Before styling any fireplace, there are a some basic considerations that are usually addressed so that an overall fireplace design can be completed. Essentially there are three all-important parts to the design of any fireplace, and great care should be taken to ensure they all merge well with each other so that the the entire design will flow well with each other.
The three key components to fireplace design include the firebox, hearth and the fireplace opening.
The hearth is probably the best place to start. A hearth might be flat with the floor, raised above the floor, or even situated below the level of the floor. Often times, there might not even be a hearth incorporated into the fireplace design. In those cases the firebox should probably be raised a few inches above the floor, as the hearth is there to protect the flooring from the intense heat that the fire can produce. Another kind of hearth may include hearth seats of various kinds. The more contemporary fireplace type with hearth seats feature two blocks on either side of the firebox opening.
Complimenting the many styles of of hearths, the styles of fireboxes mostly have mainly to do with the height relative to the floor and / or hearth. There are raised fireboxes, flush fireboxes built to the same height of the flooring, in addition to dropped fireboxes that are found below than the hearth and / or floor in front of the fire place.
Finally we reach the fireplace openings, also known as the fireplace surround and where the mantle can be found. The flair of this opening may deviate alot; from rectangular, straight, flat and full arch along with the more common u-shaped fire place opening. We’ll touch on some of the deviations now:
The most typical kind of fireplace opening is rectangular openings. Generally, this type of opening will be just that – rectangular in shape. However, even with these type of openings, the sides typically taper towards the firebox from the outside of the fireplace.
Flat arched top openings with straight sides, yet the opening at the top has an arch design. As with contemporary rectangular opening, the edges usually taper out from the fire box toward the front of the fireplace.
In addition to flat, there are also full arch openings without any straight lines. This kind of opening typically have a constant shape all around the fireplace opening. This is the type you are probably used to finding in American Southwestern designed fireplaces.
A corner design fireplace will allow for there to be two sides open to the fireplace. As the name suggests, a corner opening fireplace is fixed in a manner allowing for the entire corner part of the fire box to be shown.
Also, u-shaped openings where the firebox is revealed on three sides: the face, as well as the two side areas. These last couple styles of fireplaces will broadly create better radiated heat. If you’ll be planning on providing warmth for your home, these are in all likelihood the more advisable openings for your fireplace to take a look at.
Obviously, there are many a differening kinds of designs for fireplaces. Of course, they’re advantages and disadvantages to all of them, so take your time while choosing the firebox, hearth and opening of the fireplace. With the right combination, not only will you improve the warmness of your living area, you’ll also make your home much more comfortable.