David artsmith  -  What better way to turn your basement from a dingy dungeon into a cuddly escape than by adding a fireplace to the space? A fireplace adds both physical and emotional warmth to a space, making it feel more inviting. The gentle ambient glow of the flame is soothing, relaxing the whole environment.

In basement decorating, one problem is that natural light tends to be lacking, due to the rooms location recessed in the ground. However the ever changing waves of a fireplace create a natural light focal point, which can actually turn the dim nature of this space into a cozy and private effect.

When choosing a fireplace for your basement, there are a number of things you have to consider. Gas or wood burning stoves / fireplaces are going to require some sort of venting apparatus. This can include a chimney, but is often as simple as hanging a tube out of a small hole or window.

Alternatively, electric fireplaces generally don’t require anything except a plug. They can simulate the look of a real fire relatively well, and they can even give off heat in whatever amount you like. The only problem with electric fireplaces is that they tend to have a shelf life, which is determined on the model you choose, and when they break, they are expensive to get repaired.

Another consideration when installing a fireplace in a basement is water damage. Basements in some areas are subject to occasional floods. An electric fireplace can be hazardous if it is left plugged in when a flood unexpectedly occurs. For this reason, you should leave the fireplace unplugged whenever you are not physically using it, and you should try and keep it in a place that is at least a little bit elevated.

To make this easier you may want to consider having a switch installed which cuts off the power to the plugs in the room whenever you turn it off.

This article approved by the Editor of LevelAdvice.com and Showroom411.com

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