The advised distance between a fireplace and your furniture is three feet. In addition to the couch getting too hot, it may just be uncomfortable to sit so close to the fireplace. Even if the couch itself remains at a normal temperature, you may feel overheated if you have your couch right in front of the fireplace.
Almost every insurance company and government-sponsored organization recommends placing furniture at least three feet from a fireplace. Any closer than three feet, and the risk of an ember landing on a flammable material increases dramatically – even for fireplaces with screens.
Gilded mirrors, distressed window frames, and rows of scented candles make it a place to display your favorite items. There are ways to add mantels if you don't already have one, too. There are even ideas for creating faux fireplaces and tucking an electric fireplace in a nook if you don't have one of those, either!
Get creative! I've seen benches, footstools, wooden boxes, large baskets filled with pillows and throws, and even window frames (one of my faves) used to create a focal point that covers the fireplace opening and adds some extra visual interest.
To reduce the chance of a fire, keep any combustible materials, such as furniture, clothes, bedding, pillows and drapes, at least three feet away from all sides of the electric device or unit.
If you have an open fireplace, it's important to make sure that the couch is far enough away from the fire so that it doesn't get too hot and at risk of fire. But if you have a closed fireplace, there's less risk of the couch getting too hot. The advised distance between a fireplace and your furniture is three feet.
Clearance Requirements
1" between the sides and back of the insert and the surrounding walls. 2" from the insert frame's top to the mantel board above it. 3/8" between the top of the firebox and a flammable or non-flammable material.
Furniture will face each other but unlike a traditional layout, symmetry isn't essential. A sofa will be positioned facing two occasional chairs or chaise lounge. A variety of side tables and nestled coffee tables will be placed around the room, and a TV can be positioned either above the fire or to the side.
There are more permanent options available to close off a fireplace, but they're also more time consuming. “You can also cover/seal the fireplace opening with brick or drywall if you want to eliminate the fireplace altogether,” says Blaken.
Media Walls
Building a stud wall to house a built-in or recessed electric fire creates a stylish and clean finish. While building a media wall requires some work, it is a very easy job for any joiner, builder or competent DIY-er and totally worth the effort.
Hearth. The hearth refers to the horizontal floor area directly in front of the firebox opening. A fireplace hearth is usually as wide as the firebox and the legs combined.
Shiplap. While shiplap can be installed around a fireplace, it cannot meet the fireplace box opening and be used as a fireplace surround. This is because combustible materials like wood need to be installed at the proper distance from the firebox opening.
Whether your fire is wood-burning, gas or electric, you should place your rug at least 3 feet away from your fireplace. Be sure to measure from the opening of the firebox for an accurate result. Similarly, you also need to find a fireside rug that is a perfect fit for the space you wish to place it.
The primary goal is to help you avoid creating unsafe situations that can result in a fire burning your home and possibly causing the loss of life. The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening.
Safe Distance: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any furniture or flammable materials. Stable Surface: Place space heaters on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping. Avoid High Traffic Areas: Position space heaters away from areas where they might be knocked over by pets or people.
Closing off a fireplace can be an effective way to prevent heat loss, reduce energy bills, and increase the comfort of your home. Whether you choose a temporary or permanent solution, it's crucial to consult with a professional chimney sweep service.
The average cost to remove a wood-burning fireplace or stove is $500 to $1,000, for demolition labor, debris disposal, chimney capping, and patching the walls, ceiling, and roof. Extra costs may apply for removing or covering the ventilation system.
While drywall is fire resistant and used in fire-rated wall and floor/ceiling assemblies, it is not rated for use in fireplace insert surrounds. Radiant heat from pellet or gas inserts dries the cover paper, which is combustible and can pose a fire hazard.
To the Side
If wall space allows, positioning your TV to the side of your fireplace will visually lengthen the size of the room. It will also give the fireplace some breathing room and create negative space (which is great for reducing the distraction of TV and will enhance the fires ambience and impact).
Concrete hearth flooring is safe and protective for any potential sparks coming from the fireplace, as well as offering a decorative flooring option. For the discerning homeowner who wants a natural look, there is perhaps no better choice than manufactured stone or stone veneer for the hearth.
It's recommended that there are at least three feet between the fireplace and the furniture. Even if you're using a screen or glass doors to protect from popping embers, the heat produced by the fire can damage furniture. Also, the intense heat produced by the fireplace can be enough to ignite a fire.
Since electric fireplaces are more affordable and easy to install, they don't have the same resale value compared to wood or gas fireplaces. However, 16% of buyers include a fireplace on their list of essential household amenities.
As previously mentioned, most electric fireplaces consume between 1,000 to 2,000 watts per hour, with an average model using about 1,500 watts or 1.5 kilowatts (kW) per hour. This gives an estimate of 180 kWh per month for an electric fireplace running 4 hours per day.