Archive for the ‘Wood Fireplaces’ Category

Solid Wood Fireplace

August 20th, 2009

MDF is widely used today in the manufacture of fireplaces, and these can be mass- produced cheaply. Although there is a high demand for such fireplaces due to the value factor, there is nothing quite like a solid wood fireplace, in terms of quality.

solid-wood-fireplaceSolid wood possesses a beauty all of its own; the warm tones provide comfort and warmth, and the natural grain of all woods, highlighted by being polished, waxed or varnished, really brings an inherent richness to all interiors, both traditional and contemporary. Today, most fireplace manufacturers get their solid timber from sustainable sources, meaning that any damage to the environment is minimised.

Anglia produces solid wood fireplaces of the highest calibre, with quality and performance at the heart of the business. From classic fireplaces to the most contemporary of designs, Anglia has it all. The company has a showroom in Cambridge, where there is an impressive range of over 60 fireplaces.

Be Modern is at the forefront of solid wood fireplace manufacture, having been in business for over 40 years. Their lifestyle collection features a selection of modern timber fire surrounds and mantels, and these are perfect for the contemporary home. The Kansas, in American Walnut or Natural Oak, is a striking example of modernity. Be modern also sell a range of smaller surrounds and mantels, perfect for smaller rooms.

Focus Fireplaces make the bold claim that they ‘manufacture the finest range of modern and traditional fireplaces available’, and this certainly seems to be true -their traditional range consists of no fewer than 6 collections of fireplaces, whilst their modern range features 3 collections. All ranges are available in a wide choice of timbers, including beech and oak, and the craftsmanship of these fireplaces is second-to-none. To view the collection and locate your nearest stockist, visit the Focus Fireplace website.

Kilkenny Living is one of Ireland’s largest fireplace and fireplace accessory showrooms, and they offer a wide selection of solid wood fireplaces in classic and contemporary styles. There are a few examples of Kilkenny Living solid wood fireplaces showcased on their website, and these combine quality with beautiful designs. Visiting the Kilkenny website will no doubt leave you wanting to see more, and a warm welcome awaits you at the showroom.

Modern Wood Fireplace

August 19th, 2009

Wood is one of the most versatile materials in the world, and as a result features strongly in the contemporary interior – there are many types and colours of wood to suit every modern home, and thus there are many modern wood fireplaces on the market. Wood evokes those feelings of warmth and comfort that everybody yearns for in the home, regardless of whether their décor is traditional or minimalist.

modern-wood-fireplaceWest Country Fires have a good selection of modern wood fireplaces, such as the Cortina. This stylishly simple solid wood contemporary mantel is made to a high standard by Trent fireplaces, and is available in a range of wood finishes. The Cortina will make a worthy focal point in any modern home, and West Country sell a wide range of back panels and hearths that will complement this surround beautifully.

The Estoril is a wonderfully classic fireplace with a modern twist, in the neo-classical design. This lovely wood fireplace comes complete with matching black hearth, and, like the Cortina, is available in a range of wood finishes. The Umbria mantel is simple yet elegant, and features a gracefully curving fireplace opening. It comes in a range of wood finishes and, although made from MDF, a solid hardwood version is available. Contact West Country Fires for prices and any other enquiries.

Emsworth Fireplaces have been manufacturing fireplaces since 1934. They manufacture a wide range of fireplaces, both traditional and modern, and also manufacture and supply dog baskets, hob grates and solid fuel stoves. At present, Emsworth has a collection of 18 modern wood fireplaces – the Fulking box section mantel is made from chunky pine, and would provide a striking focal point in any room.

The Chiddingly is shown on the website in warm oak, and features beautiful wood markings. Like the Estoril, the Chiddingly is a modern mantelpiece with a classic twist, and will look at home in any modern interior. If you are looking for something unique in your modern wood fireplace, Emsworth also offer a bespoke service, where they work hard to bring your dreams to reality. Contact the company with any enquiries.

Wood Fireplace

August 19th, 2009

Wood is one of the most popular fireplace mantel materials, and always has been. In Victorian times, wood fireplace mantels were usually made from a quality solid wood such as mahogany, but cheaper woods such as pine were often used. If pine was used, it was painted to give the appearance of more expensive wood – sometimes, homeowners painted pine mantels white and added gilding for an expensive look. Wood mantels became much larger in the Edwardian era and were made from oak and mahogany – often, mirrors were inlaid into such fireplaces.

wood-fireplaceWood makes an ideal fireplace material for many reasons; it is durable and hardwearing, easy to carve, versatile and comes in many finishes and colours – wood may be stained or painted in virtually any colour, in order to match a room’s décor. A wood fireplace evokes comfort and warmth more than any other material.

Today, there are probably more wood fire surrounds than any other type of fireplace. Original period fireplace mantels are offered by fireplace specialists and salvage yards, and these can add valuable originality to period properties. Modern technology has ensured that quality reproduction wood fireplaces are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, yet much more affordable.

Thanks to MDF, fireplaces can now be mass manufactured very cheaply and offer the customer an alternative to the expensive solid wood fireplace. MDF makes up the main body of a fireplace, and then a thin layer of timber (veneer) is laid onto this and stained in various colours. MDF is a very strong material that withstands temperature change very well, so it is an excellent (and economical) choice for a fireplace. As well as MDF, most fireplaces made from solid wood are fashioned from pine or oak and then stained in various wood finishes such as mahogany, yew, and various shades of oak or pine.

Wood really is a versatile fireplace material, and whatever type of wood fireplace you choose, it will look lovely when paired with any other type of fireplace material, such as cast iron, stone, slate and marble. It is also easy to maintain and, like stone and marble, has a timeless appeal, fitting well into all types of home, both traditional and contemporary. A real bonus of the wooden fireplace is that much of the timber comes from sustainable sources, lessening the negative impact on the environment.