Before the advent of central heating systems and other modern forms of heating, the fireplace was the main source of heat during winter. The fireplace was the focal point of the house, often crowned by a huge mirror which hung over it and with a substantial mantelpiece displaying valued items. It was the welcome sight sought by soldiers returning home, children returning from school and workers coming home from their jobs. Even when central heating systems took over, most houses still retained a fireplace in at least one room.
A fireplace generally consists of a foundation, a hearth, a mantelpiece, a firebox, a spark arrestor, a smoke chamber and a chimney crane along with other essential accessories. Fireplaces are broadly categorised into two kinds: those with masonry chimneys and those with reinforced concrete chimneys. There is also the prefab or manufactured fireplace, which features a double or even triple-walled metal pipe and a sheet metal firebox.
Today, there are a wide variety of fireplaces available with a host of modern features and styles. There are environmentally friendly fireplaces that offer an ideal blend of tradition, quality and concern for nature. In Europe particularly, the traditional fireplace is making a comeback and log fires are once again gaining popularity. It is the oversized Inglenook fireplace that is one of the most sought after fireplaces, particularly in cottages and country-style homes.
Some of the popular fireplaces and fireside accessories available online include the Blomus CHIMO WAVE stainless steel fireplace, a cast-iron log holder, the Dimplex Club Stove and the Dimplex Horton Inset Fire.
Buy on Dealtime:
