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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.

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