3 Ways to Look at Wood Burning Fireplace Accessories
When moving into a new home or making a decision to use a fireplace not previous used, questions come up. What wood burning fireplace accessories are needed to be safe and enjoy your fireplace and also let the process be as easy as possible? Three categories come to mind. What accessories are functional, décor oriented and safety conscience? Let’s take a look.
Functional: Fireplace tools are common and normally come in a set of three to five tools: a shovel, a poker a log mover and also, a sweeping broom to help with the cleaning out of the ash. A cast iron fireplace grate is a necessary addition. This elevates the wood in the fireplace to help burn evenly. A canvas log holder next to the hearth keeps the wood in order. A match holder for the stick matches to start the fire.
Safety: A Fireplace screen accessories serves more than one purpose. Keep the flying embers in the hearth, prevent logs from rolling out and keep children and pets out. Hearth fireplace rugs are another primary safety precaution. These fire resistant hearth rugs can save a call to the local fire department. The rugs are designed to melt or smother an ember to help put it out. Also, an ash bucket with a tight fitting lid to help with the disposal of fireplace ash. Keeping the flue clean is a must for safety and the prevention of a fire. A fire suppressant is a first line of defense for controlling flue fires that occur from creosote build-up. One of these suppressants could save your home.
Décor: The fireplace hearth is the center of many a home. Therefore, it becomes a focal point for the decor statement of the home. This can be achieved by simply placing items that are functional and safety orientated near the hearth. Tool sets come in different finishes: brass, copper, chrome and black. Fireplace rugs are in a wide array to choose from. Many are half circle heath rugs or rectangle shape and come in sizes from 44 inch to six foot across. Hearth Rugs are made with many different designs from Decorator or Oriental to a single or heathered color. Even the ash cans are in different finishes. You can choose log holders from pragmatic to gorgeous.
Just remember to keep the flue clean and the fire going. Have a warm and safe winter.
James Dahlberg
