Since the hearth is perhaps the most central point in your home, serving both practical and aesthetic functions, fireplace accessories are a good idea in order to keep tidy and clean. When they are used for heating, fireplaces and woodstoves tend to get dirty quicker than other areas of the house, leaving wood ash, charcoal residue and smoke stains to deal with. Fireplace components, as with plumbing, heating, air conditioning and ventilating, require you to stay on top of the maintenance. With a little how-to information and some initiative, you can keep your hearth looking fresh and clean.
Fireplace Screens
One of the most important accessories is a fireplace screen. A screen not only keeps children and pets out of harm’s way, but it keeps hot ash and burning sparks from jumping out of a blazing fire. Keeping fire debris in decreases any potential for fire damage, but it also helps keep the immediate area clean. Screens come in many varieties to match whatever type of fireplace you have at home. Tempered glass, wrought iron, and brass are just a few, and there are many sub-styles as well – different finishes, paints, shapes and designs to blend in with your home décor. Flexible metal curtains are another option to contain sparks and ash.
Fire-Backs
The back of your fireplace tends to blacken with use from smoke and charcoal residue. For this reason, a fire back is a sensible and attractive investment. It protects the back of the firebox from damage and wear, preserving the brick, marble or stone features. It also adds a highly aesthetic feature to your fireplace.
Andirons
An andiron is another accessory that helps to keep your fireplace tidy while both in use and dormant. For an open fireplace, andirons are a must have. They keep the burning logs raised above the fireplace bottom, allowing for proper air ventilation, thus minimizing smoke. They are also quite attractive, especially the wrought iron variety. Because they keep the logs off the ground, the burnt ash is able to be easily swept into the ash chute or removed, keeping the area clean after each use.
Fireplace Utensils
When you burn wood, you will have ash and charcoal residue. Fireplace tools are another must to keep your hearth looking sharp. All utensils are made of wrought iron or steel, and they are designed to do the dirty work necessary to maintain the appearance of your hearth. Use a brush and shovel to scoop up the ash and an ash cans or holder to store it. Store the tools tidily with either a hooked tool bar or upright tool stand.
Log Holders
Last but not least is a log holder. This accessory stores your unused firewood tidily off to the side of the fireplace. Haphazardly stacked logs don’t make for an attractive hearth; neither do the pieces of bark and wood chips that seem to get everywhere. Take care of both problems with a log holder. They too come in many styles, so you will undoubtedly be able to match accessories to not only your interior decorating, but to each other as well.
Fireplace accessories are a great way to keep your hearth looking clean and tidy. It is an important area of the home and is often part of the first impression guests receive. You don’t have to go overboard, but don’t neglect these accessories when you decorate.
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