Fireplace Suites - The Complete Package
A fireplace suite is the complete package; it includes a surround/mantelpiece, hearth and fire all working together to create the centrepiece of your home. Evolution Fires' suites are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms extensions, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Hotels with fireplaces have an inherent luxury that orchestrates warm memories and encourages customers to return. Learn how you can bring this feel to your hotel.
The hearth
The hearth is a flat platform that is located at the bottom of a fireplace. It is designed to protect the wall and floor from heat damage or embers. It is usually made from non-combustible material like brick or stone, and is 16 to 18 inches before the firebox. The majority of gas and wood fireplaces require a hearth while electric fireplace suites usually do not have one.
As a general rule, fireplace suites consist of four main components; an inset fire (either gas or electric), a surround/mantelpiece, a back panel and the hearth. electric fireplaces and surrounds are grouped together to create an area of interest that will enhance aesthetics and make your home more inviting. As a result, suites are the ideal choice for those seeking to update their interior and give it a new look.
Suites are available in different designs, colors and finishes to match any decor. They also provide a broad variety of choices when it comes to type of fire and flame effect and heating outputs. Conventional gas-fueled fires are the ideal choice for homes that have a chimney, while balanced flue fires are an alternative that can be used in properties without a chimney.
Electric fireplaces are a great option for those who want to create an accent to their living spaces without the hassle of putting up traditional wood burners or a gas fire. These suites produce their own heat through convection that draws in cool air and heats it up before venting it out into the room. Contrary to fireplaces that burn wood, these suites do not emit carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous if breathed in.
The back panel
As the name suggests, a fireplace back panel sits at the rear of your fireplace's opening and helps to create an elegant 'n' shape with the mantelpiece, surround and inset fire. It is made of various heat-resistant materials including slate, granite, and stone.
The majority of fireplace sets come with back panels as part of an all-in-one package that includes a surround, mantelpiece and inset fire appliance. This is an excellent way to cut down on time and hassle during installation as the components have been designed to be a seamless fit, both structurally and aesthetically.
There are also separate back panels available that are perfect in situations where you are replacing an electric or gas fireplace and want to change the appearance of the current chimney breast without removing it. These back panels are available in different styles and materials so you can choose the right one for your home.
Alongside being fashionable, back panels are usually made from a heat-resistant material that is essential to shield your floors and walls from the effects of your fireplace suite. This is especially true if you opt for the gas or solid fuel fireplace, since they produce an immense amount of heat which can be transferred to the surrounding areas through the wall and ceiling.
A back panel can really help to tie together the entire fireplace particularly if you're looking for a more contemporary design. This stunning flamerite Ador electric fireplace includes, for instance, a back panel with a curved fire picture which enhances the look of the fire. Combined with a modern open fronted electric fire this suite can create a beautiful focal feature in any living room or dining room, or even an extension.
Alternatively, this Elgin and Hall Farnham Deluxe suite comes with the renowned Chollerton inset gas fire. This glass-fronted fire front is a real eye-catcher. It will transform any room when it is paired with the limestone surround and back panels.
This stunning wall-mounted Flamerite Edwin LED electric set is perfect for minimalist designs. The suite can be hung on any flat wall and be operated using the remote control included - simple to use, and with no flue or chimney required, it's a great option for modern homes.
The surround/mantelpiece
Contrary to traditional fireplaces that have to be fitted with a back panel and a fire surround, modern electric suites can be hung to the wall in a flush position and create a stunning focal point. They are perfect for homes where space is at a minimum or where a chimney or flue aren't available.
Fires2U's electric fireplace collection has a range of sizes and styles so you can find the ideal one for your home. Select from beautiful stone designs such as the Carron corbel for the classic Georgian appearance, or pick something more minimalist like the Gallery Lincoln with its clean lines and simple elegance. Pine surrounds are popular too, and the Gallery Corbel from Carron is no exception. The piece is available unfinished or with wax finishes to bring out the wood's colour and texture.
For a more sophisticated look you could choose a marble surround. The Elgin & Hall Vitalia Marble electric fire suite is a striking choice with its gorgeous detail and an angled step design. If you're looking for something a bit more elegant, the Pureglow Hanley is a great option. This surround is available in a grey finish. It can be used with either electric or gas fireplaces.
In addition to marble surrounds as well as marble surrounds, you can also opt for a more contemporary style with the sleek look of a white unit. The Carron Ashleigh surround is a popular option and goes well with both electric and gas fireplaces.
A traditional cast iron fireplace suite is a fantastic option for those who appreciate the ambiance of real flames that are burning in their living spaces. The Flamerite Aubade LED cast-iron fire suites come with a stylish mantelpiece with a curved design. electric fireplace and surround are designed to work with gas, electric and wood-burning fires. They also come with an integrated remote control to allow you to adjust the settings of your fire and lighting effortlessly.
Why not add a bit of luxury to your living space by settling for a luxurious fireplace suite? They are usually larger than traditional suites and are great for adding grandeur to living spaces. You can find these in a variety of finishes and colours to match your décor. You can also opt for mirror-like surrounds to create a dramatic effect and increase the amount of light that enters your living space.
The fire
The fire is the heart of any fireplace set however, it doesn't have to be a wood-burning fireplace. Electric and gas are also alternatives. The trick is to choose an option that fits the space and will meet your requirements. You can also opt for a fireplace that is larger or with a bigger screen that frames the fire to create a stunning focal in your room.
Take into consideration the amount of the heating your home will require when selecting the right fireplace set. It will be contingent on a few things like the fireplace's wattage and current electricity costs and how long you'll be using it each day. To determine this, you can divide the wattage of your fireplace by the energy rate charged by your electricity company per Kilowatt hour.
The mantelpiece and surround of your fireplace can also have a major impact on the look of your fireplace. Some are designed with intricate designs that add a new dimension of visual interest to the space, while others have a more subtle look that blends in with all styles of interiors. You can even find a suite that has an LED inner glow log effect that gives the illusion of a real fire without making use of any fuel.
There are four kinds of fireplaces: wood (nice to look at and feel but less efficient, it releases air pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide), gas (more efficient in energy use, however still emits carbon monoxide, and burns natural or synthesized logs) and electric (uses the technology of fan and coil, doesn't emit any dangerous gasses, is very cost-effective and cozy). If you want to get the most out of your fireplace set-up make sure you choose one with high BTUs. This will heat your room faster and give more realistic flame effects.