Ready to make your home cozier and more inviting while increasing its value?
Log burners are taking the UK by storm and for good reason. Not only do they add instant style and charm, but they also offer a host of practical benefits that make them a wise investment for any homeowner. Let’s dive in and explore the world of stylish log burners.
In This Article, We Will Cover:
- Why log burners are growing in popularity
- How a log burner can transform your home’s aesthetic
- The practical benefits they provide beyond just looking good
- What to consider before installing a log burner
- How to maintain your log burner so it stays looking beautiful
Log Burners are Hot Right Now
Believe it or not, log burners are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
Recent data shows that between 2022 and 2024 the number of homes in the UK with wood burners increased from 9.4% to 10.3%. That’s a 9% rise in a matter of just 2 years, which is remarkable given the raft of environmental regulations that have been implemented in recent years.
There’s a reason homeowners are rushing to have log burners installed and it’s down to one thing. They are stylish, efficient and give you a degree of energy independence that makes all the hard work of heating and lighting a fire so worthwhile. Toss in the fact that the log burner installation cost isn’t exorbitant (generally between £1,500 and £5,000) and you’re looking at a long-term investment that will keep on giving for years to come.
Pretty impressive right?
Add Beauty and Function to Your Home with a Log Burner
So how do log burners actually benefit your home’s aesthetics?
A log burner provides a living focal point in any room – one that draws the eye and creates that instantly cozy atmosphere that is impossible to fake in any other way. They inject personality into any space. Sleek contemporary models look jaw-droppingly beautiful in modern homes, while classic cast iron stoves with intricate detailing exude timeless charm and nostalgia. The mesmerising flames provide entertainment that never gets boring, filling the room with life and warmth.
But here’s something most people don’t consider…
Modern log burners are so sleek and stylish that they add beauty to the room even when they’re not in use. The finished product becomes a permanent feature that adds depth and interest all year round.
The Styles Available
The amazing thing about log burners these days is how many options there are to suit every taste and interior style.
Traditional models with lots of ornate detailing are the perfect way to inject timeless charm and nostalgia into a period property. Ultra-modern log burners with large glass doors and minimal styling suit contemporary interiors perfectly. Sleek freestanding models make a statement in open-plan living spaces while inset models that fit snugly into existing fireplaces are the ideal option for smaller homes.
Matt black is the most popular finish by far due to its sleek, timeless style. But if you want to make a statement then there are also plenty of colourful log burners or metallic finishes to match any scheme.
Log Burners are Beautiful…But Here’s the Real Value
Moving on from looks though, log burners also provide several practical benefits:
- The heat a log burner produces is different to central heating. It’s a deep penetrating heat that warms you from the inside out and using renewable wood fuel gives you more control over heating costs.
- When energy prices soar or if the power goes out then you won’t be left freezing thanks to a log burner. As long as you have some wood, you have heat.
- According to HETAS data log burners can add as much as 5% to your home’s value. The feature that makes viewers stop in their tracks and it makes properties with log burners sell faster with that good-to-move-in feeling.
Design Considerations for the Most Bang for Your Buck
Placement is key if you want to maximize the aesthetic bang-for-buck from your log burner.
In traditional homes the main living space is where log burners are usually positioned to act as a natural gathering point for the family. But they also work great in kitchens to create a beautiful farmhouse vibe or in large hallways. The surrounding materials also help define the look – brick or stone surrounding an open burner create rustic charm, while tiles or concrete give a more contemporary edge. Hearth material is another detail that needs to be considered and tie in with both the log burner and the overall design scheme.
Can Log Burners Work With My Décor?
Ok, but what if you’re not sure if a log burner will work with your home’s existing aesthetic?
Don’t worry about that. Log burners are incredibly versatile and can work with every style. In Scandinavian interiors they add a beautiful warmth that contrasts perfectly with cool whites and natural wood. In industrial spaces they sit beautifully with exposed brick and steel. And if you live in a more traditional home then a log burner is just the right degree of cosy authenticity.
Installing a Log Burner Correctly
Ok but before you rush off and start shopping it’s worth understanding…
Log burners require proper installation to ensure optimal performance and safety. This isn’t a job you can do yourself – you’ll need a qualified installer who knows the ins and outs of building regs, flue requirements and the safety standards. They will assess the condition of your chimney, recommend the best position for the log burner and ensure everything is up to current Ecodesign standards.
All new log burners must now meet strict efficiency and emission requirements but here’s the silver lining. Those Ecodesign stoves are far better for the environment because they burn much more cleanly and efficiently than older models. Expect to see up to 80% fewer emissions than traditional open fires.
Tips for Keeping Your Burner Looking its Best
And finally, there is maintenance…
Log burners do require a degree of maintenance but it’s not as bad as you might think. Regular ash removal, an annual chimney sweep and checking the door seals are the main tasks. Burning only dry wood with a moisture content below 20% will help ensure your burner continues to burn cleanly. Regularly cleaning the glass and checking for any rust or damage will also help keep things looking as good as new for years.
Creating the Complete Aesthetic Package
If you really want to take the aesthetic impact up to the next level though, then think about the full package.
Invest in a stylish log store that will become a feature in its own right. Choose beautiful fireplace tools that match your log burner’s finish and arrange seating around the burner to create a conversation area, making the space the social hub of your home. At the same time, make sure everyone can enjoy the warmth and the view.
Final Thoughts
A log burner is a fantastic investment in both style and function. It offers instant visual impact, completely transforming the space in which it is installed. The dancing flames provide that unbeatable entertainment and ambiance that will fill the room with life and beauty.
Factoring in the hard benefits log burners offer (dependable heat, energy independence and increased home value), it’s easy to see why so many homeowners are now adding this stylish and versatile investment to their home.
The key to making sure your log burner is a success is choosing the right model to complement your space and existing aesthetic. Opting for professional installation to ensure all safety and Ecodesign standards are met. Then, it’s about committing to proper maintenance to keep things in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Do all of those things and you’ll have a stunning focal point that enhances your home’s aesthetic for decades to come.
A pretty good return on investment if you ask me.
