A fireplace is a space that is made to hold a fire. It is actually an opening that is made in the very bottom of a chimney. The opening is then usually framed by a mantel or mantelpiece. The firepit is the open area that is located below the mantel where the fire is burned. This space can sometimes be used for cooking, but now days it is used mostly for heating rooms.



A flue of a chimney is built so that smoke, gas and particulate exhaust can travel to the outside of the building. Since warm air rises, it travels upward, draws the smoke with it to exit the building.

Many fireplaces are made inside of buildings. But there are certain instances when people will make fireplaces outdoors to provide warmth during the evening, to cook outside, or it is erected mainly for decorative purposes.

In various areas of the world where the climate is particularly cold, the fireplace, or hearth, has been the center of the household. It provides warmth to all and helps the occupants of the house survive the long, hard winters. The fireplace is considered to be an enjoyable and cozy place for people to gather because of the warm glow it gives off.

People often have a feeling of pleasure and contentment due to the pleasantly flickers and hypnotizing leaps of a wood fire. Even today, the fireplace is a most delightful feature that protects and warms people from the elements of nature.

People usually gather around a fireplace for a relaxed, nice conversation as well as family bonding. After putting in a hard day at work, the family meets by the fireplace to catch up on the events of the day just before going to bed.

When a fireplace is designed, the general focus is usually of the fireplace mantel. Traditionally, a mantel offers the chance for the designer or the architect to make a statement about the room being created. In times past, the mantel reflected the architectural design of the inside of the house whether it was classic, French, American, traditional, Renaissance, Italian or Victorian.

It seems that the fireplace is also a feature in literature. Fireplaces have always been related to the idea of reading. They have been deeply etched in children's books, Christmas songs, and stories like Alice in Wonderland and the Three Little Pigs.

An interesting addition to your fireplace would be a coal carrier. This entails having a good supply of wood, a set of fireplace tools and an old-fashioned coal carrier. This would be essential for a fireplace setting.

Another thing you should consider having are fireplace doors. They provide an easy solution for keeping fire where it belongs - in the fireplace - and also they will protect your family, home and furniture from popping coals.

Whether you are considering building a home with a fireplace or you already have one, you will find there are many ways of decorating it so that it will become the center of attention in your home.