Fire containers have many styles

Fire containers have many styles

Planika Fires’ products are a stylish way to bring the lure of flames indoors without installing a full fireplace. The ventless fire containers burn a type of denatured ethanol called Fanola, a plant-based fuel. They don’t need chimneys because ethanol burns clean, producing only carbon dioxide and water vapor. The fireplaces come in a range of styles, including some that are wall-mounted, freestanding or incorporated into coffee tables. You can even surround a wall unit with stone or brick for a more traditional fireplace look.

Because they are considered biomass heating stoves, some models are eligible for a federal energy-efficiency tax credit of 30 percent. The fire containers range in price from $675 to $6,500. Planika products can be ordered directly from the company at (201) 933-7787. Some products are available online at www.chanticousa.com.

How to decorate

Askmen.com lists nine must-have bachelor-pad items for men designing their own. In the living room: a coffee table (with the potential for becoming the room’s centerpiece, it allows you to display your good taste); daybed (it can double as a bench or chair); minibar (stocked adequately. it can make you look even cooler).

In the kitchen: an espresso machine (in case the woman you want to impress doesn’t like instant); wine rack (this is evidence that yours is a sophisticated palate); anything retro (old-school items make great accent pieces). In the bedroom: a chair (throwing your clothes on the floor when you’re too tired is allowed in man caves only); floor/table lamp (because lighting matters); and art (of course you’re artistic).

Combined dispatches