Fireplaces

During those winter months, the humble fireplace is sure to be a welcome sight to anyone who has had to brave the hard outdoor climate. Many people still cherish the times in which the family would gather around the warm fireplace and it is a traditional image associated with classical Christmas times.

They are a centre piece in most living rooms, with a foundation, a hearth, a firebox, the mantel and then it all leads to a chimney crane up to the chimney stack. They were the primary method of heating a room before a time when gas fires or central heating were more commonplace. The sound of fire was also found to be quite comforting in their time. They can be used to heat the house, and can also be used for cooking, though this is something that is no longer in general use.

As with a lot of household objects, there are many different forms of fireplace. There are masonry fireplaces, manufactured fireplaces and more.

To some, fireplaces are an icon of the past, associated with traditional images of the living room. To some, however, they are still a vital part of the household.