Coordinated Fireplace and Hearth Products are the Secret To Making Your Fireplace the Focal Point of Your Room

By nature, fire places attract attention to an area, which is a reason the hearth is a common gathering point for so many people. The addition of a couple of wall sconces on each side of the mantle is a wonderful way to draw attention to your fireplace. But for a truly unified look that can't help but make the fireplace mantle the focus of your room, try using coordinated fireplace hearth products made of similar materials and decoration. Log holders, accessories, firescreens, rugs, and wood baskets can be coordinated to unify the hearth space and make it the envy of all your guests.

Firebacks

Even though firebacks were popular throughout the 18th century in North America, they were actually invented in Europe with roots going much further back. But, in both the New and Old World, their popularity faded to all but collectors and true fireplace fanatics. However with energy costs sky rocketing to record breaking levels, everyone is looking to extract more of their heating needs from different sources like fireplaces, although they're also looking for the most effective fireplace available. Fireplace firebacks are constructed with cast iron and retain heat (and therefore provide warmth to the room) for a long time after a fire has burned out.

Fireplace Grates

Fireplace grates are a requirement if you like to burn a wood fire in the fireplace. The grate is elevated above the surface of the hearth floor to allow air to feed the flame from underneath. It also alllows the ashes from the burning wood to fall so they do not smother the flame. When picking a grate for the fireplace it is extremely important to measure your fireplace opening correctly. You'll need the width of your fireplace opening in the back and front (if it tapers) plus the depth of the opening to find the perfect fireplace grate. Allow a 1 to 2 inch clearance on each side.

Hearth Accessories

The amount of fireplace accessories on the market for the fireplace hearth seem only to be limited by your creativity with some of the more popular choices being: wood holders, firesets, and firescreens. But do not forget about the other accessories such as fireplace rugs that can add extra pleasure to your evening in front of the fireplace. They are also good presents for people who have everything already. Who couldn't use a fireplace bellow ?

Fireplace Tools

What fireplace hearth isn't more complete with some fireplace tools neatly placed to the side? While people may use them just as a stylish element in a room, firesets are some of the most necessary fireplace accessories especially if you plan on burning a real wood fire in your fireplace. In general, fireplace tool sets come with a poker, tongs, a broom, and a shovel. Everything that's necessary in order to keep the fire burning and the hearth clear of wood debris. Keep in mind, not all fireplace tool sets are created equal. You will find a huge selection of styles, materials, finishes, and prices. If you're looking for a tool set that is reliable enough to last a long time, then a wrought iron or brass set will be the way to go. Once you have chosen the level of quality you are looking for, then decide on a finish that will go with the rest of your other decor.

Fireplace Screens

While we all love to sit and relax by our fireplace after working hard all day, the truth is that our hearth space is an extremely dangerous placeparticularly for those of us who have both kids AND animals! Trapped gases inside the wood might cause sparks to fly from your fire. Wrought iron fire screens are necessary to safeguarding your family and house from the hazard of flying embers. They're essential, but when coordinated correctly with your decor, it adds an individual sense of character and style to the space. So while you can get the standard screen for the fireplace that simply protects your floors and family, you can also match and coordinate the design features with the other decorations in the house for a more distinctive and full look. With that in mind, fireplace screens become decorations in their own sense.

Log Baskets and Wood Holders

Keep your firewood stored neatly with a log basket or log holder. These popular accessories for the fireplace typically appear to be more ornamental than practical, and many people use them to store their favorite magazines. But don't undervalue the functionality of the wood basket. Lets face it, if you are burning a wood fire, where do you plan to hold your wood for the evening? Wood holders have a built in handle so you will be able to take them to your wood pile for an easy refill when needed. Standing log holders generally have a detachable log tote made of thick cloth or leather that can also be used to easily move your logs from the log pile to the log holder. Match the design and finish with your other fireplace accessories for a more complete look.

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