Renovating your family home? You can make your living room, kitchen, dining room, or even bedrooms feel much cozier with the addition of a fireplace. But with kids (and possibly also pets) to consider, what are the safest and most practical options that still look great?
Here, we’re walking you through all the steps you should take to choose the right fireplace for your family-friendly home renovation.
Prioritize Safety First
Real fires and children don’t mix. So, even if you love the look of a wood burner but it’s just not a practical choice (for instance, it’ll be in your living room and not an office with a locked door), you’ll have to sacrifice your own personal tastes for safety in this case.
A failsafe option for families with kids is a glass-fronted gas or electric fireplace, which will stay cooler than open flames and can’t be accessed as easily. For a bit of extra security, it’s a good idea to also install a safety screen or guard in front of your fireplace to prevent little hands from reaching hot surfaces.
Another option to consider is a wall-mounted model, which has the advantage of keeping flames out of reach and reducing floor clutter. You’ll want to make sure your hearth doesn’t stick out too far and avoid getting a surround with sharp edges. There are plenty of fireplaces that are child-friendly, so browse sites like https://fireplace.co.uk/ to get a good idea of all your options.
Choose the Right Fuel Type
As we mentioned earlier, gas and electric fireplaces are usually the best fuel type for family homes because they start quickly and switch off instantly—and they don’t produce ash or smoke. Plus, they’re lower maintenance, with no need to store logs or clean out soot regularly, so they won’t add to your already extensive to-do list.
If you’re on a tighter budget or just don’t want to use gas in your home, an electric fireplace will suit you best. Fireplaces with this fuel type are also easiest to install and cheapest to maintain, although they’re not as efficient at heating rooms as other options..
Think About How You’ll Use the Space
Before you choose a fireplace, think about where your family spends most of its time. Yes, you might like the sound of a fireplace in your bedroom, but if your living room is the hub of the home, it’ll make more sense to install a fireplace there first.
Of course, if money is no object, there’s no need to prioritize by room—just do what makes you happy!
Consider Ongoing Maintenance
Finally, consider the maintenance you’re willing to commit to beforehand. Gas and electric fireplaces are the best low-maintenance option, and if you don’t want to think about your fireplace once it’s in, you should avoid wood altogether (wood fireplaces require a lot of maintenance).
The good news is that there are plenty of fireplaces to choose from when you’re renovating your family home, so you’re by no means limited just because you have children. Just make sure to choose something that’s safe and functional before you consider visual appeal (but don’t worry, you can easily tick all these boxes).