Including chimney-free & non-renovation options
Fireplaces are definitely one of these things that make a house super comfortable, cosy, beautiful, and also warm on cold days. Anyone who has ever experienced lying in front of a fireplace, surrounded by loved ones, chatting, drinking hot chocolate and listening to the crackling sound of burning wood is surely craving more of these moments.
However, having a fireplace in your own home often seems impossible. What we hear from our clients is that installing a fireplace is often expected to be too expensive or too much of a renovation in order to get it installed.
The bad news is: depending on what you want, fireplaces can of course be extremely expensive! But we also have good news! The alternatives to traditional fireplaces are nearly always underrated and often even unknown to most people!
There are fantastic alternatives to traditional fireplaces which are nearly always underrated and often even unknown to most people! – GINI from interiorbygini
Fireplaces do not need to cost tens of thousands of euros, neither do you need to open up walls, get the approval by a statician or your landlord. Some alternatives can be directly installed on your own – in a few minutes! And you don’t need access to a chimney either!
Disclaimer: No guarantee, this blogpost only shows different fireplace options. Always consult a professional before purchasing and installing a fireplace to check your spatial conditions and which fireplace is suitable for you.
We have made a list of different fireplace options for anyone looking for this cosy feeling – covering different budgets, types, and installation tasks.
(Credit: https://www.depuydthaarden.be/media/slideshow/153-03.png)
1. Modern fireplaces with access to a chimney
Modern fireplaces can be installed when you have access to a chimney. They often function as room dividers too, can be fully made of glass, work with proper wood, and therefore are a great eye catcher in your interior. If you have a modern home with the opportunity to install such a piece, lucky you!
(Credit: https://www.depuydthaarden.be/media/slideshow/153-03.png)
2. Vintage fireplaces (Swedish classics
Another great opportunity if you have the financial freedom (and a suitable room/house) are vintage fireplaces. Some of these can even be bought as old fireplaces that were restored! They have so much character, are absolutely beautiful and come in lots of different looks. Many times, these fireplaces are from Scandinavia but of course there are also other options which include more work when installing.
Usually, these fireplaces operate by wood and can either be included in a “wall” or free-standing. The classical fireplaces from Scandinvia are a fantastic way to store heat for a long time and warm up spaces over a period of time.
Traditional fireplace from cast iron – also vintage, credit: Strenghielm
3. Hanging fireplaces operated by wood
These fireplaces are mostly made of cast iron and are the ultimate it-piece in your interior. Typically hung from the roof, these fireplaces can be installed anywhere in the room (with access to a chimney) and make a place comfortable and stylish. A hanging fireplace is a great choice if you want to combine a more modern look while keeping the rustic, traditional fireplace look from cast iron.
4. Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces
Here you go! Ever heard of bio-ethanol fireplaces before? If not, this is one of the options for you if you do not have a huge budget and/or access to a chimney. Bio-ethanol fireplaces can be installed in a minute, don’t need to be connected to a chimney, and operate by bio-ethanol instead of wood. In order to use bio-ethanol fireplaces safely, you need to ensure a few things including enough fresh air, enough space (in the room as well as to other pieces of furniture), and a strict procedure when refilling the bio-ethanol (needs to be completely cooled down before refilling!!). However, if these things are ensured, bio-ethanol fireplaces are a fantastic alternative to traditional fireplaces. Furthermore, bio-ethanol fireplaces are usually very stylish, with a modern twist and different colour options.
We have used bio-ethanol fireplaces before and were extremely happy with it! You cannot expect them to heat up a room as much as traditional fireplaces, however, they create a beautiful mood and did warm the space a little.
Great options are Cocoon Fires, Le Feu, Westbo.
5. Electrical fireplaces
Electrical fireplaces are more for the feeling and look. They do not offer a great amount of heat but are very decorative if you want the look of a fireplace. Electrical fireplaces are relatively easy to install, as they only need access to electricity, which is usually not a big problem in a home.
6. Other Options
Also run with bio-ethanol, there are further fireplace options such as wall mounted fireplaces that do not look like a traditional fireplace. They have a modern look and are more like a piece of art, displayed on a wall. If you’re into that, this might be a wonderful option for you to include some cosiness in your home.
(Credit: https://foter.com/small-wall-mount-electric-fireplace)
