Types of fireplace

The electric fireplace consists of a portal – a fireplace frame – and a hearth, that is, a place for a firebox. The hearth can be built-in, in the form of a cassette, which is made for each model, or replaceable. Fireplaces with a built-in hearth are already sold assembled, most often they are compact models. Replaceable foci are available in certain sizes, for which the frame is selected.

The electric fireplace can be portable, corner, mounted, wall-mounted, freestanding or built-in. A portable fireplace is a compact mini–stove that can be moved from room to room; a corner one is usually installed in small rooms with a lack of free space. A hinged fireplace looks like a painting with a live fire or like a plasma TV in a frame of black or silver metal. It has a small thickness (about 20 cm) and it is attached to the wall. Usually, such fireplaces decorate rooms in the style of high-tech or minimalism and are expensive. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are usually exact copies of English or classic wood-burning fireplaces. Their firebox is U-shaped, they are usually framed with marble or wood — traditional materials for fireplaces in these styles. A cheaper version of the decor is an imitation of these materials, for example, made of plastic. Free-standing fireplaces, which are sometimes also called central or island fireplaces, are installed in the centre of the room. So the fire is visible from almost all sides, and the air warms up in all directions. There are also built-in fireplaces - their framing protrudes from the wall.

Functionality

Usually, electric fireplaces can operate in three modes — full-power heating (for most, the maximum power is 2 kW) and flame simulation, half-power heating mode (1 kW) with flame simulation or flame simulation mode without heating function. In simulation mode, the device consumes less than 100 watts. Many models are equipped with a built-in thermostat that maintains a set temperature in the room. If the required temperature is reached, the thermostat turns off the heating element, and, conversely, when the temperature drops, turns it on. This function saves electricity. Some devices have remote control, which allows you to adjust not only the heating level, but also the brightness of the glow of the "flame" and its intensity. In addition to the basic set of functions, an electric fireplace may have additional ones. For example, you can make a multi-coloured backlight for it. The speakers built into the device can broadcast not only the sounds of crackling burning wood, but also music, the noise of a waterfall, birdsong. Of course, such additions will increase the cost of the fireplace.

Appearance and placement

 

The choice of materials for the design of electric fireplaces depends primarily on the financial capabilities of the customer and the style of the room where the fireplace will be installed. So, finishing a fireplace with a semi—precious stone, for example, onyx, costs more than 300K UAH, natural stone in the low-cost version - an order of magnitude less. Even cheaper is imitation marble made of plastic. In addition, ceramic tiles, bricks and other materials are suitable for decoration. The surface of electric fireplaces practically does not heat up during operation, so wood can also be used for decoration, unlike traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

When choosing a certain model, the area of the room also matters. For a small room (16-20 m), it is better to choose not a classic fireplace imitating a wood-burning one, but a corner model that takes up less space and looks good at the same time. It is not necessary to place a fireplace in front of a source of sunlight or artificial light. Getting on the surface of the device, the light reduces the brightness of the visual effects, and the "fire" in the furnace looks unnatural. If the fireplace will be regularly used for heating, the location should be chosen taking into account the optimal thermal effect, and if its decorative function is more important, you can only be guided by aesthetic preferences.

Electric fireplace in the interior

An electric fireplace can decorate almost any room — living room, bedroom, hall, nursery or kitchen. In the living room, the fireplace will be the compositional centre of the interior, creating an atmosphere of home warmth and comfort, therefore, a recreation area is organized around it - soft armchairs, chairs, a sofa, a small table are placed. A fireplace is also suitable for a study – the cozy crackling of firewood stimulates mental activity – and for a bedroom, where its warm light will replace a night light. Much less often, an electric fireplace is installed in the dining room.

Some designers believe that a traditional wood-burning fireplace is not suitable for all interior styles. Usually, he decorates rooms in classical, palace, English or country style. An electric fireplace, on the contrary, has no stylistic limitations, it will look harmoniously both in a strict classical interior and in more modern styles, for example, hi-tech. The variety of shapes of such fireplaces, their sizes and materials for decoration provides almost unlimited possibilities for decoration. For example, a suspended fireplace made of light metal will fit well into a living room decorated in high-tech style, and a round-shaped device will become the highlight of a Provence-style room.

For a classic interior, it is better to choose an electric fireplace imitating a wood—burning one with a portal made of precious wood or natural stone - these materials always look rich. Of course, such a solution will be quite expensive, but the visual effect is worth it. Built—in fireplaces are suitable for a minimalist interior, hinged fireplaces are suitable for modern styles. The format of hinged fireplaces allows them to be used for the design of both country houses and apartments, and offices.