An inglenook, also known as chimney corner is a large recess which accommodates the fireplace. Inglenooks originated as an area of hearth that was part of a larger room. The basic purpose of a hearth was for cooking but the enclosed alcove of an inglenook became a natural place to those who seeking warmth so people would gather inside and around on cold nights. Despite changing building designs, including separate kitchens and modern heating systems, Inglenook fires have retained a space in the houses as a warming place and the focal point of the room. Most of the inglenook fires were set tall and about 2m wide and also often had a few seats placed either side in them. In many houses today this width is not possible as such large fire will not work without losing all the warmth from the central heating up the large chimney Inglenooks require. Because of this many people choose to recreate smaller inglenooks to look similar but also make it work in a modern house. There are specialists available who can help you design the type of structure you want to have an Inglenook in your home.
Inglenook fires have some prominent design features that make them very appealing. They have a classic style of architecture but due to the evolution of heating through coal burning and then gas or electric based systems many have been filled in at some point in the past. The inglenook fireplace is a descendant of open fires which were the first to be placed in the wall of the main living halls in early domestic buildings in the UK. Earlier still there would have been no chimney above the fire pit at all. The fire would be made in the centre of the hall with the smoke left to rise and find its own way through a hole in the roof meaning the house used to be filled with huge amounts of smoke all the time. People just lived with it. Today modern fireplace and chimney systems mean a fire can be positioned almost anywhere in the house.
Fire has always fascinated mankind. The ability to cook, provide light and give heat means people have always tried to find new ways to harness its power and given high priority to it. In the past it was a crime in the UK to allow your fire to go out as it was seen as so essential. Members of the family were tasked with keeping the fires going day and night âEUR" and some families claimed to have kept a fire going for generations. Although most houses now feature modern devices like electric cookers, gas and central heating log burning fires still the have a huge appeal for many people. It has now become the latest trend for many homes to burn wood for heat in the home in the form of open fires and stoves.
The warmth draws you near an log burning fires, the movement and colour of the flames draws attention in the room whilst the earthy aroma and crackle of the wood completes the ambience only an open fire can create. With modern flue solutions you can place a fire almost anywhere in your house. When you enter your house and see the lit fire with brick, stone or oak beams surrounding it youâEUR(TM)ll be glad you chose an open fire. The best thing about an open fire is the absence of any glass or door between you and the flames.