decoration design of your home.
Although the decorative finishes of the chimneys are very varied, we leave you the following general options…
Here we directly enter the game of minimalist fireplace , that is, one that it has straight and simple lines, they use materials noble without trimmings (usually polished aluminum or wrought irons in simple shapes) and that brings elegance and "cleanup" to a space.
Although there is an extensive catalogue, normally it is use basic forms ; rectangular shape, circular or even triangular with corners ending in angle. In colors, although they are usually pieces of material noble seen, there are also some black, white and blue ranges dark... Decorators and interior designers enjoy these pieces!
Just because they present simple forms does not mean that they are more cheap, since the elegant ones are signed by big designers who increase their sale price but with stunning ornament results, just like these elegant and design radiators.
The system and flame effect is usually very simple and in the most cases decorated with stones where color abounds black and white.
Obviously they are suitable for modern rooms, industrial environments and where the use of furniture. Remember the famous phrase "less is more" and watch this article about minimalist houses. There are also some outdoor designer stoves; for terraces, porches or gardens that we could practically say are two pieces using a very pure minimalist style.
The classic llar represents the top sales and in product, they are best sellers, so competition in manufacturers is higher and the sale price – on average – is lower.
They are inspired by the architectural motifs of the past to make the frontal decorations and the chimney mouths. The home is usually built-in and its front flush with the wall or protruding some centimeters.
In the classic style, the ornaments already begin to appear, especially on the front with pieces that are more recharged . Golden tones are normally used, ocher and forging elements a little more elaborate with reliefs.
The materials can be varied in their visible coating but we highlight the forging, which is the most common and which incidentally transmits heat very well.
In the area of fire and flame, elements are used decorative elements such as ceramic trunks and other accessories that can give play and
Your sale is more dedicated to housing single-family houses in the countryside where having a system of optimal heating we do not want to part with power enjoy the pleasure of observing a llama.
Rustic fireplaces use materials and colors natural without polishing or masking. Inspired by the rural chimneys , the exposed brick or the unpolished natural stone with visible mortar joints.
As a whole, the system is normally made up of a front and a shelf at the top that offers a almost perfect replica of the traditional stove and always embedded in the wall.
Materials are used for 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 is the protagonist in contributing warmth and comfort.
