? The space where the fire is contained is called a firebox or fire pit

? a chimney or other flue allows gas and particulate exhaust to escape the building

? While most fireplaces are constructed in building interiors, sometimes outdoor fireplaces are created for evening warmth, outdoor cooking or decorative purposes

History

In the pre modern times fire pits were built into the ground in the center of a hut with holes in the roof for the smoke to escape through.

Thousands of years later, the fireplace was moved to outside the houses and vented horizontally. In the late 1700s, Count Rumford designed a fireplace with a tall, shallow firebox that drew the smoke out of the building that formed the foundation for modern fireplaces.

Fireplace mantels have been the focus of custom interior decoration. A mantel traditionally offers an opportunity for the architect/designer to create a personal statement unique to the architectural style or the interior decor.

Types of Fireplaces

Coal, wood or peat burning fires are being replaced by cleaner and often safer natural gas fueled and electric fireplaces.

? Gas fireplaces burn a small amount of the fuel in a flickering display imitating a wood fire

? Flame-shaped paper streamers wave vertically in the air, held up by the updraft produced

? Vent less Gel Fireplaces are a free standing fireplace requiring no chimney and no hearth

? An electric fireplace is powered by electricity

? Wood-burning fireplace consume dry logs

? Central heating has come to stay as the home entertainment center

? Prefabricated fireplaces cost less

? Brick fireplaces or Stone fireplaces are more durable and meet exact specifications for opening size, depth, and facing material

Fireplace Accessories:

? A hearth is a brick- or stone-lined fireplace or oven used for cooking and heating

? The firebox or fire pit is the part of the fireplace where fuel is burnt

? An over door or supra porte is the name given to a painting

? Bas-relief or decorative panel, generally in a horizontal format, that is set within ornamental molding placed over a door

? In a duct or chimney, a damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air

? A flue is a duct, pipe, or chimney for conveying exhaust gases to the outdoors

? A spark arrester prevents combustible materials from escaping into the sitting areas Au Coin du Feu Ltd offers one of the world's most extensive collections of Antique Fireplaces, Fireplace Surrounds and Fireplace Accessories.

It will be a good idea to be prepared to receive and entertain friends and guest this wintry season.