Is there anything better than curling up on a cozy chair in front of a warm fireplace on a cold winter day? However, it is not always practical to place chairs in front of a burning hearth, especially when it comes to safety. So, how do you know when it is safe to place your favorite chair right in front of the fireplace mantel?
You can place a chair in front of a fireplace. However, there are a few things that you need to consider before doing so. You should have a functioning fireplace damper to prevent smoke from escaping into the rest of your house, and you should ensure that the chair legs are fireproof.
So, let’s discuss some things you need to consider before placing a chair directly in front of your fireplace. I will talk about safety and touch on design so that you can have a safe, well-decorated, and comfortable seating area while enjoying the fire.
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Things to consider when placing a chair near the fireplace
You might want to place chairs in front of your fireplace to warm it up or make it easier for everyone to sit down and relax. However, there are a few things you should consider before doing so.
So, let’s look at some things you need to take into account when planning to place a chair closer to your fireplace:
It is not always safe to place a chair in front of a fireplace
First and foremost, it is important to note that most manufacturers discourage placing a chair in front of your fireplace. Some companies warn that placing a chair in front of the fireplace can cause damage or start a fire in your home.
One major issue is that the chair can block the airflow around the firebox and cause carbon monoxide (CO) gas poisoning. This is because CO gas requires an ignition source – such as an open flame or a pilot light – to ignite. If the toxic CO gas cannot escape, it becomes trapped in your home and can potentially harm you.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you choose to have a vented gas fireplace. A vented gas fireplace allows for air movement, which helps reduce the aforementioned risk of CO poisoning.
Secondly, it is generally a terrible idea to place wicker or wooden chairs directly in front of a flame. These materials have a low ignition point, and if you get too close to the fire or leave it unattended, you could end up setting your entire house on fire.
If you are considering placing any piece of fire making furniture near a fireplace and want to know the manufacturer’s recommendation first, find the model number of the fireplace and search online for that number along with the words “user manual.” For most modern fireplaces, a user manual is available online.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when moving furniture. It could save you from a house fire.
If you live in a room where there is no space for more than one type of furniture next to your fireplace, consider placing a cozy armchair directly next to the side of the fireplace and another chair within ten or fifteen feet of it.
You can also opt for taller chairs with metal legs to avoid potential fireplace blockages and fires.
Additionally, it is advisable not to sit directly in front of a fireplace without being protected by something sturdy. Sitting beside it is much safer if your fireplace has a grill, glass doors, or a protective screen. This is because these barriers absorb some of the heat from the flames, making it less likely for your chair to catch fire.
Chairs may obstruct your view of the fireplace
Even though it is safe to place chairs in front of your fireplace, you also need to consider design and how moving a chair will impact the overall look of a room. You should carefully think about the dimensions of your potential chairs and how they will fit around the fire.
The crucial question here is, can you see over or around the chair and directly onto the fireplace? While tall or oversized chairs may work best in some cases, I believe that counter-height stools can offer different design and seating options.
If you spend a lot of time eating, doing homework, crafting, and playing board games at your dining table, consider how much visual space you have. High-backed chairs might obstruct the view of the fireplace. At the same time, low-backed chairs can create a more open design.
Keep proportions in mind – never be afraid to start with one or two bar stools and expand your collection as your needs change. It is also worth noting that bar stools may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people find that this stool height can become uncomfortable after a few hours.
For others, they may prove to be too small when entertaining friends or family. When considering where to use your new bar stool, it is always a good idea to consider the interior design first.
Some homeowners don’t use their fireplaces due to a lack of decor
If you don’t use your fireplace very often, it is safe to put a chair in front of it. Without heat coming from the fireplace, you don’t have to worry about your furniture catching fire.
So always consider how much you want to use your fireplace before moving anything. In some cases, you can place some chairs in front of the fireplace during the summer when you don’t need that extra warmth. Then, when it gets cold enough to light the fireplace, you can move the chairs elsewhere.
If you never use the fireplace or if it doesn’t work, there is no reason not to stack furniture in front of it.
Conclusion
You can place furniture and chairs in front of fireplaces, but you must prioritize safety. Be sure to read the user manual of your fireplace before moving anything. Additionally, if you never use your fireplace, you can safely cover it with furniture as you are not at risk of CO poisoning or a house fire.
Sources
- SFGATE: How to arrange chairs in front of a fireplace
- Apartment Therapy: Furniture in front of the fireplace
- MODSY: 16 living room layouts with a fireplace