Got kids? You might have heard from fellow mums that fireplaces are too dangerous for family homes, especially for toddlers. But while operational fireplaces do carry an obvious risk, there are ways you can make them safe for use even if you have young children.
Aside from safety-proofing your fireplace with things like fire guards or screens, the type of fireplace you choose can also influence its safety. Some fireplaces are safer than others, and in this guide, we’re outlining four of the safest fireplaces for homes with kids.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces don’t carry the risk of open flames, so they have a reduced potential for burns compared to traditional fires. They can still, of course, get very hot, so you’ll still need to install a guard that keeps little hands safe if you plan to use your fireplace’s heat function.
Along with being safer than other models, electric fireplaces are also more energy efficient (although this depends on the exact model you buy) and require virtually no maintenance, making them a good option for a busy family. There are dozens of electric fireplaces to choose from at Designer Fireplaces— click here to browse your options.
Gas Fireplaces With Safety Features
Gas fireplaces aren’t as safe as electric, but many modern gas fires have safety mechanisms like flame failure devices and automatic shut-off. This massively reduces the risk of danger due to improper operation, but their burn risk is still high, so always use a childproof fireplace safety gate.
You’ll also want to get your fireplace serviced regularly by certified Gas Safe engineers. Note: you’ll need a chimney with proper ventilation to safely install and use a gas fireplace.
Wall-Mounted and Hanging Fireplaces
If you want to keep heat and flames away from curious hands, take a look at wall-mounted or hanging fireplaces. These are all the rage at the moment, and they look great in a modern living room. They can also be space-saving because they don’t have huge surrounds, so they’re good for smaller UK homes.
Go for a model with cool-to-touch surfaces for peace of mind that they can be used safely around kids.
Fireplaces With Glass Fronts or Enclosures
Glass panels act as a barrier against heat or open flames, so they’re a good design choice for when you want to protect your kids from direct contact. Most glass-fronted models still provide visual flame appeal, too, just without the danger of a real, open fire.
It’s smart to look for fireplaces that have tempered or toughened glass, which offer added safety and are unlikely to sustain damage due to overheating.
Final Word: Safety Accessories for Any Fireplace
Even with a fireplace that’s safer for kids, you’ll still need to take additional steps to further improve the safety of your setup. A guard or a screen works well, secured in place so it can’t be moved or accidentally knocked out of place.
You should also supervise your kids at all times when you have your fireplace in operation, so you know for certain that they’re behaving safely and not putting themselves at risk.