Owners of historic homes face unique challenges in finding products to fit their small fireplaces and to complement a period décor. These tiny fireplaces were designed to burn coal and are most often found in homes built between 1880 and 1930. They are characterized by shallow depths and small openings which are taller than they are wide.
Virtually no products to fit these fireplaces are made by American manufacturers, presenting a challenge to owners of these older homes who often have several fireplaces they cannot even use.
Help is at hand! Most of our products are imported from England where these small fireplaces are the standard. To fit the décor of the original design, most are coal-effect gas fires: gas coal baskets, gas fireplace inserts and freestanding stoves. We also offer elegant mantels and hand painted Victorian hearth tiles specially made for small fireplaces.
The very first step in any renovation project is good planning. Since you're dealing with fire, safety should be of utmost concern. First, have your chimney and fireplace inspected by a CSIA certified chimney sweep to determine its condition. The very last thing you want to do is install a beautiful fireplace that is unsafe. Your CSIA certified sweep can address any structural or venting concerns and determine if the design you have in mind will work in your home. When possible, choose a vented appliance and make sure your chimney can meet or be altered to fit the requirements of the model you prefer.
For the smallest fireplaces (under 11" depth) you'll want to consider a gas coal basket. We have models that fit fireplaces as small as 5-1/2" , such as the Victor gas coal burner and which also have the smallest venting requirements. Since these fireplaces were originally built to burn coal, gas coal baskets are a natural choice and their smaller venting requirements can usually be met. Gas coal baskets are a great alternative to burning real coal which is messy, or to burning tiny wood logs that will need frequent replenishment.
For problem chimneys or instances where more heat is needed, consider a gas insert such as the "Adorn".This model can be installed with a small 4" aluminum chimney liner and the cost with this liner kit is less than the cost of just relining the chimney to use with other appliances. They're also a good choice when the fireplace is deteriorated since they hide unsightly interior fireboxes.
An alternative to expensive chimney or fireplace repair is an electric insert . They can be installed any where and offer amazingly realistic flames and electric heating elements. You can even use them on a "flame only" setting with no heat; enjoy a dinner by firelight in the summer without heating up the room!
While planning your renovation, decide if changes will be needed to your mantel, facing and hearth. You may want to keep and refurbish your original antique mantel and other components, or decide to update to a whole new look. There's no reason to keep the existing mantel if it's not good quality or if it doesn't appeal to your tastes or match your décor or lifestyle. Consider the myriad of materials available to you today: mantels made of wood, marble, stone, cast iron and cast refractory materials; hearths and surrounds made of ceramic tile, slate, marble or granite in many decorator styles, sizes and colors.
Article reprinted with permission of Victorian Fireplace Shop
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