There’s nothing like cozying up by a crackling blaze in the fireplace of your log home. What better refuge from winter’s blast or a chilly evening than to be nestled by a warm glow, whether you’re curled up with a good book, enjoying reflective solitude or reveling in a merry gathering of friends and family?
The benefits are more than just great times. Research from the University of Alabama shows that sitting by a fire can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. The amenity is also known to boost your home value, if you ever choose to resell.
Nothing adds rustic, country charm like a classic log-burning stone hearth, but there are many options to consider. The variety of possibilities for your fireplace may surprise you. Brick, tile, metal and glass increase the variety of styles you can create from traditional to art deco to contemporary. A floor-to-ceiling stone chimney creates a dramatic focal point, especially in a high-ceilinged space such as a double-height living room. A double-sided fireplace adds atmosphere and warmth to two rooms simultaneously. The options are endless. Some things to consider:
- Log burning fireplaces offer timeless charm, burning wood that can be purchased or gathered in woods near home.
- Gas burning fireplaces are the most efficient and offer the benefit of instant fire and complete control over your flame.
- Ethanol fireplaces burn clean, with no need for ventilation, but they are better suited for aesthetics than for heating.
- A wood pellet-burning stove makes a cozy alternative to a fireplace. The pellets, made of recycled sawdust, burn efficiently. The stoves require electricity and, like a wood-burning fireplace, need ventilation.
Talk with Estemerwalt experts about the options and possibilities for including one or more fireplaces in your home. Whether you’re building your home now or adding fireplaces to an existing home, location is key. Living rooms are great sites for fireplaces, but the amenity also adds charm to bedrooms, libraries, dens and converted patios or decks.
Whatever you look for in a fireplace, Estemerwalt’s experts are ready to help you choose the style, look and location that elevate your log home into a cozier, more enchanting space for you and your family to enjoy.