The definition of “dream” is purely individual for each person. Some people gravitate toward luxury and wealth, some like modern technology, while others prefer minimalism and simplicity. However, there are things that everyone is partial to.
A fireplace with a glass protective wall – warmth, comfort and safety. Design by Urban Abode
For example, there is hardly anyone who is not tempted by the idea of having a fireplace in their cozy nest. Especially for you, we will give valuable advice on how to properly incorporate fireplaces into your interior.
With the development of new technologies, the shapes of fireplaces have also undergone significant changes. The modern electric fireplace has become fashionable, elegant, ergonomic, and most importantly – efficient.
The use of a material such as glass will provide not only a modern design, but also the safety of the structure.
Stylish modern fireplace enclosed in a glass frame.
Good ventilation of the fireplace due to the chimney and glass doors. Design by Harrell Remodeling
The vented gas fireplace fits perfectly into modern design. Design by Bruce Johnson & Associates interior Design
Bedroom with beach views and fireplace conveniently hidden in the stone wall.
A modern gas fireplace for a chic and stylish home. Design by Marla Schrank Interior
Specially designed glass fireplace doors. Design by Smit & Vansant Architects PC
Modern Design: Gorgeous fireplace with glass doors. Design by Modern House Architects
Fireplace with TV.
What types of glass fireplaces are there and what are their design features?
But what are glass fireplaces for the home? How do they look and work? At their core, such fireplaces are a completely or almost completely glass firebox, namely three-sided or even four-sided.
On three or four sides of such a product there are heat-resistant, durable glass enclosed in a minimalist frame made of steel or cast iron. Such fireboxes have one or two, and sometimes all four doors. The big advantage of this type of firebox is its extremely simple installation and the absence of the need to purchase and install cladding. But more on that later. In the meantime, let’s talk about other options for glass fireplaces, in addition to the use of glass fireboxes. Yes, there are also:
- ready-made glass fireplace stoves
- glass floor-standing fireplaces, complete with chimney
- glass hanging fireplaces, complete with chimney
- glass central (island) fireplaces, complete with chimney
Types of closed fireplace inserts
In addition to the features mentioned above, metal fireplace inserts are also divided according to other criteria - the material of manufacture, the type of product, the specific design of the doors.
Material of manufacture
Based on the material used, fireplace inserts can be divided into two groups: cast iron and steel. Steel models are usually lined on the inside with fireproof materials (fireclay or vermiculite boards).
To make a choice based on this criterion, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each variety.
Fireplace insert “Tarnava Professional Prestige II” 21 kW
- The traditional material for the production of fireboxes is cast iron, as it is characterized by durability and high heat capacity. Cast iron is resistant to high temperatures, so it does not require additional protection from open fire. A firebox made from this material does not deform or collapse at normal operating temperatures for a fireplace.
The disadvantages of cast iron models include:
- their weight is quite large, so the installation of such a fireplace will require a very reliable foundation;
— not a particularly large range of models of cast iron fireboxes, unlike steel options, narrows down the choice options;
— fragility of the material, which must be taken into account during transportation and installation;
— instability to sudden temperature changes;
- significantly higher cost compared to steel products.
Steel firebox "ELBA 609".
- Steel fireboxes are made from heat-resistant steel alloys. The inside of the housing must be protected from the effects of open flames with slabs of fireclay or vermiculite. However, such functional elements as flame dividers, smoke collector, and grate are still made of cast iron.
The advantages of steel options include the following:
— a wide range of models with different design solutions;
— the possibility, if necessary, of replacing the fire retardant lining;
— high thermal conductivity coefficient;
- more affordable price.
However, the service life of steel fireboxes is significantly shorter than that of cast iron products. Steel is subject to deformation processes at too high temperatures and when there are temperature changes.
Fireboxes with a built-in water circuit can be made of either cast iron or steel.
Prices for heating stoves
heating stove
Combustion chamber configuration
Another criterion for choosing a firebox is the design features of the product, selected depending on the design of the fireplace itself. There are several options - built-in fireboxes, double-sided, three-sided, round and through.
- Built-in fireboxes. This type of firebox is also called inserts. Their body is completely integrated into the design of the fireplace portal during its construction.
Built-in firebox installed in a corner fireplace
Most models of built-in fireboxes are long-burning heating devices, that is, they operate using a system of secondary combustion of pyrolysis gases. In addition, the fireboxes are equipped with temperature control, an air glass cleaning system and other functions that simplify the operation of the fireplace.
- Double-sided fireboxes have corner glazing. This option is suitable for fireplace designs with an external corner.
Double-sided firebox in a wall-mounted fireplace
Thanks to this location of the fireplace itself, the panoramic view increases, that is, the fire can be observed from both sides of the room. These types of fireboxes can be installed in island, wall-mounted or corner fireplace models.
- The through version of the firebox can also be called double-sided, since it has two facades located opposite each other.
Island fireplace with a through firebox
This firebox is suitable for a wall-mounted fireplace adjacent to the wall at the end, as well as for an island design. This fireplace model will help to zone the room, for example, into a living room and an area for personal relaxation.
- Three-sided combustion chambers are a firebox glassed on three sides. They can have different configurations:
One of the options for a three-sided firebox
is narrow side walls and a wide façade;
— narrow facade wall and wide sides;
— U-shaped firebox.
Three-sided models are installed against walls or in an island version of the fireplace.
- Round and semicircular fireboxes. The first ones have glazing along the entire circumference. The base and the upper part connected to the chimney are made of metal. Round fireboxes are best suited for island fireplaces, but they can also be installed near a wall, although this does not seem rational.
Island fireplace with a round combustion chamber
The round island version of the fireplace is used for rooms with a large area, since in a small room it will simply look ridiculous.
Semicircular fireboxes, as well as three-sided chambers, are most often installed near the wall.
- Fireboxes for biofireplaces can have different shapes and glazing. Their main difference is that they do not need to be connected to a chimney, since ethanol with special additives is used as fuel in this fireplace. These substances burn completely without releasing fumes.
A bio-fireplace in an interior is beautiful, but usually nothing more...
However, this type of fireplace is only a decorative element of the interior, unable to heat the room. True, some models have a built-in electric heater that can create either a flow of warm air or infrared warming radiation.
Fire door design
When choosing a fireplace insert, you need to pay attention to the shape of its glazed doors and the material from which they are made, as they are designed to ensure the safe operation of the device. In the production of these structural elements, tempered fire-resistant glass is used, which is adapted for operation in conditions of extremely high temperatures, reaching up to 800 degrees. The metal door frame for glass installation is equipped with a gasket made of non-flammable sealant.
Doors on a closed firebox can be attached and opened in different ways - vertically, traditionally wide open and in combination.
Firebox with guillotine door
- The vertically opening firebox door, “guillotine” type, is equipped with a special elevator. The glass, framed by a metal frame, rises upward into a niche provided in the firebox body. The movement of the door is carried out due to special cables or chains, on which a counterweight is attached to the rear side of the frame, balancing the forces of gravity on both sides.
Design of a guillotine door on suspensions
Such models of fireboxes can have a mechanism not only for vertical opening, but also for the traditional horizontal one. Thanks to these options, it is possible to enjoy an open or closed flame, while simultaneously monitoring the safety of the fuel combustion process.
Guillotine-type combustion chambers can only have a front view or have a through design.
Fireplace prices
fireplace
- The traditional version of the doors opens similarly to window frames - wide open. There may be one or two doors. Which model to choose will directly depend on the preferences of the fireplace owner.
Fireplace insert with hinged doors
Doors can have frames with a different number of lintels, but if there are too many of them, the viewing function of glass doors is reduced. The double or single classic door provides a view of the combustion chamber only from the front. These fireboxes are designed for wall-mounted fireplaces.
Types of glass in firebox doors
Various heat-resistant glasses can be installed in the combustion door, and their type affects the viewing capabilities of the door:
- Regular straight glass is a standard option that is installed in doors of any size and design.
- Prismatic glass can refract the appearance of a hot flame. Thanks to this effect, the flame visually appears closer and larger in size. Such glass is perfect for wall-mounted and corner fireplace models.
- Spherical glass is installed in round or semicircular fireplace models. This glazing option does not refract the view of the fire, but the view is increased due to the openness of the combustion chamber. These fireplace options can be installed either near a wall or as an island design element in a room.
Ready-made glass fireplace stoves
In addition to completely transparent fireboxes, the modern heating market offers lightweight, compact and ergonomic fireplace stoves. In terms of their heating capabilities and combustion beauty, they are fireplaces, and in terms of installation method and dimensions, they are stoves. Hence the double name. A glass fireplace stove is always an advantageous design solution that will complement any interior. As you might guess, the main emphasis in the artistic execution of such products is on the transparent combustion chamber, which offers a delightful view of the combustion.
In terms of design, glass fireplace stoves, as a rule, have either a square, rectangular, round or semicircular shape. The most popular design is the square and rectangular shape of the stove, as it allows you to design four glasses. Such a transparent glass square is often installed on a long metal bench with a firewood rack, ultimately achieving a very stylish appearance in a high-tech direction.
Door specifics
If you intend to make a door with glass inserts, you should first of all decide on its style
It is important that it matches the overall decoration of the room and the specifics in your particular case. So, for example, in small rooms it makes sense to make a double-leaf insert or a rising one to save space.
Both of these options are ideal for a corner fireplace. The main point that should not be forgotten is the selection of glass. It must have a heat resistance of at least 800 degrees - it is to this temperature that the flame usually flares up.
The prepared glass is inserted into the metal frame of the door itself, and that, in turn, is attached with hinges to the outer frame, which is fixedly fixed in the opening of the firebox. Wherein:
- a seal is installed on the inside to prevent smoke from entering the room;
- At the bottom of the outer frame, holes are made with adjustable plugs for air access to the firebox;
- Keep in mind that metal tends to expand greatly when heated, so the gap between the transparent insert and the frame is not made too large;
- When starting production, remember that the glass cannot be fixed tightly, because during installation it will need to be removed from the door;
- strips of fiberglass are inserted into the frame to seal it.
Glass ready-made fireplaces with chimney included
Nowadays, an increasingly common type of hearth is a glass wood-burning fireplace in a ready-made configuration. Such fireplaces are always made in a modern high-tech design made of steel, metal, cast iron and glass. The big advantage of such products is that they are already fully equipped at the factory - the firebox, lining and chimney form a single whole. This allows the buyer to significantly save budget and installation time. Ready-made fireplaces with maximum visibility of the flame due to the all-glass firebox are:
- suspended (attached to the ceiling or hung on the wall)
- central (island)
- double-sided (for installation between two rooms)
- round, triangular, square, prismatic, rectangular
The most popular type today are hanging glass fireplaces, as they create an incredibly beautiful and original interior picture. As if floating in the air, they offer a view of the fire from all sides of the room, while taking up very little space. Thanks to such a fireplace, your personal sun appears in the room, which can be lit at any time of the year and day.
By the way, from a heating point of view, such fireplaces are quite effective, since they distribute heat evenly to all sides of the room. Installation of these fireplaces is simple and straightforward, as they weigh very little.
Type of design
The presence of a flame behind the glass prompted developers to create several design options for various fireplace applications. The main models are:
- Wall fireplaces.
- Portable fireplaces.
- Floor fireplaces.
Floor options are a glass frame that is built along the wall. It can be of various sizes, but designers recommend not to skimp on dimensions. In addition, there are models that encircle two walls at once. They are made in the form of an angle and look like a fiery hoop.
Portable or desktop options are remarkable for their portability. You can continue to enjoy the comfort of a fireplace as you move from room to room. The small size is compensated by the visibility provided by the glass. To avoid dependence on accumulated fuel, portable fireplaces most often use biofuel. This avoids the need to furnish the place with electricity or firewood.
Tabletop version of the product with real fire
Wall-mounted fireplaces are a modern design option that fits into the Art Nouveau or high-tech style. Only the front part of the fireplace is made of glass, since its other edges are recessed in a specially prepared niche. Framing in the form of a frame can be made of various finishing materials.
Glass fireboxes
Despite the seductiveness and simplicity of ready-made solutions, today transparent, three-sided or four-sided fireboxes remain in great demand. Most often, three-sided fireboxes are made in a U-shaped design, due to which even a glass corner fireplace can be made from it.
The big advantage of completely transparent fireboxes is that there is no need to frame it with cladding. Simply connect the firebox to the chimney and place it on a non-combustible base. Due to the minimalistic design and four glasses, even without cladding, such a fireplace looks completely finished and, undoubtedly, a very stylish product.
Terms of Use
Despite everything that has been said about the high safety of glass fireplaces, you should not neglect the rules of their operation and basic precautions, as, indeed, with any other devices and appliances. It must be remembered that it is not recommended to leave a working fireplace unattended for a long time.
We must not forget about regular ventilation of the room, because any combustion process uses oxygen from the environment.
Maintenance should be left to specialists , but glass fireplaces are quite simple in household maintenance. As a rule, it all comes down to cleaning the surface from dust and possible soot. The materials used in manufacturing are resistant to household chemicals and will not require specialized daily maintenance.
So, if a standard fireplace is not available due to its features, and an electric one does not give the sensations that you wanted, then the best choice, perhaps, would be a three-sided glass fireplace running on gas or biofuel. For example, a round narrow mini version that has a fence looks very stylish.
Which glass to choose for a fireplace, see the video below.
Enhanced glass fire resistance parameters, convenient doors and always clean glass
It is important to note that all glass in such fireplaces is characterized by the highest level of fire resistance, since they are subject to heavy loads during operation. The “clean glass” system has also been perfected in these fireplaces, which is implemented by supplying a stream of hot air to the inside of the glass. Due to powerful airflow, the glass always remains free of soot. Much attention is also paid to the doors: they are equipped with reliable locking mechanisms, automatic closing, and protection against unauthorized entry. Doors, by the way, can also have a different opening mechanism - push-pull or lift-up.
Manufacturing technologies and characteristics
Every new owner wants the purchased device to last as long as possible. To do this, you need not only to maintain it in a timely manner, but also to make the right choice when purchasing. Knowing the main characteristics of tempered glass, you can easily choose an option to suit your needs.
First of all, you need to know that such glasses are made using certain technologies. They are kept at high temperatures and are subject to spraying with special agents that increase their strength.
Fireplace glass differs from other types by the presence of an iron oxide film. It is applied to make it easier to clean such glass from soot. The most famous representatives of fireplace glasses include quartz and borosilicate.
The main characteristics that are indicators are the maximum temperature and service life. Often such parameters are in inverse proportion. Therefore, before buying this or that glass fireplace, decide what interests you most. The manufacturer indicates all parameters in the corresponding product data sheet.
Glass fireplace - a real interior find
In conclusion, I would like to add that today a glass fireplace is one of the most successful and interesting solutions for interior design and, of course, heating. No other fireplace can provide such a fresh, light, transparent and original design. At the same time, the price for such fireplaces is either at the same level or even significantly lower than for standard, traditional fireplace sets. A glass fireplace is equally suitable for a private country house or a summer cottage, and for a commercial space such as a restaurant or showroom it will generally be a super profitable design find.
In the online store you can explore and choose a glass fireplace from a wide range. Such designer hearths are also sold in all company showrooms and authorized dealers without exception.
Fuel types
Due to its technological properties, tempered glass allows it to be used in fireplaces of different types of fuel. But transparent elements have one significant drawback - the inevitable coating with combustion products (soot). Wood-burning fireplaces emit it in large quantities, so it is irrational to make them from glass.
Good to know: Stoves and fireplaces with a water circuit for heating a country house or cottage
Gas leaves much less products after combustion. The flame of fire looks quite attractive, so they try to demonstrate it as much as possible. There are options in which gas fuel creates the illusion of burning wood, for which dummies of logs are used.
Biofuel is based on alcohol content and has high environmental performance. This type of fireplace usually contains a large number of glass surfaces.
Electric analogues are sure to be equipped with glass parts that provide a full overview of the simulated fire.
Massive structure in the middle of the living room
