Are You Looking To Take The Bite Out Of Winter and add some warmth to the dreary, grey days?
In February many of us look for ways to relax, focus inwards and enjoy quality time indoors. Snuggling with cozy cushions or fluffy throws is one way to warm up ourselves and our environments.
Candles arrangements on tables or in lanterns add visual warmth and a lovely flickering light to listen to music by or perhaps to read a good book with.
I like the candles in jars with warm sweaters on them.
Have you seen them?
However there is nothing in my mind more inviting on a cold day than a fireplace. Many of us do not have the space, venting possibilities or the budget for a wood or gas fireplace.
There are other options for you, if you would like a fireplace, that work with electricity. You may have seen some of the ones available that are built into cabinets. These are traditional in style and often take up quite a lot of space.
For an alternative, and a more modern look, there are also wall hung units that are only 5" deep that will fit into much smaller areas. They have sparkling crystalline bases that flickering flames dance on.
The newest styles are long horizontal units with different coloured flames on glass or crystal chips...often called "fire and ice" models.
There are advantages to electric fireplaces:
The units are less costly to buy and are a much smaller investment.
They require nothing more than an electrical outlet to operate.
The units are very easy to install.
They do not pollute in any way and are energy efficient.
The fireplace is movable should you wish to change its location.
Some offer heat as an option while some are purely decorative which may be more appropriate in some circumstances. With central heat and one thermostat control in most of our homes we do not need additional heat in one room. Many functioning gas & wood fireplaces make smaller rooms just too hot to enjoy them on for any length of time so you end up turning the unit off and loose the enjoyment of the flames.
In condos where venting to outside can not be added electric fireplaces are a great choice.
I wish you a warm and cozy winter with the relaxation of flickering flames - by candles or a fireplace.
Sheila Doris
Information by Sheila Doris, BAA.
Sheila is the founder of S.I.Design & A Home You love Designs.
Sheila offers FREE resources on her website. Get Planning Checklists, Tip Sheets and design information in her blog.
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Fireplace illustrations from Toronto Home Comfort.
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