Fuel to fire your imaginiation : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

decor trends

Fuel to fire your imaginiation

A fireplace is a functional design element that has the ability to transform the appeal of a living room dramatically. Why? Fireplaces all over the world evoke feelings of homeliness, family and friends, stories told, stories shared amid peals of carefree laughter.

Fuel to fire your imaginiation


A fireplace is a functional design element that has the ability to transform the appeal of a living room dramatically. Why? Fireplaces all over the world evoke feelings of homeliness, family and friends, stories told, stories shared amid peals of carefree laughter. 

Remember that feeling of peace and contentment that descended on you as you watched the glowing embers and leaping flames of a bonfire under the stars.  A fireplace is your bonfire at home. 

In India, the use of fireplaces though not essential in most parts, is becoming increasingly popular among homebuilders and decorators especially in luxury settings.

“It is quite easy now to install a pre-fabricated open wood fireplace like a Jetmaster in any home provided we can run a flue pipe above the roof,” says Daniel Belnick, Director of Master Fireplaces, India. Fireplaces like these are designed not to smoke back into the room and are around five times more efficient than a traditional open brick fireplace. “If it’s not practical or impossible to run a flue then there are alternative options that require no venting such as Bio Fuel or Ethanol fires or Direct vented gas fires and Electric fires,” he adds.

According to Daniel some differentiation points for those looking to install a fireplace in their home are:

Electric fires

Electric fires offer the convenience and the simplicity of electricity. These ventless fires are available in a 2D effect which has a screen like look or the new generation of 3D electric fires with a smoke and flame effect, these come in 3 sizes of cassettes and designers can create their own unique designs or certain companies also, offer their own readymade options with the Opti Myst cassettes.

Gas fires

While electric, ethanol and wood fires have been around in the Indian market for some time, gas fires have not been that common, however this should change in the future as gas fires offer the best ambience after a wood fire. In a typical gas fire, the deep blue/yellow gas flame dances and flickers through a glowing ceramic fiberlog set, coal set or ceramicfiber pebbles. The effect is quite realistic. Direct vent gas fires which come with a glass door can be directly vented out the back or side wall, a perfect solution for apartments and multi-storydwellings.

Cost factor

China made Electric models start from Rs 12000 onwards and the price of models from reputed companies can go up to Rs 1 lakh for UK made 3 D electric fires

Wood fires start at Rs 30000 for a simple  wood heater and the price may go up to Rs 2 lakh for a heat circulating prefabricated steel open fireplace.

Gas fires start a Rs 1.2 lakh up to 3 lhanol fires start at Rs 40000 and for something like a 2.5 meter line of fire burner with automatic ignition which has an MRP of Rs 9 lakh.

Outdoor fires

Outdoor fires are also gaining popularity in India and some properties are turning the traditional outdoor wood fire pit or campfire, into an ultimate design statement. Whether it is a gas or wood fire pit or a built in open wood fire.

Outdoor wood fires are a stunning feature and become the centrepiece of the outdoor room. Some brands have an additional grill attachment, so your outdoor wood fire also becomes a barbeque or grill.” An annual paint make over is essential for any mild steel parts exposed to weather

However, one should be cautious and avoid non-compliant or non-certified outdoor gas fire pits as certain safety features are built into any gas fire whether it’s outdoors or indoors. An outdoor gas fire needs to be corrosion resistant and is generally in 316 or 304 grade stainless steel. It is highly recommended that all gas fires are serviced annually for leaks and spillage and smooth functioning.

Maintenance tips

Annual Inspection: If you are planning to have your own fireplace, then get it inspected and cleaned by a professional, once a year. This will ensure that the fireplace and chimney are obstruction clear.

Surroundings: Remove all the inflammable material from the surroundings. Have fire sprinklers at home, so that they come handy in case of an accident. Use a metal mesh screen to cover the opening of fireplace.

Cleaning: During periods of heavy use, clean the firebox regularly, once the embers are cold. Never use vaccum , to clean up fresh ashes.

Upkeep: Check that vents are unobstructed and able to do their job. If you have a fireplace fan, keep it clean.

Cap your chimney: Have a cap installed at the top of the chimney to deter animals from entering, help prevent water damage and keep debris from blocking the opening. A spark arrestor will prevent live embers from escaping the chimney and landing on your roof or on other buildings.

Top News

Arvind Kejriwal to be produced before Delhi court today as 6-day ED custody ends

Excise policy case: Delhi court extends ED custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 1

In his submissions, Kejriwal said, ‘I am named by 4 witnesse...

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

The bench refuses to comment on merits of the issue, saying ...

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

MEA spokesperson says India is proud of its independent and ...

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi, backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine public trust in judiciary

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi

Backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine publi...

Gujarat court sentences former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to 20 years in jail in 1996 drug case

Gujarat court sentences former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to 20 years in jail in 1996 drug case

Bhatt, who was sacked from the force in 2015, is already beh...


Cities

View All