An inglenook is a large recess in the wall featuring a fireplace. Whereas a chimney usually protrudes into a room, an inglenook is a type of “walk in” chimney with a recess at its rear. This recess which usually houses the flue or chimney, and extends wider than a standard chimney so as to create walk-in alcoves.
Taking centre stage of a room or entrance, inglenook fireplace openings are often 2-3m in width, and some 1-1.5m in height. Inglenook fireplaces can be found in old, traditional homes and often feature a large timber shelf or mantel with an open fire basket within. This type of open fire is very inefficient, so replacing this with a more energy efficient source of heating is the first thing to tackle when restoring any traditional inglenook fireplace.
With the necessary adjustments, inglenook fireplaces can house wood burning stoves and modern hole-in-the wall type fireplaces. Inglenook fireplace hearths are often cladded with non-combustible materials such as marble, granite, slate and limestone which can also be restored or replaced completely.
Chimneys connected to a traditional inglenook fireplace are often “capped-off” or blocked. However, chimneys can be reinstated for use with gas or solid fuel fireplaces by installing a suitable flue liner.
We have extensive experience in the restoration, supply and installation of inglenook fireplaces, and our showroom displays the finest selection of wood burning stoves, cast iron fireplaces and timber mantels for you to choose from.