Fireplace in the interior

Fire is one of three processes that you can watch endlessly. Fireplaces initially performed only a practical function. They warmed the room, they cooked food "with smoke". When decorations began to appear in a person’s dwelling, fireplaces also began to perform an aesthetic function. Of course, their arrangement was fraught with a number of difficulties: storing stocks of firewood, proper installation, connection to the hood, periodic cleaning of combustion products. Fireplace maintenance took time and required a lot of effort. Apartment owners could forget about such a cozy addition to the interior, as its installation in the high-rise buildings was very problematic. But technical progress reached the fireplaces, changing them beyond recognition. Modern models work on a special fuel, which gives the same "living" flame, but does not distribute the products of combustion. Bio-fireplace in the interior of the house has become a stylish and environmentally friendly solution, which is becoming increasingly popular. Consider its types, features, advantages and disadvantages.

Design features and principles of operation

The first biofireplaces appeared in Italy more than 40 years ago. Their invention was the result of the creation of environmentally friendly fuel. At the moment they have gained incredible popularity in European countries, but they are only taking the first, tentative steps in the domestic market. The practice of decorating rooms in apartments in this way among our compatriots has not yet received widespread use. A different situation has arisen with private houses, the interiors of which just ask for an addition in the form of a hearth. But preference is still given to conventional fuel, especially the lack of firewood is not observed. Over biofireplace spend only three types of manipulations:

  • Pour fuel;
  • Kindle it;
  • Enjoy the sight of a steady burning flame.

The principle of operation of the device is simple, like all brilliant. The frame (decorative part) and the internal block (torch) made of stainless steel are included in the package. Fuel is poured into it, and it also serves as a hotbed. The flame intensity in the mechanical type models can be adjusted using the slider cover on the heating unit. When it is opened, the fire flares up stronger. In more modern models, this procedure is performed by automatics after the corresponding setting on the display of the bio fireplace fireplace control panel. No manipulations are required when installing the unit. You just need to get the fireplace out of the package, put it in the chosen place and it is ready to work. As for the fuel, the prefix "bio" means that the composition was obtained by processing biological waste or waste products of animals, plants, microorganisms. This innovation is actively being introduced into various spheres of human life, since during combustion no substances that have a destructive effect on the environment are released. Biofuels are classified into three types:

BioethanolDenatured alcohol
BiodieselMade from vegetable oils
BiogasVolatile substance that is obtained from waste by special treatment.

"Clean" biofuels emit only water and carbon dioxide, but the flame from it does not have a natural orange hue. To make the tongues look more natural, special additives are added to the biofuel.

During the work of a biofireplace air indoors will not "dry". On the contrary, with the help of this unit you can save on the purchase of a humidifier. By the way, the brightness and color of the flame will depend on the type of fuel.

    

Requirements for the room when installing the fireplace and operating rules

Although biofireplaces are not connected to the hood, which is convenient for city apartments, it is necessary to ventilate the room where they are installed. For rooms with an area of ​​more than 20-25 square meters, natural air exchange through open windows is sufficient. In small rooms, man-made ventilation is necessary for regular circulation of air, as carbon dioxide will accumulate in hazardous concentrations. Its excess negatively affects the human body and may lead to health problems. A nice and necessary addition will be decorating the room with potted plants that will “distill” it into oxygen.

During the ignition of the fireplace fuel can emit a specific "alcohol" smell, which very quickly disappears. To avoid this, a couple of drops of aromatic oil are added to the tank, which “spoil the porridge”.

    

Variety of fireplaces

The range of biofireplaces is really impressive. Models can be stylized as “real” old units or have unusual futuristic shapes. There are several classifications of bio fireplaces. By location, they are divided into four types:

  • Wall mounted;
  • Mobile or portable;
  • Suspended;
  • Embedded.

They are also classified according to the shape, size, material performance and stylistic accessories.

    

Wall

These biofireplaces are installed on the wall, which becomes clear from the name. Usually they have a slightly “flattened” shape and a shallow depth so that the device does not come forward much, which doesn’t look very attractive. Convenient model for small rooms, where there is little space even for furniture. A fireplace has three viewing angles and occupies an accent wall, where additional decoration next to such a magnificent decoration would be superfluous. Although wall units are usually equipped with a glass door, there are models with an open top. Before installing them, it is imperative to ensure that nothing hangs over the bio fireplace.

Portable - floor and table

A portable fireplace is considered the best option for a gift. It can be put on the floor, table or any other surface, since the lower part of the unit does not heat up and will not bring any harm to it. Mobile fireplace is easy to move to a new place or move to another room. It has four viewing angles and even assumes a central location. Portable floor models usually have impressive dimensions and look more like original fireplaces. Tabletop units perform an exclusively decorative function and are miniature. They are classified into biokolby, biochas and biocandi.

Suspension

Suspended models, perhaps the most original of all. They are attached to the ceiling and do not touch the floor. The main convenience of such biofireplaces is shown when cleaning the room. Cleaning floors becomes much easier and nothing needs to be moved. Of course, the pendant options look unusual, stylish and very beautiful. Most often they have a round or oval shape and can have either one viewing angle or four, if the side walls are made of glass.

Advantages and disadvantages

Biofireplaces have several undeniable advantages:

  • Environmental friendliness. Bioflame does not emit soot, harmful gases, soot and other products of "traditional" burning. Only water and carbon dioxide.
  • Easy to install. Units can be put in the house, apartment, office and at the same time do not need to carry out large-scale construction work, connect the hood and coordinate changes with the fire brigade.
  • Biofuels are compact and you can forget about the problem of storing wood stocks.
  • Easy to operate and maintain. In any model (mechanical or automatic), you can easily adjust the intensity of the flame or completely extinguish it with just one hand movement. Wash the biofireplaces every few months with plain water.
  • Mobility. This advantage applies only to portable units.
  • Wide range and stylistic versatility.

Of the obvious shortcomings noted:

  • The prefix "bio" does not mean at all that it is impossible to set fire to a flame from such a fireplace, even if it does not produce sparks. Fuel is a flammable liquid that is potentially dangerous in unguarded hands.
  • High cost. And the units themselves, and the fuel for them will cost "a lot of money." Taking into account the rate of combustion (500 g per 1 hour) with regular use will have to prepare your wallet for serious tests.
  • Bio-fireplace performs a decorative function. It will not provide the room with full heating and you cannot cook porridge in a pot on it.

The advantages of bio fireplaces many times more than the disadvantages. In addition, some of the disadvantages (cost) will disappear with time altogether, since so far the units are considered a wonder.

    

What to look for when choosing a fireplace

When choosing a fireplace, pay attention to its design. The seams should be of high quality, and the body without dents and damage. The security door must be made of heavy-duty, fire-resistant glass. But the most important thing in the bio fireplace is its hot “heart”. The thicker the walls of the heating tank, the longer it will last. Quality containers are made of stainless steel. You also have to decide on the control system. One will like the mechanic with the manual adjustment of the intensity of the fire, while others will not be able to do without “smart” automation with a set of buttons on the control panel.


    

Stylistic direction

Biofireplaces are universal. Absolutely any interior style will take this element in the setting. Although some models, of course, combined with specific design directions. For Provence and rustic style suitable biofireplaces decorated with wood. The body of decorative stone is organically combined with the classical and colonial direction, art nouveau. Glass models are suitable for modern, Scandinavian style and eco-friendly interiors. The case, decorated with imitation bricks, emphasizes the laying on the accent wall in the loft. Alpine chalet, country, Russian style can not do without bio fireplace. Even the restrained art deco and strict modernity will not be hindered by the “fiery” addition.


    

Materials and design of the case

According to the materials of the hull, bio fireplaces are classified into the following types:

  • Glass. The most popular option due to the special aesthetics of the transparent walls.
  • Ceramic. It has a nice glossy surface, which is most often combined with glass.
  • Marble. The body is made of natural stone or its imitation. In the first case, the model will have an impressive weight, making it difficult to move and affect mobility. The use of decorative stone is fully justified, because overheating of the surface is not terrible.
  • Wooden. The body of wood has a particularly “cozy” look and fits into the ecostyle “related” for the unit. In the original models it has the shape of logs stacked in the hearth.
  • Metal. Durable, reliable material, combined with strict styles.
  • With a drywall portal. Such models are considered the cheapest, because their price, though biting, but not so much. Drywall for housing design is often used in cases where a biofireplace is constructed independently from scrap materials.
  • Brick. Models fit into the concepts of loft and modern style. Such a body will overlap with a wall decorated with brick or masonry.

Also, there are combined options where several materials are combined at once. Glass appears in almost every model, since the front protective door is traditionally performed from it.

Variety of shapes

Biofireplaces are made in a variety of forms: from classic to complex asymmetric geometry. Depending on this characteristic, they are classified into the following types:

  • Round and oval. The non-standard form of execution will be eye-catching. This fireplace will be the interior center of the room decoration. Typically, rounded "sides" have suspended and floor models.
  • Square. Traditional for conventional fireplaces form will join the interior, created according to the principles of constructivism, minimalism and high tech.
  • Rectangular. Classic fireplaces, which will appeal to conservatives, with skepticism relating to the new and extraordinary.
  • Inline. Static models that adapt to the characteristics of the placement.
  • Corner. The best option for small rooms.
  • Asymmetrical. The variety of non-standard forms will allow you to choose a unique version that will emphasize the features of the author's design of the room.

In original models, the biofireplace burner is placed inside a vertically located ring, in the center of a curved metal pan or triangle, a rhombus.

    

By control technology

Three types of control technology are found in biofireplaces:

  • Machine. Ignition, fire extinguishing and adjustment of its intensity is performed remotely using the remote control. The ideal model for the "lazy" who prefer to put the entire burden on the technique.
  • Semi-automatic. Management is carried out using a keypad, which is located on the biofire. It differs from an automaton only in the absence of a remote control, that is, to turn on the unit, it will have to be approached.
  • Mechanics. Fire up the fireplace will have to match, and to extinguish it or adjust the flame, you have to move the slide cover on the tank.

Mechanical models are among the cheapest, so they are suitable for those who need a budget version of an eco-friendly fireplace.

Types and diagrams of the burner device

Burners are classified into two types depending on the complexity of the device:

  • Heating tanks. They are a set of separate fuel tanks with thick walls and the burner itself. The device is convenient because at any time the burning stops when moving the valve, which hermetically closes the fuel compartment. Heating tanks are more convenient in operation and more expensive.
  • Directly burner itself without additional components. Such elements are most often made independently due to the simplicity of the design. They are an open tank into which fuel is poured. To the flames were several, it is covered with a special mesh with holes. The main drawback of the design is that the burning will not stop until the fuel liquid runs out. To regulate the intensity of the flame can not be. But there are several such burners that can be installed and even supplemented with a bio-fireplace with a heating tank.

An important factor when choosing a unit will be fuel consumption. When using heating tanks, this figure is slightly lower than in simple burners, therefore, from the point of view of economy, they are more profitable.

Accessories and decor

Since the main function of bio fireplaces - decorative, they are decorated with all sorts of accessories. They surround the burner and give flame a touch of mysticism and romance. Fireplaces are decorated with wooden firewood and their ceramic imitation, sand, pebbles, colored pebbles, artificial or natural burnt coals. Most bio fireplaces are sold with decorations, but you can decorate the area around the burner yourself. The main thing is that the materials used are fireproof, as safety is paramount.


    

In the interior of the apartment / house

Biofireplace fits into the interior of any room. It looks good in the kitchen, living room, bedroom and even the bathroom. For safety reasons, you should pay attention only to the dimensions of the room and, if necessary, equip it with an additional ventilation system. The stylistic component also plays an important role. Although the flame is the main decoration of the fireplace, the shape and material of the body also matter.

Living room

The location of the fireplace in the hall is considered a classic, traditional option. In the Middle Ages, this huge room had to be well heated. This task was handled by a large fireplace placed near one of the walls. On winter evenings, when the household gathered together after dinner, they reached for the fire, which brought the family closer and enveloped the room’s atmosphere with a special “warm” romance. In modern halls, guests and relatives also gather together. Bio-fireplace will unite and bring them together, because the magic of fire has retained its mystical power and attractiveness. In addition, the unit will give the room a unique comfort and charm. Traditionally, fireplaces in the hall have a wall or in the center of the room. Miniature desktop versions can be lost in the spacious living room.


    

Bedroom

Desktop models are ideal for the bedroom. You can choose a pair of biofireplaces and symmetrically place them on the bedside tables. As an option, use wall models that are installed in front of the head of the bed instead of the TV, so that you can fall asleep to admire the dancing tongues of flame. Corner biofireplaces are suitable for small bedrooms. The fire calms and immerses a person in an easy and tranquil trance that will help you fall asleep and recuperate after a hard day’s work. Since the bedroom is an intimate room that is supposed to relax, the choice of the fireplace is approached with great responsibility. Do not recommend to buy models with cases decorated in dark or bright colors. Massive bio fireplaces are more suitable for living rooms, so preference is given to compact options.


    

Kitchen

In the past, a fireplace in the kitchen was a necessity, not a luxury or decorative element. On the spit they cooked fragrant meat, which "from the heat, from the heat" was served to the guests. The most difficult thing in the kitchen is to find a place to install a fireplace. Если комната совмещена со столовой, то оптимальным вариантом станет размещение агрегата возле обеденной зоны.In kitchens, the interior of which repeats the authentic atmosphere of a certain era, the built-in models will look good. For them create special niches, trimmed with brick or stone, in the center of which is placed biofireplace. When U-shaped layout unit is built into one of the walls "right next" to the headset. If the layout of the island, then pick up a miniature desktop model, which will be located on the countertop or bar.

Loggia or balcony

On a warmed loggia or balcony, a biofireplace will look especially comfortable if the additional room is equipped with a study, library or a rest room. The built-in, wall or floor model is placed near the blank side wall. If the place is already occupied by furniture, then pick up a compact desktop biochash or biocolbu. To preserve the similarity with the original, the built-in biofireplace is equipped with a shelf on which decorative vases, bottles, and small sculptures are placed.

In a country house

In a private house you can be generous with a real fireplace. This option is relevant for cases where the family nest is built from scratch and in parallel with the construction equip exhaust for combustion products. Of course, a real fireplace has several disadvantages in comparison with a bioversion. It will have to be regularly cleaned, to buy fuel in large volumes and such a unit cannot be moved to another room. Biofireplaces in this regard more convenient. Since rooms in country houses usually have a large area, they are equipped with large built-in models. They install one fuel tank with several burners so that there is more flame and heat. Original will look suspended and wall models. Country house in the style of a chalet with panoramic windows to the floor, wooden trim and animal skins on the floor is necessarily decorated with a fireplace with a body of stone or wood. Ethnic motifs in the design of the room will emphasize the corner model near the sofa with a number of themed decorations on the wall and the mantelpiece. Romantic setting will complement the set of tiny lights from the miniature desktop and outdoor biofireplaces. They will replace the candles, but will last many times longer.


    

Conclusion

The future of biofireplaces, as the fuel on which they work, will eventually force traditional species out of exhaustible reserves. A primitive model can be assembled independently, but safety during its operation should be in priority. A special color to the interior of the fireplace will be added to the cold, winter evenings, when you so much want to wrap yourself in a blanket with a cup of hot tea and keep warm while watching the flames dance.

Watch the video: Interior Design How To Make Over & Decorate A Fireplace Mantel (March 2024).

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