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Top Cottage Fireplace Makeover Ideas

The idea of spending time in a warm country cottage in the depths of winter is hard to resist. What’s not to love about toasting your frozen toes near the glowing flames of a fireplace? Or being lulled to sleep by the crackling fire?

The burning question is, do you own a cottage in the country? If you do, does it have a fireplace? Or maybe you have an old fireplace at home that needs upgrading? Not everyone has a fireplace or a cottage to retreat to during the cold months, but don’t despair. These six tips and ideas for cottage fireplaces will inspire you to create a space that exudes a warm and charming country cottage vibe!

 

Banish the TV

A handsome cottage fireplace as a focal point is more than enough. So, preserve the cozy atmosphere by moving your television set to another room. Amplify the ambiance by adding a comfy traditional armchair or velvet Chesterfield seating to make it even more relaxing, and perfectly prepared for a sociable huddle.

If you’d prefer to keep the TV set, there is the option to install a fireplace below it to keep the best of both worlds. Napoleon has a selection of innovative heat management systems designed for your TV and offers true design flexibility.

 

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Utilize Your Existing Chimney

Don’t have a fireplace in your cottage but have an existing chimney? You can install a gas fireplace insert or stove into it without a lot of hassle.

A gas fireplace insert—which comes in various sizes to suit your needs and preferences—can easily fit into an existing chimney. They’re also an easy solution for replacing old wood-burning fireplace openings.

Aside from being easy to install (it can be slotted into your chimney’s chamber), they are also highly efficient and less expensive. The endless choices in design can also help you accentuate the style you’re going for.

Check out Napoleon’s gas fireplace inserts such as the Oakville and Inspiration series and pick a style that suits the look you’re aiming for!

 

Use a Stove as an Alternative Heating Option

If your cottage or home doesn’t have a fireplace, use a stove instead. Stoves are freestanding and compact compared to traditional fireplaces. They are also more efficient—with about 80% to 90% efficiency—and have better heat output because the heat they produce doesn’t escape through the chimney (like what normally happens with open wood fireplaces).

Stoves are also a great option if your cottage is located in the countryside where power outages usually occur. While most Napoleon fireplaces can be operated without electricity (they are equipped with battery backups and millivolt systems to ignite them), there are a multitude of other options at your disposal—such as a stove.

There are different types of stoves to choose from. But if you’re after solid performance and long-lasting value, choose gas stoves or wood-burning stoves.

 

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Gas Stoves

Gas stoves are incredibly convenient to use. They can be installed practically anywhere as long as there is the ability to vent outdoors and the new low-profile exterior vent terminal will not take away from the look of a home or cottage. They need minimal maintenance, they don’t make a mess, and they can be ignited with a simple push of a button or flick of a switch.

Napoleon’s Cast Iron series, for example, boasts not just of solid performance, ease of use, and durability, but its world-class elegance and design would surely give your cottage an aesthetic upgrade too!

 

Wood-Burning Stoves

No electricity? No problem! Wood-burning stoves are designed to provide heat, no matter what, which makes them the perfect choice for country cottages.

Contemporary wood-burning stoves also offer the smell, sound, and sight of real wood—but without the mess of open wood fireplaces. Napoleon offers wood stoves with optional built-in, full-width ash lips to ensure your cottage floor remains clean. They also come with an ash pan so that the cleanup is easy if a little tidying-up is needed.

Napoleon’s S Series stoves are recommended if you’re after safety, long burn times, heavy-duty, EPA-approved materials, and a clean, contemporary look for your cottage!

 

Cottage Theme Ideas

Now that you’ve decided what fireplace makes the most sense in your cottage, you should consider adding a theme into the mix! Your home away from home is an extension of your personality—a much more laid-back, offline version. Here are a few themes that are commonly associated with taking a much-needed break:

 

Go for a Beach Cottage Feel

A beachside cottage fireplace theme will remind you of warm, sunny days even in the middle of winter. You might not have a sandy shore, but you’ll definitely get the warmth and look of a beach cottage atmosphere with a bit of creativity and imagination.

Surround your firebox with ocean blue, high-relief accent tiles that have sea life patterns. Then, decorate the mantelpiece above it with driftwood, big, colorful shells, white sand in jars, and similar items. The best part is, you can do this fireplace idea either in your cottage or right at home!

 

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Clad it with Stone

Cladding your fireplace with roughly cut stones makes it warmer and more inviting. Add a big framed picture of rugged hills on the mantle shelf to complete the rustic look and feel of being in a cabin or cottage in the mountains!

 

A Fireplace You Can Enjoy for Life

These makeover tips and ideas for cottage fireplaces will help your space get the upgrade it deserves! If you want to enjoy your cottage upgrade for a long time, make sure to get a Napoleon fireplace, stove, or insert. All our products are made of durable materials so you can experience a lifetime of comfort and style. Before finding a Napoleon dealer near you today, make sure to consult your local building regulations and a professional to get started!

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