Interesting Fireplaces to Eliminate Shivers

by todd harmon

I first noticed it a few nights ago, when I woke up shivering and shaking at about 4 a.m. with my blankets and comforters kicked to the corner of my bed in a crumpled pile. Yes indeed, it’s starting to feel a lot like winter.

Now, I live in San Diego, so I’m sure many of you are sitting there snickering. “San Diego? You don’t even know what cold is!” And, as a native San Diegan (but a student of the world), I would have to agree. So I can’t help but imagine how cold it must be everywhere else, if I live in a meteorological nigh-paradise and I still shiver in my sleep. Time to break out the old matches, time to dust off the old flue and fireplace mantel: time to stoke up the old fireplace! Which sounds like a great idea… only, I don’t have a fireplace in my apartment. I’m sure many of you reading this can sympathize.

But, that doesn’t mean we have to wallow in mutual, perma-frosty misery (though there is warmth to be found in company). Check this out:

image source: http://www.pontonliving.eu

It’s called “Fireplace,” and it’s designed by Ponton (who seem to be a bit lacking in the creativity department, insofar as product names go, though their design imagination seems to soar). It is completely fueled by bio-alcohol, which gives off very few emissions (relative to standard wood-burning fireplaces). It is also small and very portable, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. And let’s face it – the thing just looks cool. It goes for 350-1900 Euro, or about 550-2500 USD.

Another portable and decorative alternative to traditional fireplaces is electric fireplaces, which have few CO2 emissions and can be just as beautiful as a real roaring fireplace. Add a stylish fireplace mantel to surround the electric firebox, and you can have yourself a stunning and warm living room just in time for the cold season! The price range for these is about the same as for the “Fireplace” above, though even cheaper (and decidedly less impressive) models can be found at major chain stores like Target or Home Depot.

Whether you go with a Ponton “Fireplace” or an electric fireplace, you will surely love the ambiance such a feature can provide in your apartment this winter. The only way to make it better? Share it with a friend!