I have a hard time visualizing what a specific fireplace or insert will look like in my home. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered a handy “design your perfect fire” tool at the Fireplace Xtrordinair website.
It’s easy and fun to use this free online tool. Here’s how it works:
Choose the fuel you’ll use:
- Wood
- Gas
- Electric
Select the size of space you’ll want to heat:
- Small room
- Large room
- Whole house
- Ambiance only
Fireplace vs Insert
Decide whether you’ll need a fireplace or a fireplace insert (if you’re retrofitting an existing fireplace to improve its efficiency, you’ll need an insert).
Choose a style:
- Traditional (Early American to neoclassical to French countryside)
- Transitional (a fusion of traditional and contemporary, giving you a variety of design options)
- Modern (simple, sleek, streamlined, and subdued)
Testing 1,2,3
I tested the tool, selecting a transitional gas fireplace insert for a large room. The site displayed three models that fit my criteria.
I chose the “32 DVS GSR Insert” because I liked the look of it and I like the fact that it uses the "Advanced" GreenSmart™ Ember-Fyre™ burner, blower and the GreenSmart™ remote.
I clicked the “Customize Your Fire” button and then selected a face, finish, and door style. This is the fun part, because when you click on different faces and colors, it immediately shows you a preview of what your fireplace will look like.
You can also change the “wall” that displays behind your fireplace, selecting from a variety of options such as:
- Painted wall
- Brown, light, or red brick
- Natural stone
- Stone block
- River rock
- Black granite
- Marble
- Slate or grey slate
- Concrete
Next, customize your fireplace’s interior. Select a fireback (backdrop for the fire) and a log set.
Finally, select from “extras” such as a wall thermostat.
Here’s a picture of my fireplace design:
When you’re finished designing your fireplace, print out the specs
and a picture, and bring them to Rich’s when you place your order.
Have fun designing your perfect fire!
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