Fireplace Surrounds: The Hearth's Best Friend

The advent of electric fireplace heaters has paved the way for new ways to warm a home without having to construct and utilize traditional hearths. The electric fireplace also has afforded homeowners the choice to aid the environment because this wonderful home accessory does not consume any fuel that creates smoke or other pollutants.

Even though the electric fireplace cost a bit more than other devices that perform the same function of warming a home, it is undoubtedly more chic and provides the house with an air of style that other electric heaters can't match. But why go for an electric fireplace when you can get a conventional fireplace installed?

Well, electric fireplaces may be expensive, but it won't cost as much as getting a traditional fireplace built. The reason behind this is that you will need to take down a portion of a wall and the ceiling just to get the firebox, mantel and chimney of a conventional hearth in place. Electric fireplaces, on the other hand, do not require any remodeling to install. Just set them against walls, put on fireplace surrounds, and plug them in.

Another endearing quality of the electric fireplace is that it can be personalized with the use of electric fireplace mantels or fireplace surrounds. Conventional hearths have mantels, too, but these are usually permanent in nature. The only way to change them is through demolition of the original structure and the construction of a new one. A few modern hearths, however, can be outfitted with surrounds.

There are dozens of models of fireplace surrounds available on the market today, either at the local mall or an online retailer, with materials ranging from wood to stone and designs varying from antique to rustic. The electric fireplace mantel, often made of wood like mahogany, hardwood and pine, is easy to install.

When you take a closer look at different fireplace surrounds, you'll notice that they're not just mantelpieces on which you can place various decorations. Some types of surrounds also feature mirrors, shelves and cabinets - another feature that you may want to consider. If you desire to maximize the flair of your electric fireplace, you would do well to purchase a good surround and install it on your hearth.

The advent of electric fireplace heaters has paved the way for new ways to warm a home without having to construct and utilize traditional hearths. The electric fireplace has become a favored device for heating homes because they are classy and a cinch to install. Place them near walls with the finest fireplace surrounds or electric fireplace mantels, plug them into an outlet and enjoy the comfort they exude.

- Wyatt Fisk