Rumford fireplaces became popular at the end of the 18th century, and Thomas Jefferson even had Rumford fireplaces installed in Monticello! Many historic buildings and homes in Tidewater Virginia have Rumford fireplaces.
So what exactly are they? Rumford fireplaces are tall and shallow with steeply angled sides and a narrow throat. The throat is the part of a chimney immediately above the fireplace where the walls of the flue are gathered or brought close together to increase the draft. The narrow throat of Rumford fireplaces minimizes turbulence and carries away the smoke with minimal loss of heated air. The angled sides radiate heat into the room much more effectively than straight or shallowly angled sides.
Rumford fireplaces have an elegant appearance and are an excellent choice if you’re looking to install a new fireplace that looks beautiful and is also practical as a secondary heat source. New installations of Rumford style fireplaces can look very sleek and modern while retaining all the practicality they’re known for. If you’re looking to have a fireplace installed in your home, or if you are in the process of planning a new home, contact Black Goose about installing a Rumford fireplace.