All Entries Tagged With: "electric fireplace"

Why Fireplace Accessories?

When I was young I would love to sit by the fire and just stare at the burning embers. The hiss and pop of the red hot logs would kind of lull me into a trance as I watched the flames dance up and down against the burning log. The fire even took a life of it’s own as the logs went from new, to smoking, to burning red and orange flames, then glowing embers and charred white hot wood.

If I had a cup of hot chocolate or a snack or even a good book, I would feel like the king of the world nestled on the couch watching the glowing embers of the fire. One thing that was always curious to me was what were those tools for? Next to the fire was a rickety holder with a  little broom and shovel, and a poker. OK we used the poker to move logs around so the flame would hit different parts of the wood and to stoke the coals.

Fireplace accessories have come a long way since then. For the practical wood fire lover, like me,  there is a myraid of functional and decorative tools available. I like strong sturdy tools in black or brass that look beautiful and work well. The poker is essential, the bellows can be used to stoke the flames, or blow air on nearby children or pets. The shovel and fireplace brush are actually useful as well. A clean fireplace is a functional fireplace.

I also like a sturdy decorative screen to keep the flames and embers in, and to keep children and pets out. I once had a firplace with a long  brick base you could sit on and on one side there was the fireplace and on the other was a wood cupboard which also opened from the outside. Therefore you could load up the wood cupboard from the outside of your house and then open it on the inside and grab a log. It was a very practical and ingenious set up. It was also an easy way for people to get into the house because at times it wasn’t full of wood and I don’t remember a lock being on either opening. Although we never had any problems.

For those who don’t have this built in fireplace wood storage area the fireplace accessory for you is the wood basket. These come in many shapes and styles and will save you going outside for wood. At least for one evenings fire.

Most newer homes come with gas fireplaces or because of environmental regulations you may need to convert your conventional wood fireplace to a gas fireplace. Here you will need a plumber or contractor to run the gas line. And you will need a gas insert, a grate, and some realistic looking logs. You can also go less conventional with a modern gas fireplace with a modern insert and fireplace glass. One of my favorite choices for non- traditional fireplaces.

Although the best fireplace accessories of all are actually having fireplaces. If you live in an apartment or home without a built in fireplace, but would still like to enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a fireplace without spending a fortune then the electric fireplace is the choice for you. These are not only easy to set up and use but most are portable and you can move it from the living room to the bedroom. Plus you can take your fireplace investment with you when you move.

In the words of Cicero:

There is no place more delightful than one’s own fireplace.

I hope you find the right fireplace and fireplace accessories to warm up your home.

Popularity: 38% [?]

Fireplace Mantels Dress Up Your Fireplace

There are many ways to dress up your fireplace, you can paint the brick, or have your fireplace surround covered in stone or marble. But one of the easiest and most noticable is by replacing an old mantel or getting a new fireplace surround. I love the look of the classic white fireplace surround, Pearl Mantels makes a nice one.

Choices range from the classic wood to the super ornate. If you want to get really fancy I know of a hand-carved, natural limestone, King Louis Fireplace Surround. Oh, wait, Donald Trump is already using that one. If this one is too much for you there are also many other stone fireplace surround options. Stone tends to be more expensive, but it is also more durable and low maintenance. Plus the beauty of the stone can’t be denied.

If you opt for the wood surround you have a choice of tons of styles and finishes. When it comes to wood you can find, unfinished, light wood, medium wood, dark wood, black, white, I think you get the picture.

Once you decide on which surround to use there is some prep work involved before installation. You need accurate measurements to determine the size of fireplace mantel or surround needed. You will need these three key measurements.

• Fireplace Opening Height – Determine the height of the fireplace opening.
• Fireplace Mantel Width – Carefully measure the width of this same space.
• Fireplace Depth – This is the distance of the facing material, which is a non-combustible material like brick or tile that juts out from the point of installation.

Once you have these numbers you can usually determine the right size mantel or fireplace surround, by following the manufacturers guidelines, and doing some basic math calculations.

If replacing the entire surround is too much of a job you can always revamp the look of your fireplace just by adding a new mantel shelf. The mantel shelf is a less expensive and easier option. But it still needs to be installed properly. I know of a couple who purchased a shelf and just set it on top of the old one with out fastening it down or installing it properly. Their granddaughter reached up onto the shelf to get something and the whole thing fell down.

No matter what style and color you decide to choose. There is no denying that a beautiful fireplace is the focal point of the room. With so many available fireplace accessories it should be easy to make your fireplace your own.

Popularity: 31% [?]