|
|
Date Posted: 12/15/2007
Although most of today's homes no longer rely on a fireplace for heating
purposes, they are still in high demand. Fireplaces will always have a special
allure. The vision of cozying up in front of a roaring fire, mug of hot
chocolate in hand, while snow falls gently outside the window or sitting in
front of a rippling fire while you and your beloved spend a romantic evening
together are two appealing scenarios that may come to mind when thinking of a
fireplace. If you live in a small home, apartment or condominium, you may not
have the luxury of a built-in fireplace. However, today you can purchase a
fireplace that would fit into even the smallest of spaces. There are various
options to choose from.
These include:
* Virtual/Digital fireplaces
* Compact fireplaces
* Wall-mounted fireplaces
* Tabletop fireplaces
Whether your style leans more toward modern, contemporary or anywhere
in-between, one of the above-mentioned fireplaces would suite it perfectly.
Electric or Gel Fuel Fireplaces
When looking into purchasing a fireplace for your small space, you will
discover that some use gel fuel and others electric. The advantages are both
are eco-friendly, do not require venting or special hook-ups and are clean and
odor-free. However, you may want to consider the cost and convenience of both
before making a particular small space fireplace purchase.
Gel Fuel
Each gel fuel can lasts approximately 3 hours. They
come in a case of twenty-four and cost $65 on average. By doing the
calculations, it can be determined that one case of gel fuel will last around
72 hours. Due to the cost, most retailers will inform you that small fireplaces
that run on gel fuel are mainly for decorative purposes rather than heating.
Electric
The advantage of purchasing a small fireplace that
runs on electricity is the ease of use. It is also unnecessary to spend your
valuable time (not to mention gas), to make trips to the store to get what is
required to keep the fireplace going. The disadvantage is that your electric
bill may increase significantly. However, this can be remedied by monitoring
the amount of time the fireplace is in use.
Virtual/Digital Fireplaces for Small Spaces
Many may not consider a virtual fireplace as a serious fireplace option.
However, before it is written off completely, it should be noted that today's
technology has brought the virtual fireplace a long way from the mock
fireplaces of yesteryear. Today's virtual fireplaces are basically a DVD that
you put into your television or personal computer that creates a realistic
illusion of a crackling fire. The DVD loops around and plays continuously until
you turn it off.
Depending on your expectations, you may find yourself disappointed either by
the quality of the video or that it is just not "real" enough for
you. However, a virtual fireplace is perfect for small spaces. If you have room
for a television or computer, you are already one step closer to having a fireplace.
It may only be a facsimile of the real thing, but it is worth looking into if
you have limited space and you want to add an ambiance of romance or the warm
cozy feel that a real fireplace adds to any room.
Compact Fireplaces Made for Small Spaces
A normal size fireplace is around 40-50 inches wide.
Those in the range of 25-35 inches wide would classify as a compact or small
fireplace. Most traditional fireplaces are available only in floor models.
Compact fireplaces are wonderful space savers as many are designed as corner
units.
Wall-Mounted Fireplaces Perfect for Small Spaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces obviously take up no floor
space. For that reason alone, a wall-mounted fireplace would be considered the
ultimate in space saving design. If your style in décor is traditional, you may
have difficulty finding a wall-mounted fireplace to suite your taste as most
have a contemporary look and feel. However, as wall-mounted fireplaces increase
in popularity, it is probable that the selection will grow offering more
variety in design.
Tabletop Fireplaces Uniquely Designed for Small Spaces
Tabletop fireplaces are in one word "unique". If you are not wanting
a floor model or wall-mounted fireplace, but you desire a small fireplace that
is not only fun, but also out of the ordinary, then a tabletop fireplace may be
just what you are searching for.
From a smokeless glass-fire tabletop fireplace made specifically to enhance the
view of the dancing flames to a contemporary tabletop fireplace with stainless
steel logs mounted on a slate base, these small scale fireplaces are miniature
works of art that are bound to be great conversation starters.
Today, there are various options to choose from to have a cozy romantic
fireplace in even the smallest of spaces. From compact, wall-mounted, tabletop,
to a virtual/digital fireplace, there is sure to be one to suite any home or
even office décor.
|
About The Author
Tameka Norris
offers space saving tips and small scale furniture recommendations for small rooms, homes, apartments, dorms, and small condos at her website
http://Furniture-for-Small-Spaces.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Copyright 2005-2008 Toolman Depot LLC |