A fireplace is the coziest part of a room, whether it is in the main living room, the library, the den, or even a basement retreat . Whether it is of stone, marble, brick, wood, or even an electric one, a fireplace enhances the charisma of a room. Adding to this charisma are fireplace accessories, such as an engraved fire screen. Read on to know more about this and other accessories for your fireplace Fireplace Tools It has become the trend to buy a set of fireplace tools made from brass that literally gleam in rich tones. You can even get matching tools appropriate to the type of fireplace that you have . For example, a fireplace accessories made from wrought iron can be accessorized with tools that have engraved designs on the handles.
Similarly, you can buy a poker with a marble handle for your elegant marble fireplace.
I. Tools for the Fire Obviously you are not going to reach out to arrange flaming logs! For this purpose, you will be using a poker. The old-fashioned way of prodding at the logs with a stick is now pass. You can buy a beautifully polished metal rod with a protective handle .
II. Cleaning Tools It is essential to keep a fireplace clean. The first obvious reason: to prevent a messy pileup of wood chips, ash, soot and the like. The second, and more important reason: to prevent a potentially dangerous flaming situation from arising from deposits left in the fireplace. The tools you would require: A brush or a broom with thick bristles to sweep out the ash generously left behind by the extinguished flames. A shovel that comprises of a flat plate attached to a handle. You can pick up the ash directly with the shovel or use the brush to sweep it onto the shovels plate. A pair of tongs to get a grip on leftover wood pieces in order to lift them out of the fireplace Dump all that ash into a bin specifically for the purpose (about $50). Make sure the bin has a lid, to prevent the ash from flying out again!
You can buy a shovel and brush set with a pan for about $25 . If you prefer, you can get the entire set of requisite tools with a useful stand with a sturdy base. Place it next to your fireplace accessories for easy access . A five piece polished brass set can cost less than $90 and go over $400 for the more elaborate pieces. A Flaming Start The first item you need, naturally, is fuel for the fire. Well, you are not exactly living in the midst of a forest! You will need to purchase wood from a wood delivery service, or you can buy birch, beech or oak logs online . You can also be a friend of the environment by purchasing fire logs that are not made by felling trees. An alternate option for fuel is coal. Place the fire logs near your fireplace on a log rack made from copper, brass, or wrought iron (price range- $65 to over $200), or in a chrome-plated log basket (less than $50). Next, you need to place the fire logs on a grate. This has vertically slatted designs in the framework. It has a slightly raised edge, to prevent the logs from tipping over. An alternative to a grate is to use an andiron. This is a support made from metal for the logs, and could have a whimsical design, such as of cats perched atop the vertical posts. Next, you need to start the fire going with matches. Instead of constantly searching for them, keep them nearby in an elegant oak box (about $40) or a holder made from solid brass (about $20 -$25). To help weak flames to mature into a roaring good fire you will need bellows. This, of course, does not mean hollering at the flames! Bellows refers to that jug-shaped device with a nozzle. By pumping it vigorously, you literally fan the flames with lots of air that emanates from the nozzle.
A simple one could cost less than $25, while you can get a beautifully hand-carved bellows with an iron nozzle for about $45. Fire Screens As implied by its name, the purpose of a fire screen is to hide the flames. It acts as a barrier to roving four legged friends and wandering tots. It also prevents fiery stuff from shooting out into the room . Its decorative purpose is to provide a beautiful surrounding to the fire . A fire screen could be a single large panel, but it is more common to buy one with three or four panels. The largest panel is the centre one, directly in front of the flames. It is connected with hinges to the side panels. The side panels could have handles at the top, for easy movement, so that you can reach inside with a poker to arrange a disobedient log. Glass fire screens are extremely popular, as are wrought-iron ones with scrolled inlays. You get even pretty fan-shaped screens. Price range is from less than $90 to over $500, depending on the material . Fireplace accessories Guards Instead of a fire screen, some people prefer a larger fireplace guard for better protection. This guard is generally an expansive meshed metal screen that is nearly up to the height of the mantelpiece. It is placed directly in front of the fire and looks like a sort of cage.
Price range: $200 to $350. Some Fiery Tips Keeping safety in mind, it is advisable to keep a good quality fire extinguisher at hand for those unexpected times when a mild fire can suddenly explode into an unmanageable blaze. Buy one that adheres to safety standards, learn to use it correctly, and practice a couple of times. The hearthrug in front of your fireplace should not be made from flammable material. Ensure that kids dont sit alone by a fireside, even if there is a fire screen . They have a natural sense of curiosity, and are quite likely eager to see what is behind that screen. Wear a sensible pair of gloves and don overalls when doing any cleaning chores at the fireplace. Always keep unused fire logs dry for the next time you need it. Get a professional cleaning service to clean the chimney, especially the flue and the damper. Purchase accessories that are not too heavy to use, and are easy to maintain and clean. The price you pay for most fireplace accessories does not include shipping and tax, so confirm the total cost. Go ahead and buy some wonderful fireplace accessories and have a warm time! [Note: Prices mentioned are approximate ones, and not actual costs . This article is also not endorsing any item as the best type !]
Similarly, you can buy a poker with a marble handle for your elegant marble fireplace.
I. Tools for the Fire Obviously you are not going to reach out to arrange flaming logs! For this purpose, you will be using a poker. The old-fashioned way of prodding at the logs with a stick is now pass. You can buy a beautifully polished metal rod with a protective handle .
II. Cleaning Tools It is essential to keep a fireplace clean. The first obvious reason: to prevent a messy pileup of wood chips, ash, soot and the like. The second, and more important reason: to prevent a potentially dangerous flaming situation from arising from deposits left in the fireplace. The tools you would require: A brush or a broom with thick bristles to sweep out the ash generously left behind by the extinguished flames. A shovel that comprises of a flat plate attached to a handle. You can pick up the ash directly with the shovel or use the brush to sweep it onto the shovels plate. A pair of tongs to get a grip on leftover wood pieces in order to lift them out of the fireplace Dump all that ash into a bin specifically for the purpose (about $50). Make sure the bin has a lid, to prevent the ash from flying out again!
You can buy a shovel and brush set with a pan for about $25 . If you prefer, you can get the entire set of requisite tools with a useful stand with a sturdy base. Place it next to your fireplace accessories for easy access . A five piece polished brass set can cost less than $90 and go over $400 for the more elaborate pieces. A Flaming Start The first item you need, naturally, is fuel for the fire. Well, you are not exactly living in the midst of a forest! You will need to purchase wood from a wood delivery service, or you can buy birch, beech or oak logs online . You can also be a friend of the environment by purchasing fire logs that are not made by felling trees. An alternate option for fuel is coal. Place the fire logs near your fireplace on a log rack made from copper, brass, or wrought iron (price range- $65 to over $200), or in a chrome-plated log basket (less than $50). Next, you need to place the fire logs on a grate. This has vertically slatted designs in the framework. It has a slightly raised edge, to prevent the logs from tipping over. An alternative to a grate is to use an andiron. This is a support made from metal for the logs, and could have a whimsical design, such as of cats perched atop the vertical posts. Next, you need to start the fire going with matches. Instead of constantly searching for them, keep them nearby in an elegant oak box (about $40) or a holder made from solid brass (about $20 -$25). To help weak flames to mature into a roaring good fire you will need bellows. This, of course, does not mean hollering at the flames! Bellows refers to that jug-shaped device with a nozzle. By pumping it vigorously, you literally fan the flames with lots of air that emanates from the nozzle.
A simple one could cost less than $25, while you can get a beautifully hand-carved bellows with an iron nozzle for about $45. Fire Screens As implied by its name, the purpose of a fire screen is to hide the flames. It acts as a barrier to roving four legged friends and wandering tots. It also prevents fiery stuff from shooting out into the room . Its decorative purpose is to provide a beautiful surrounding to the fire . A fire screen could be a single large panel, but it is more common to buy one with three or four panels. The largest panel is the centre one, directly in front of the flames. It is connected with hinges to the side panels. The side panels could have handles at the top, for easy movement, so that you can reach inside with a poker to arrange a disobedient log. Glass fire screens are extremely popular, as are wrought-iron ones with scrolled inlays. You get even pretty fan-shaped screens. Price range is from less than $90 to over $500, depending on the material . Fireplace accessories Guards Instead of a fire screen, some people prefer a larger fireplace guard for better protection. This guard is generally an expansive meshed metal screen that is nearly up to the height of the mantelpiece. It is placed directly in front of the fire and looks like a sort of cage.
Price range: $200 to $350. Some Fiery Tips Keeping safety in mind, it is advisable to keep a good quality fire extinguisher at hand for those unexpected times when a mild fire can suddenly explode into an unmanageable blaze. Buy one that adheres to safety standards, learn to use it correctly, and practice a couple of times. The hearthrug in front of your fireplace should not be made from flammable material. Ensure that kids dont sit alone by a fireside, even if there is a fire screen . They have a natural sense of curiosity, and are quite likely eager to see what is behind that screen. Wear a sensible pair of gloves and don overalls when doing any cleaning chores at the fireplace. Always keep unused fire logs dry for the next time you need it. Get a professional cleaning service to clean the chimney, especially the flue and the damper. Purchase accessories that are not too heavy to use, and are easy to maintain and clean. The price you pay for most fireplace accessories does not include shipping and tax, so confirm the total cost. Go ahead and buy some wonderful fireplace accessories and have a warm time! [Note: Prices mentioned are approximate ones, and not actual costs . This article is also not endorsing any item as the best type !]
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