DIY Network

Architext: Fireplaces

"He who wants to warm himself in old age must build a fireplace in his youth." -- German proverb

Although the proverb's author was actually encouraging one to prepare for the "winter of life", few architectural features are as emotionally evocative as a fireplace. The hearth is essentially the heart of the home, and the fireplace has evolved from a utilitarian feature to one radiating romance, reflecting the warmth of family and drawing us closer with the promise of comfort.

Throughout history, the fireplace has served a home's inhabitants differently according to the era in question. In 16th-century Europe, the fireplace became a focus of architectural interest and was surrounded by Renaissance detailing. It remained such until Colonial times when function was essential to survival in a new land (a wooden frame with plaster or mud infill was the order of the day). The earliest fireplaces in Colonial homes were multi-purpose (used for both heating and cooking) and as a result, were dirty and inefficient. Fortunately, by the late 17th century, fireplaces once again had decorative appeal. Since then, fireplaces have expanded and shrunk in size, have evolved from wood-burning to gas, and now feature ornate wooden, elegant marble or minimalist mantels. When it comes to today's fireplaces, almost anything goes!

	Many homeowners today carry the warmth and comfort of a fireplace to outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas.
	Today's direct vent gas fireplaces combine modern advances with a traditional appearance.
	A dramatic fireplace can serve as a room's focal point -- as demonstrated by this fine do-it-yourself project from viewer Fred Rasnake of New Jersey.

When considering modern fireplaces, we can thank inventor Sir Benjamin Thompson (Count von Rumford), who in the late 1790s studied the nature of heat and developed improvements for chimneys and fireplaces. (He is often considered by architects to be the "father" of the modern fireplace.)

The Rumford fireplace, common from 1796 until 1850 (and a design used by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello), was named for the inventor. Its tall shallow design reflects more heat, eliminates turbulence and excess smoke, yet still warms the air. Thanks to renewed interest in classical architecture and the renovation of older homes, the Rumford design is making a comeback.

Here's a brief fireplace glossary to help you identify features that are common to almost all fireplaces:

Hearth - The fire-resistant surface on the floor of the fireplace, that often extends to the floor surrounding the fireplace area (Related DIY Project: Granite Hearth Installation).

Flue - The passageway that conveys flue gases through the chimney (Related Information: Metal Flue Liner).

Chimney - A large opening that allows smoke and gas to pass to the outside (Related DIY project: Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance).

Chimneypiece - This feature is also called an overmantel. The chimneypiece is both functional (in that it originally was designed to catch and lead smoke to the chimney) and decorative. Although it's now common to display something above the mantle -- such as a painting -- at different architectural eras, chimneypieces often featured elaborate carvings that could be classical in nature, feature common motifs such as fruit and flowers, or could include a scene from a favorite story or fable.

Mantel - A shelf or decorative element directly above the fireplace opening (Related DIY project: Custom Mantel Installation).

Surround - The decorative area "surrounding" the opening. A surround can be as simple as marble, can feature decorative tile or wood carvings. (Related DIY Project: Installing a Gas Fireplace Mantle and Surround).

Want to see more fireplace ideas? See Fabulous Fireplaces at HGTV.com: