WHAT STYLE OF FIREPLACE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HOME? As the temperature plummets, the thought of curling up in front of a fireplace becomes incredibly appealing, but what type of fireplace is right for your home? Interior Designer Becc Burgmann guides us through the options. Wood Pros: • The romance, relaxation and nostalgia • The smell of the wood • Provides great heat and can heat large areas • The natural state of calm it can create. Cons: • High maintenance. Think chopping wood (or buying it), stacking it outside (ensuring it doesn’t get wet), bringing ample amounts inside every day, the mess it can make around your fireplace as well as the need to regularly clean it. • You do need good quality wood or it can be a pain to get started and keep burning. Not all wood burns well. • Lighting and getting it roaring at the end of a busy day can take a while and get slightly tedious, especially if you’ve come home to a cold house. Gas Pros: • Low maintenance. They aren’t messy and don’t require regular cleaning • Can heat a space relatively quickly • They have a flame, not quite that of a wood fire, but can be natural-looking • Relatively low running costs. Cons: • Dependent on if you have access to natural gas • It can be more expensive than electric to buy and install • You must use a professional to install as there are legalities around the installation and placement of units. Electric Pros: • Relatively inexpensive to buy and easier to install yourself • They aren’t messy and don’t require cleaning Cons: • Practicality. They create some ambience but aren’t effective if the purpose is to heat a space, especially a larger one • The flame isn’t real, and depending on the quality, it can look unrealistic Fireplaces are a worthwhile addition to a home and can add value, warmth and a luxurious feeling, just ensure you do your research and choose the best style for you and your lifestyle.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1