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How to Choose the Right Bioethanol Fireplace for Your Room Size

How to Choose the Right Bioethanol Fireplace for Your Room Size

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Imaginfires
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Our bioethanol fireplace room size guide:

When choosing the right bioethanol fireplace for your home, you’ll need to understand how your room’s size, layout, and ventilation will affect your selected model. All imaginfires’ bioethanol fireplaces have the same sized fuel box, and when set to full they will heat a 30m² room comfortably – so it’s less about heat output and far more about the biofire’s proportions and placement, and how the flame will integrate with your interior. Our freestanding, wall-mounted, and inset designs each complement different room shapes; larger open-plan spaces often call for statement models, whereas smaller rooms benefit from compact fireplaces. 

Want to experience the joy of real fire without any of the mess or maintenance that comes with a traditional woodburner? A bioethanol fireplace could be the perfect solution for your home. But with so many models out there, how do you choose the right bioethanol fireplace for your room size? 

The proportions of your space, the way you use it, and where the fireplace will sit all influence which model will work best in your room. We’ve pulled together this expert bioethanol fireplace room size guide to help you choose the right model for your space.

Step 1: Understand your room size and layout

Start by measuring the basics in your room: the square footage, the ceiling height, and the size of any alcoves or blank walls where your fireplace could sit. Take note of how the room is shaped, where people tend to move through it, and which areas already feel like natural focal points. These measurements will help you understand the proportions you’re working with, ensuring that your fireplace neither dominates the space nor disappears into the background.

Step 2: Match the style of fireplace to your room size

Once you’ve measured your room, it’s time to match the style of the fireplace to your space. Each type of bioethanol fireplace offers its own advantages depending on the shape and flow of your room. Here are some of the most popular biofire styles:


Freestanding bioethanol fireplaces

Freestanding biofires work well in both square and open-plan living spaces, allowing you to position the flame exactly where you’d like a focal point. Our taller models such as the Howarth and Burford draw the eye vertically, making them ideal for large rooms with generous ceiling height. Or you could choose one of our compact freestanding designs, such as the Bredon, to add atmosphere to a medium-sized room without visually overpowering the space.


Wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces

If you have a smaller room where every inch of space counts, we recommend choosing a wall-mounted biofire to preserve the floorspace and keep the room feeling open. Our Marlow and Arlington models add atmosphere and style to your space without disrupting your furniture layout. 


Bioethanol fireplace inserts

If you have an existing fireplace that’s not currently being used, one of our inset models could be the most suitable choice. We offer a range of bioethanol fire baskets, including the Anya, Arkle, and Eton, that can help transform an empty hearth into an inviting focal point, without the need for a working chimney.

Step 3: Consider your room’s everyday use

You’ll also need to consider how you use the space. For example:

  • Do you use the room for hosting? If yes, choose a freestanding design such as the Kendal to allow your guests to enjoy the flame from multiple vantage points around the room.

  • Is your room more of a cosy hideaway? One of our bioethanol inserts such as the Anya or Eton will create a traditional focal point that feels intimate and cosy.

  • Does your room have limited natural light? If so, we recommend choosing one of our taller models, such as the Howarth, to lift darker corners and introduce a warm visual glow.

  • Do you often move your furniture around? Our freestanding fires can be easily moved around your room, giving you the freedom to adapt the space as your needs change.

Step 4: Ensure adequate ventilation

Bioethanol burns oxygen from the surrounding air, so you’ll need to ensure that your room can be ventilated naturally. Keeping an internal door ajar or opening a window for a few minutes in between refuelling is usually enough. Here are some things you’ll need to consider:

  • Our bioethanol fires aren’t suitable for very small or airtight rooms, and they’re also not recommended for bedrooms. 

  • Living rooms and open-plan spaces usually have better ventilation, which is another reason why many of our customers choose to place their biofires in these spaces. 

  • If your living space is on the smaller side, we recommend placing your biofire near a doorway that connects to another room.

Find the perfect biofire for your space

At imaginfires, we’re proud to offer a wide range of bioethanol fires for rooms of all shapes and sizes. Whether you live in a small city flat or a large countryside home, we guarantee to have the perfect model for your space! 

Still not sure which biofire is best for you? Get in touch for more advice on choosing the right fireplace for your room.

Contact us

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I adjust the flame size of my biofire?

    It’s super simple to adjust your ethanol flame size. In fact, this is one of the major advantages of bioethanol fireplaces over traditional wood burners - it’s possible to instantly control the size of your bioethanol flame.

    How to adjust a fireplace flame

    Simply slide the cover (using the tool provided, see below) of the stainless steel fuel box to limit the size of the aperture, opening or closing it as much as you require.

    Leaving the fuel box completely open provides the largest, most dramatic bioethanol flames and the most significant heat output (around 3kWh - roughly the same as an electric fire on medium heat). 

    However, your bioethanol fuel lasts longer if you half-close the cover, smaller flame equals longer usage time.

    Ethanol flames - how they work

    Your bioethanol flame takes a few minutes to reach peak size and appearance. Once the burner has warmed up and the fireplace is burning fiercely, half closing the aperture reduces the flame size and the heat output.

    Slide the cover of your no-spill stainless steel fuel box for instant control over the flame size and fuel efficiency. 

    You can also instantly snuff out your ethanol flame at the end of the night rather than letting it burn out like a traditional wood burner.

  • Do ethanol fireplaces need to be vented?

    Bioethanol fuels burn cleanly, leaving no residue, ash, smoke, or any of the mess associated with wood or coal-burning fires. As such, there’s no need for fireplace venting. These are called ventless fireplaces. A ventless biofuel fireplace is simply a fireplace that does not require a chimney, flue or any other venting duct.

    Bioethanol uses oxygen in the room to combust, emitting a small amount of carbon dioxide and some water vapour. While there are no fumes, keeping the space ventilated by opening a door or keeping a window slightly open during use is recommended.

     

     

    Do I need a vented fireplace?

    Bioethanol fireplaces do not require a venting system with a chimney or flue as they do not emit harmful emissions, unlike a traditional wood burner. 

    We suggest you refresh the air if using regularly by opening a small window in between refills.

    Whether wood, coal, gas, or bioethanol, all fires produce carbon dioxide. The levels from a bioethanol fire are roughly equivalent to burning two candles, so it’s simply not enough to be harmful to your health.

  • Can bioethanol fireplaces be used in a bedroom with carpet?

    Yes, bioethanol fireplaces can be used in a bedroom with carpet. However, it is crucial to take the following precautions.

    Precautions for Using Biofires in a Bedroom with Carpet

    • Fire Safety: Ensure that the bioethanol fireplace is placed on a stable surface away from the carpet to minimise the risk of accidental spills or contact with flammable materials. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe installation and use.
    • Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is necessary to maintain air quality and prevent the accumulation of combustion byproducts. Ensure there is sufficient airflow in the bedroom to promote a healthy environment.
    • Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clean the fireplace to prevent any buildup of debris or residue that could pose a fire hazard.
    • Placement: Many customers choose to place the biofire on a non-flammable base for additional peace of mind. Ceramic tiles or fireproof boards are 2 examples of materials some customers choose to place under a biofire. 
    • Endurance: Always check that your carpet can endure a biofire or heavy item that can endure being placed on top of it.

    By adhering to these safety measures, you can enjoy the warmth and aesthetic appeal of a bioethanol fireplace in your carpeted bedroom.

  • Can bioethanol fireplaces be used in a small house?

    Yes, bioethanol fireplaces can be used in a small  house, offering a compact and efficient secondary heating solution. However, it's important to consider some factors.

    Considerations for Using Biofires in a Small House

    • Size and Placement: Due to limited space in a tiny house, choose a bioethanol fireplace that fits well and doesn't overwhelm the area. Consider the size and layout of your tiny house to determine the most suitable placement for the fireplace.
    • Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial in a confined space like a tiny house. Ensure proper airflow to maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of combustion byproducts. Refer to our blog section for helpful tips on ventilation in compact living spaces.
    • Safety Measures: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe installation and use of the bioethanol fireplace in your tiny house. Take precautions to keep flammable materials away from the fireplace and ensure proper handling of bioethanol fuel.

    By considering these factors and taking necessary safety measures, you can enjoy the warmth and charm of a bioethanol fireplace in your tiny house.