Decorative fireplaces, and other ideas for decorating your mountain chalet
A mountain chalet is a true haven of peace in the middle of nature, where you can rest and relax after a day’s skiing on your winter vacation. To make the most of your chalet, you need to create the warm, cozy atmosphere that characterizes these great places of tranquility in the middle of the mountains, where the elements are unleashed in winter. By equipping your chalet with a decorative fireplace, and following our advice and decorating ideas, you’ll be able to recreate this atmosphere, and even add your own personal touch.
Choosing the right materials and textiles
Creating a warm, cosy atmosphere is largely a matter of feel and choice of materials. The first is, of course, wood, the essential material for mountain chalets. It has the major advantage of being available in so many types and shades that it also allows you to choose between different styles, whatever your budget: for a traditional style, choose dark woods, and for a more modern and luminous style, go for lighter shades. Similarly, opt for light woods for a Scandinavian design. In addition to the chalet’s walls and beams, use solid wood tables and other furniture.
Although wood is a very important component, it’s not the only material that can be used. On the contrary, for a decor that’s modern yet cosy and adapted to the chalet, it’s advisable to vary the materials. Stone, leather and furs will enhance the rustic and modern sides of your chalet. What’s more, for comfort, there’s nothing better than large sofas and armchairs covered with plaids and cushions around your decorative fireplace, with carpets and rugs on the floor. Textiles play a very important role in enhancing cottage comfort, given the rather rough and rustic materials used for decoration.
Careful choice of colors and lighting
Winter nights are dark, and cottage decorations tend to be too, resulting in a stifling rather than welcoming atmosphere. To remedy this, particular attention needs to be paid to lighting. This means, above all, very large windows: in addition to providing a maximum view of the mountain, they should also let in as much natural light as possible. Add to this a range of lighting fixtures to match your décor, and you’ve got a well-lit chalet. Scandinavian style is particularly helpful with its light wood tones.
As with lighting, care must be taken when choosing and using colors. While repainting furniture is often out of the question, so as not to lose the cottage’s rustic, natural cachet, it’s still important to add color. Make use of armchairs, sofas, rugs and fabrics. You might also consider repainting some of the walls, both to brighten and to add color. As for the choice of colors, opt for warm, soft tones, such as coral and cream, as well as light tones, like beige and white. Here again, the aim is both to contribute to the ambience and to enhance the lighting.
The fireplace, the main feature of the chalet
Heating is a central element of any mountain chalet. It is both functional, providing warmth and light in a cold, dark environment, and decorative in its appearance. Particular care must therefore be taken when choosing it. The positioning of the fireplace is also important: in fact, the fireplace area is a characteristic part of the chalet.
An electric fireplace in the chalet
An electric fireplace is a very viable option for decorating your mountain chalet. Firstly, it’s much less expensive and complicated to install and maintain than a traditional stone fireplace or even a wood-burning stove. What’s more, it’s much safer and more secure, so you can prevent your children and pets from getting hurt. So it’s a totally viable option for an easy-to-make fireplace corner. Chemin’arte offers various models of electric fireplaces. You’re sure to find an option to suit your cottage.
