Three solutions for a property without a fireplace

Jennifer DukeDecember 7, 2020

You've moved in, children (or no children) in tow, and are busily awaiting Christmas day and your visit from Santa.

The christmas carols are on, the tofurkey is stuffed ready to go in the oven for Christmas, and you're enjoying your beautiful home.

Except, there's something missing. A fireplace.

Here are some quick solutions to bring in the fireplace ambiance, without the complete installation of a chimney-situation. We've chosen three quick fixes from no cost to more expensive, so there's something for everyone.

1) The free option - Go digital

Grab your laptop, or computer, and hop onto Youtube where there are hours and hours, literally, of fireplace footage.

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For a small outlay you can even buy smartphone and tablet apps with this effect, however we think there are some good enough free options available. It requires basically no effort, and while it doesn't create any extra heat and isn't the most realistic proposition, if ambiance is what you're after then this will be your instant fix.

Definitely a good option for tenants who are unable to materially change any part of the property in which they live.

2) The budget options - Look for minimalism

This may take a bit more effort and DIY handiwork, however getting yourself a mantel to decorate, or choosing a focal point in a room to create a faux-fireplace, can be a low budget option.

Consider grabbing some logs, candles and/or fairylights and make your own. There are plenty of online tutorials and inspiration boards, such as on Pinterest, to help you make something that, while perhaps not authentic, will pass for your Christmas day.

There's also this option from Wikihow that has three solutions for crafty home improvers using an old dresser, plant pillars or cardboard boxes to create something resembling a fake fire.

3) The lavish option - A portable fireplaces

Portable fireplaces, such as these here, are a constant source of debate for interior addicts, some of whom hate them and some of whom love them. They can be costly, spanning into the thousands, but can also be snapped up for a few hundred (also check out your eBay and Gumtree sites for potential secondhanders). With actual flame effects, these lookalikes can also sometimes dispel heat.

An outdoor heater can also be a good option, some of which have real fire or similar effects and will really heat you up (just remember these must still be used outside!).

Choose wisely.

jduke@propertyobserver.com.au

Jennifer Duke

Jennifer Duke was a property writer at Property Observer

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