Residents of the apartments often want to get away from the classic canons of space design. In search of new solutions, they study a variety of decor options, try on some extraordinary materials, and experiment with the specifics of the environment. But the zest, which is sometimes very difficult to find, may be very close. A bio fireplace is a piece of furniture that can radically change the space, make it cozy, and add romance and chic to the room.
Unlike the classic hearth, the device of bio fireplaces is simpler. They are independent sources of heat, for which you do not need to build a chimney and think over some kind of special ventilation and safety system. Their heating function is secondary, unusual decor comes out on top. Designers are happy to use them in their projects, especially since the choice of models is huge.
How Do Bio Fireplaces Work?
In the design of the bio fireplace there is a hidden (technical) part, where the fuel tank and perforated pipes are located, from which fire escapes, and decorative – in fact, we all see it. The bio focus works on safe and environmentally friendly fuel. It is based on repeatedly purified industrial alcohol. Means for igniting bio fireplaces are available both in the classic liquid form and in the form of a gel. To thicken the consistency, auxiliary components are added to the product.
To light the fireplace, it is enough to add fuel to the fuel tank and light it with matches. Some models are equipped with dampers that allow you to adjust the height and strength of the flame, from large tongues to barely noticeable combustion. Thanks to this, it is possible to create various scenarios of the situation in the room.
Fuel consumption during the hourly operation of the fireplace averages about 0.3-0.5 liters. But here a lot is determined by the power of the device. The larger it is, the more liquid will be required for ignition.
As such, the bio fireplace produces little heat. Its heat transfer, in contrast to the wood-burning hearth, is reduced by 2-3 times. But there are also powerful models that can warm up a room up to 30 square meters in just a couple of hours. m. However, a high efficiency bio fireplace is not needed at all, since its function is different – decorative.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Bio Fireplaces
Watching the flame of a bio fireplace is not just pleasant. The burning fire fascinates, the tongues of flame hypnotize, forcing you to relax and forget about everything that is happening around. If you want, installing a bio fireplace in the room is one of the most effective ways of relaxation. Not to mention the fact that such a solution has many practical advantages:
The device is safe, environmentally friendly, sparks do not fly from it, there is no soot, and soot or smoke, there is no debris from firewood.
You can choose from any size model, from compact options that fit easily on the desktop to oversized living room units.
The bio fireplace does not require a chimney to operate, and no additional communications are required. The maximum that is needed is a ventilation system, even a slightly open window can act in its role.
If required, the device can be used as an additional heat source (for example, instead of an electric heater).
The disadvantages of bio fireplaces include the relatively high cost (prices for designer models sometimes reach several hundred thousand dollars), as well as the cost of buying biofuel: if you use the fireplace regularly, you will need a large supply of means for ignition.
Types Of Bio Fireplaces
Having decided to use a bio fireplace in the interior, you should choose the right design. Indeed, a variety of equipment models are presented on the market, both in design and in the type of installation, design methods, and sizes.
Miniature
Such solutions are small in size, they are mobile, and can be easily placed on a magazine, kitchen or desktop. They are used not for warmth, but for interior decoration. They are convenient in that most of them work on replaceable fuel cartridges.
Wall Recessed
They are installed in specially created niches, are in the same plane with the wall, and are visually part of it.
Furniture Mounted
A TV cabinet, a coffee table, a kitchen countertop – these elements can become the basis for creating a bio fireplace. The components of the device are built into ready-made furniture solutions, so there is no need to plan a separate place for them in the interior.
Attached
They are also called invoices. They are independent devices that are hung on the wall using several self-tapping screws.
Floor Standing
Unlike other types, such bio fireplaces become the center of the interior exposition, since in most cases they are large enough to attract attention.
Suspended
The models are attached directly to the ceiling, so it feels like they are floating above the floor surface. The solution is very good for rooms in a modern style, where the ceiling height exceeds 3.5 meters.
If we talk about the shape of the devices, then there is also a lot to choose from.
Portal
Such models outwardly almost completely repeat the classic fireplaces, framed by a portal. They look especially impressive in the interiors of living rooms made in the style of baroque, neo-classic, modern.
Corner
Here we are talking about two varieties at once: the first are placed in the corner of the room, thereby it is possible to maximize the use of the space of the room; the latter are mounted in a wall or portal so that only the corner of the bio fireplace is visible.
Round Or Oval
An incredibly juicy and bright solution that will fit into modern interiors. Bio fireplaces resembling a ball or an egg will be a great addition to rooms stylized as pop art, hi-tech or minimalism.
Finally, the design of the product body plays an important role. And here the designers have done a great job, offering a huge selection of finishing options.
Glass
Lightweight, weightless models that seem to merge with space and make it possible to observe the flame from all sides. There is no need to worry about the safety of such devices, since they are made of tempered heat-resistant glass that does not heat up from a flame.
Ceramics
Since the material is bulky, it is used mainly for decorating miniature models of bio fireplaces. Against the background of ceramics, an open flame looks especially aristocratic.
A Natural Stone
Fans of eco-style, classic palace or baroque interiors should take a closer look at the fireplace portals made of marble, granite, granite chips.
Wood
Bio fireplaces in a wooden case look status and elegant. Depending on the type of wood, its color, such a solution will not only fit into the classic interior, but will also be an excellent addition to rooms decorated in the style of Provence, country or Alpine chalets.
Drywall
The most economical option for designing a portal is to mount it from plasterboard sheets. The top can be finished with almost any material: paint, tile, clinker or other materials. The finishing touch to the arrangement of the fireplace area will be the choice of additional accessories and decor: stylized burnt logs, non-combustible ceramic firewood, large or small pebbles.