Before styling any fireplace, there are a a few things to consider that are generally addressed in order to come up with a complete fireplace design. Ultimately, there are three central parts to any fire place, and you should be careful to ensure they all merge well with each other so that the the entire design will flow well with each other. Whether you're goal is a modern or contemporary look, this aspect is very important.

The three key components to designing a fireplace include the firebox, hearth and the type of opening that is employed between the firebox and the room in which the fireplace is located.

The three key components to designing a fireplace include the firebox, hearth and the type of opening that is employed between the firebox and the room in which the fireplace is located.

Let's start with hearths. A hearth might be flush with the floor, raised a bit above the floor, or even situated below the level of the floor. In many cases, there may be no hearth to speak of at all. In that event the firebox should probably be raised a few inches above the floor, as the hearth serves to protect the floor from the heat of the fire. Another type of hearth may include various kinds of heart seats. The more popular kind of fireplace utilizing hearth seats feature two blocks on either side of the firebox opening.

In addition to the different types of hearths, the designs of fireboxes mostly affect the height relative to the floor and / or hearth. You'll find raised fireboxes, flush fireboxes level with the floor, and there are dropped fireboxes that are somewhat lower than the hearth and / or floor in front of the fire place.

Finally we have fireplace openings, otherwise known as the surround and where the mantle is generally located. The styles of the opening may deviate dramatically; from flat, straight, rectangular shaped and full arch along with the more common u-shaped fire place opening. We'll spend some time on some of the differences at this time:

• The most frequently used kind of opening is rectangular. Generally, this type of opening will be just that - shaped in a rectangular form. However, even with rectangular openings, the sides commonly flare towards the firebox from the outside of the fireplace.
• Flat arched fireplace openings, with even sides, although the opening at the top has an arch style. As with contemporary rectangle openings, the sides usually taper outward from the fire box toward the face of the fireplace.
• Full arch fireplace openings containing no straight lines. This kind of opening typically have a constant bend around fireplace opening. Usually, this is the typeyou are probably used to seeing in American Southwestern fashioned fireplaces.
• Corner fireplace openings allow for a couple sides open to the fireplace. As its name indicates, corner fireplace openings are built in a manner that the exposure of the complete corner part of the firebox.
• Also, u-shaped fireplace openings in which the firebox is revealed on three sides: both sides along with the front. These last couple types of openings will likely output more volume of heat. If you'll be planning on warming your living area, these are probably the more advisable openings for your fireplace to consider.

As you can see, they're many different kinds of designs for fireplaces. Of course, they're disadvantages and advantages to each of them, so you should take your time when choosing the firebox, hearth and opening of the fireplace. By choosing the right combination, you can not only improve the warmness of your house, you'll also make your home much more enjoyable, in more ways then one.