A fireplace will not only warm your home, but also create a feature spot, no matter how big or small the room is

A fireplace adds warmth to a home, making it feel extra cosy. If you live in an apartment or a townhouse, you shouldn’t be excluded from this beautiful feature. Sitting on a bean bag while reading a book and drinking your favourite coffee with the sounds of a crackling fireplace beside you is probably the most perfect way to spend a winter’s day. 

Electric Flames 

Oh the joys of electricity when Eskom isn’t switching us off. Electric fireplaces are a great option, especially if you live in an apartment. They do not require a chimney, there are no real fire hazards, and not to mention the minimal cleaning! Electric fireplaces are definitely on the rise, more so for their aesthetic appeal to the buyer and easy to install set-up. While we are sure nothing will ever beat the real deal, this is still a great idea for those that can’t set up a full fireplace in their home. 

A Little Bit of Gas 

A gas fireplace is probably a bit closer to having a real one installed than the electric, except it does come with some safety hazards. Great ventilation is required with plenty of windows, although this would also be the case for a real fire, but proper servicing with the gases at play is required too. The mimicked flames will have you believing the fireplace is every bit the real deal and are available from a wide range of suppliers. 

Safety First, Always 

While having a fireplace is a beautiful feature, do not neglect the safety aspects that need to be adhered to which are there to protect you. If you are opting for a gas fireplace, have it installed by a professional. Not having it properly installed can be a major concern to your health and safety and also the insurance company. Remember to get it serviced annually to check for gas leaks and that everything is in good working order. A carbon monoxide detector is a must when installing a gas fireplace in your home. This poisonous gas is deadly and can be difficult to notice if there is a leak, which is why this device is so important. And while this last tip may seem like an obvious one, don’t leave the fireplace unattended if the fire is still present, especially if there are embers still burning. If our natural disasters are anything to go by, an unattended fire can wreak havoc so always just put it out before leaving. 

Words by Yashna Balwanth 
Photography: Pexels