An electric fireplace beautifully creates an instant fire providing a perfect warm atmosphere for the whole family. They are less costly, easier to maintain and less time consuming. While gas fireplaces require fuel cans to ignite them and generate smoke during the process, electric fireplaces are best for homes since you do not have to deal with these issues.

They have a fan forced heater that gives out more than 5000 BTUs of heat which is enough to warm the whole room which is why there is no venting required. There are controls that are hidden behind the heater that controls the temperature. With the help of a thermostat, you canadjust the amount of heat in the room. These energy efficient electric fireplace heaters available in the market do not require gas lines to be installed thus relatively reducing the installation cost.

Another reason to consider one of these fireplaces compared to the other various types available in the market today is that energy efficient electric fireplace heaters for homes are very good for the environment. It has zero carbon emissions as it does not require fuel, wood or coal to burn. They are also very efficient as they take less energy to heat up the entire room. Due to all of these benefits, they have proved to be environment friendly.

These electric fireplaces come with a huge variety of fireplace accessories that can be bought online or locally from various retailers. The options are endless when it comes to outfitting your fireplace. Most electric fireplace heaters for homes don’t need many accessories, but there are available accessories to help spruce up your interior decor.

Outdoor fireplace accessories are available for both wood burning and gas models. They are designed for the safe operation of an outdoor fireplace. An outdoor cover will keep it protected from seasonal elements and deter inquisitive children from playing in the ashes. It is also important to have an adequate set of tools to maintain the fire, and to keep the area clean. Essential fireplace tools for outdoor usage include a poker to maneuver burning wood, as well as a small broom and shovel made especially for cleaning and removing cold ashes and small wood particles. Outdoor tool sets are generally made from a fire resistant material such as wrought iron.

Wood burning fireplace accessories are available for those who prefer the look, sound, and smell of a real wood burning fireplace. Some widely used products for wood burning fireplaces are pinecone fire starters, starter logs and fire starting nuggets. As an alternative to fire logs that emit polluting fossil fuels, a large number of manufacturers now offer eco-friendly logs made entirely from dried grass. These renewable energy logs are produced without sawdust, wax, or wood-based products. Hefty five-pound logs are 100% natural and will supply glowing warmth for up to four hours.

Antique fireplace accessories are manufactured in a large selection of one of kind designs that include decorative antique mantles, ash covers, and tool sets. Cast iron surrounds will give your fireplace a classic look of timeless elegance, and antique tools such as a long handled blow poke or a cast iron fat-wood caddy can help you create a personalized style for your gas or wood burning fireplace. Some other antique collectors’ items include lamps and wall scones, old-fashioned ash containers and firebacks, fireplace covers and intricately designed match holders made from sturdy cast iron with an antique black finish.

If you are interested in upgrading an existing indoor or outdoor area, modern fireplace accessories are a wise investment that will keep your fireplace in top operating condition. Sparks are effectively prevented from escaping with fire screens made from heat resistant glass, while stainless steel tool and holder sets are functional and beautiful. Sleek modern products are made by highly rated designers in styles, materials, and finishes that can be easily matched to any kind of decor. These elegant additions can be purchased as a single item, or in complete sets that contain andirons, tools, and a screen.

Chimney caps, heat resistant gloves, and durable tools with extra long handles are some items you should purchase as safety precautions before using your fireplace. It is also a good idea to have your chimney cleaned by a professional every few years. They will do a complete inspection of the fireplace, thoroughly sweep and clean the chimney, replace the chimney cap, make recommendations for future repairs, and schedule regular sweepings for maintenance and upkeep. With the proper safety precautions and good quality fireplace accessories, you can enjoy entertaining your family and friends any time of the year.

Less Heat Loss

When you do not have a fireplace door, you tend to lose a lot of heat because of the airflow going throughout the fireplace. A fireplace glass door will allow heat to travel into your home without having it travel up the chimney. Glass doors also allow you to still watch the fire while it is going, so you can get the aesthetic effect without sacrificing the heat. If you have a warmer fire going, you should be able to save money on the heating bills for your home.

Safer Protection

If you have small children in your home, fireplace glass doors can allow your kid to see the fire without having an easy way to reach out and touch it. You need to be careful with doors though because there are some that are easy to open. Make sure you buy fireplace doors that stay secure and do not get too hot to the touch. Certain materials can be just as hot as the fire they protect if you leave them shut for too long.

Better Design

Fireplace doors can add a design element to an otherwise boring fireplace. You can update your old fireplace with modern glass doors and instantly raise the value of your home. You may also want to make your fireplace look older than it actually is by adding antique doors to it. These can be found easily on the market, and they can provide a unique look to your fireplace that other people in the area will not have. You could get an antique tool set to go along with it and tie the whole look together.

Cleaner Air

The doors will help you keep the ashes in your fireplace instead of having them float in the air. This can cut your dusting time in half, and it can also help your guests breathe better when there is a fire going. You will still get the same warm smell when you light a fire, but you will not have to deal with the embers and ash floating through your room.

Getting the right fireplace accessories will not only enhance your decor but it will get you one step closer to making your house feel like a home.

Antique Screens

An antique fireplace screen can add character to a room, and you can usually bet that the one you buy will not be seen in other homes. Antique screens are not hard to find, but they are hard to find in multiples. If you are looking for an interesting piece that nobody else will have in their home, look to the antique options available to you. Antique fireplace screens vary so much in style that it is very easy to find a unique piece.

Modern Screens

If you do not like the antique look, you can get a modern screen for your fireplace. These are usually geometric and feature symmetric or random patterns of shapes that light up when the fire starts. Some modern screens have hazed glass that allows you to see the light behind without seeing the fire itself. You can still get the same warmth this route, but you do not necessarily have to watch the fire if you do not want to.

Glass Screens

If you do not want to have much of a design aspect going with your fireplace screen, you can opt for a simple glass one. Glass fireplace screens are typically framed in metal, and they can come in decorative etching, glazing, coloring, and more. There are clear glass ones as well, and these are available in some of the most simplistic designs. Glass screens are the most popular options on the market, and they tend to be the most affordable.

Metal Screens

There is an array of metal decorative fireplace screens on the market today, and they are offered in wrought iron, copper, bronze and more. Metal screens can be made to look like almost anything, from floral designs to geometric shapes. They can be backed in glass or other metals, but you need to be careful in choosing one that will not heat up when you put it in front of the fire. This can be dangerous if you have small children or pets that may get burned when they touch the screen.

No matter which fireplace accessories you choose, any new addition will add some much needed change to your decor. Get online today and check out the wealth of information available to help you make your next decision on how you want to accessorize your fireplace.

Fireplace Broom

A broom is a basic fireplace tool that you can use to clean up the ash left behind by the fires you create. It is a good idea to do this cleaning periodically so your fire can burn cleaner. A buildup of ash can also cause allergy problems as the dust starts to form in the air. Thus it is a good idea to keep the ashes in minimal piles to avoid health issues.

Fireplace Poker

A poker is one of the key pieces to a fireplace tool set because it helps you move the logs while they are on fire. You will not be able to touch these because of the heat, so the poker can move things around when you cannot. Without a poker, you are likely not going to be able to keep a good fire going, nor will you be able to control one that gets out of hand. Always have the poker nearby so you can be in complete control of your fire.

Fireplace Tongs

Tongs are just as important in fireplace tool sets as pokers are because they can actually let you grab hold of a log while it is inflamed. You can also use tongs to put new wood into a fire that is already going so you do not have to get within a dangerous range of the fire. Just be sure to let the tongs cool before you touch the ends.

Fireplace Bellows

A bellows is one of the most well known fireplace tools, even though most people do not know the name of it. This device blows air into the fire and can help the flames start when they are struggling to. There is a nozzle at the end that goes into the fire, and then there is another end with an accordion-like setup that pumps the air to the nozzle. If you use the bellows the right way, it can make the process of starting a fire much easier.

When shopping for fireplace accessories, you will usually save money buying these select tools in a set. Many online retailers offer fireplace tool sets that have everything you need to manage your fireplace.

Large Mantels

If you have a large fireplace that needs some balance, a large fireplace mantel can be an ideal solution. This only works if you keep the large theme going though. Use 12 inch tiles or big bricks to frame the fireplace itself and then put a thick wooden mantel above it. If you want to go a different route, you can use wood to frame the edges that help pull the material from the large mantelpiece down to the floor a bit better.

Small Mantels

If your home fireplace is nothing more than an accessory in the room, you may need a mantel just big enough to put a row of candles or a few picture frames on. There are options for smaller mantels available in an array of materials, from iron to wood and much more. Use small tiles or textured paint to frame the mantel and sides of your small fireplace so the mantel does not seem out of place. Having a small mantel doesn’t have to be a negative if you set it up in the correct way.

Built in Shelves

You can put fireplace mantel shelves along the wall your fireplace is on if it is large enough. This can actually add monetary value to your home by adding storage, and it can provide decorative value for it by bringing a new focus to the space. If you do plan to put a built in shelving unit around your fireplace, make sure the shelves do not distract the viewer from the fireplace. If the wall seems too busy, consider adding doors to make the unit more solid in certain areas. Depending on the type of material you choose to use for your shelving, exotic or premium woods will not only add value but character as well. Make sure and finish off these rich woods with the right stain and you will be on your way to adding a custom feel to an ordinary living room or den.

Other Design Options

There are plenty of other fireplace mantel designs to explore, so all you have to do is think creatively. You could opt for a glass mantel, for instance, or one that acts as a light display at night. Many home owners today are mounting their flat screen TV’s above the fireplace since it is usually the focal point of the room. Be careful to make sure your fireplace is venting properly so that excess heat is not escaping the front of the fireplace and rising up towards the TV. This is a great option for TV placement but it can sometimes be tough getting a power outlet and cable TV routed up the fireplace. You’ll have to look at your home to see whether or not this option will work for you.

Whatever you choose to use, make sure the fireplace mantels or appliance’s your are considering will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace. You could put your home in danger if you do not consider this ahead of time.

There are a huge variety of fireplace screens available on the market today. Glass fireplace screens are particularly popular since they combine beauty with practicality. Not only does the glass provide a charming, elegant look to your hearth, but it also serves as a shield to keep cold drafts that can slip past the chimney damper from chilling the room. A stained glass fireplace screen can be particularly beautiful and, with the addition of a low-power electric light placed in the fire box, can create a dramatic visual effect between fires.

One mistake many people often make with a glass fireplace screen, however, is to close it when a fire is burning. Although tempered glass is incredibly strong, most grades are not designed to stand up to the intense heat generated by a roaring wood fire. The glass can easily crack when exposed to such heat. In fact, it can actually shatter violently if something cold (like a carelessly handled glass of water) happens to splash against it when it is extremely hot. While some types of glass doors are safe to close during a fire, most are not. Unless your screen specifically advertises itself as being safe, do not take the chance of closing it.

While the glass should never be closed when a fire is burning, the metal screen should always be firmly in place. Whether the screen is a curtain-like mesh that draws closed or a door-like design that swings into place, it is important to have it tightly closed when in use. Special care should be taken with a curtain-like screen to avoid leaving a small gap where the two pieces meet, which can allow an errant ember to pop out of the fire box, damaging your carpet or, worse yet, burning someone.

Dire warnings aside, a glass screen adds unsurpassed beauty, safety and convenience to any fireplace. As long as you understand its limitations and respect the inherent risks of an open flame in your home, your fireplace screen will continue to add charm and style to your home for a lifetime.

Electric fireplaces have come a very long way since the 1970s, when a lighted rotating cylinder placed inside a hollow plastic pile of ashes was considered state of the art technology. Modern high end fireplaces now incorporate mirrors and high-tech digital displays to simulate a real fire so completely that one must get very close indeed to detect the illusion. Realistic crackling sound effects are also often incorporated to make the faux fire even more believable.

The physical fireplaces themselves also offer a number of different options. Ben Franklin-style stoves that can sit in a corner, or even in the middle of a room, are a popular option for many decors. If space is at a premium, some digital fireplaces, built into a realistic-looking fireplace screen, are no thicker than a flat screen television and can be placed against the wall, taking up almost no space at all. Another popular option is a wooden or faux stone mantle and surround with a thin faux fireplace built into it. These units are often no more than four or six inches deep and can be mounted against the wall, giving the illusion of a real fireplace just beyond the glass doors.

Probably the most stylish, but expensive, option involves installing an electric insert into an existing fire box. This would be an excellent option for those who already have a wood burning fireplace but never use it because of the mess and complication involved in burning wood, or for a fireplace that is simply no longer safe to burn in because of a deteriorated chimney. Electric fireplaces have inserts that are sized to fit standard openings and use the depth of the box to house realistic full-size electric fireplace logs for a startlingly realistic simulation.

In addition to the charm and sophistication that a fireplace adds to a room, modern electric fireplaces provide efficient heat as well. Unlike traditional wood fires, which actually cool the house by drawing cold air inside, an electric fireplace will usually be equipped with a heater to provide gentle warmth along with a relaxing and romantic display. Best of all, unlike real fires, the heat can be turned off for comfortable summertime enjoyment.

Some models of electric fireplaces have classical faux wood designs and mantles. The Holbrook Burnished Walnut fireplace made by Dimplex has a charming cherry finish and the design offers a lot of flexibility among decors. It features a non-venting electric flame so it can be installed in any room of the home. The manufacturer claims the unit can be operated for pennies a day on a home electrical system using slightly less than 300 watts per hour. The heat feature can also be run separately from the flame feature. The unit retails for about 599 dollars online.

A more feature rich model of electric fireplace is the Beverly 23 inch oak fireplace. This particular unit has much more than just a fireplace and comes with additional shelving space all the way around the actual flame box. There are spaces large enough for a home entertainment system, books and CDs, and a space large enough on the mantel for a flat screen television. It also features traditional glass doors and a remote control! This particular unit retails for 799 dollars online.

Fireplaces do not have to be on the ground, especially if they are not even attached to the house like most electric models. Another model from Dimples is the RWF-DG forty-inch wall mount fireplace. It features a gunmetal finish, aluminum trim, and the flame can be turned on with or without the heating element. The fireplace also comes with a remote control with an on and off feature.

An electric fireplace insert is the perfect alternative to heat a room or enjoy the company of a live fire in your home. Many models are relatively inexpensive and others come with added functionality for storing books, movies and audiovisual equipment. There are many places online that feature electric units. They can usually be found in brick and mortar locations that sell furniture and bedding. An electric fireplace heater can usually heat a room up to about 300 square feet running at about 1500 watts of power making them economical enough to run every day.

On the other hand if it is an open fireplace with mantels you would want to get a guard to ensure no flames or ash made it out of the fireplace. Fireplace candelabras are also nice if you have a mantle. They create a warm, romantic environment and are well suited to the fireplace. These are available in all sizes and colors so you can make sure they go with the décor in the rest of the room.

Of course one of the other most important accessories for your fireplace is the fireplace poker. This is what you use to poke at the wood and move it to allow for more airflow or get the fire started up again. It is important to have a poker so you are not sticking your hands anywhere near the fire.

An offset log rack is another nice idea. For a real wood burning fireplace you need to always have some firewood on hand. Instead of keeping it out in the shed, forcing you to take a trip out there every time you want to start a fire, keep it right within arm’s reach. This way you know you can have a fire whenever you want, without needing to plan in advance.

Chimney cups also work well. These go over the top of the chimney and help keep the smoke and ash from making its way into the chimney. This saves you the trouble of having to clean the chimney out on such a regular basis. Especially if you tend to have a lot of fires this will really come in handy in the long term.

You should be able to find a decent selection of accessories at any home hardware or decoration store. Keep in mind when shopping for accessories for your fireplace that you want them to match. They should go nicely with the hearth itself and also the theme of the room. This is one of the best ways to finish off a room with a fireplace and have everything looking neat and nice in place.