Engel & Völkers Licence Partner Regional Office Belgium > Blog > How to choose the right fireplace for your home

How to choose the right fireplace for your home

The ideal fireplace is one that combines aesthetics, efficiency and practicality. To find the model that fits your needs, you should consider a number of essential criteria.

We all have this stereotypical image of a fireplace that makes us dream: sitting in front of the fireplace, emptying our minds as we watch the flames burn and flicker, reading or sipping a glass of wine while warming yourself by the fire ... To turn these dreams into a reality, all you have to do is buy a fireplace, but not just any! It must have the energy performance that fits your interior while integrating into the decorative style of your living room.

In addition, more technical elements must be taken into consideration, such as the presence of flues to make the necessary connections, particularly for a chimney with an insert, or for fireplaces with open or closed hearths. If the latter, you might wish to consider an electric or ethanol model: two options which score highly in terms of practicality and style.

Your choice will, therefore, depend on the initial installations in your home, your aesthetic preferences and the interior style of your home. And it is also important to comply with the safety standards in force. To do this, use the services of a professional via the Qualibois charter. You should also be aware that the Green Flame label is a reliable indicator of the quality of your installation.

The open fireplace

This is the most popular type of fireplace, bringing a perennially appealing sense of conviviality and cheer to the room in which it is placed. On the other hand, if you want a model with good thermal efficiency, the chimney with an open hearth should be avoided. The heat dissipates quickly and the fire loses its intensity over the hours despite the effort you can provide to maintain it. This model is really only suitable for those who want to use it as a decorative feature.

The fireplace with an insert

This fireplace looks a lot like the previous one with the difference that the insert makes it a closed device. This piece, made of steel or cast iron, has a double wall. The current can flow easily and the heat disperses more homogeneously, not only in the room where the fireplace is located but throughout the whole house. Nevertheless, compared to a traditional fireplace, it requires more maintenance. Not to mention the fact that its more developed energy performance means that it costs more.

The closed fireplace

This option is ideal for those who already have a flue. Its thermal performance is up to 5 to 7 times more than that of a traditional model. Apart from its highly appreciated warming properties, it comes in several models with modern designs. By opting for a closed fireplace, you introduce into your home a decorative touch that will enhance the style of your home.

The ethanol fireplace

If you don't have any flues in your home, the ethanol fireplace could be the right choice for you. Perhaps its best feature is the ease with which you will be able to move it: in the living room for movie nights, in the bedroom for cosy evenings and in the terrace for aperitifs with friends. Although some might criticise this type of fireplace for its lack of security, others see it as a real plus from an aesthetic point of view.

The electric fireplace

Just like an electric heater, this type of fireplace can be placed in any room in your home. Despite its different designs, many users are reluctant to use an electric fireplace as they are generally only capable of heating a relatively small surface area.

The wood-burning stove

Choose from a fireplace with pellets or wood, with or without a stovepipe, thee are so many options. Not to mention the wide range of models with modern and old designs.

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