Essential Fireplace Tools For The Home

Fireplace tools can provide a great source of help in caring for your fireplace and the fires you create in it. There are many sets on the market today that you can choose for your space. They are made in several different designs to work with your home, but the tools themselves do not change in purpose. Whether you look for antique fireplace tools or modern ones, you must look into those that will actually benefit you in the long run. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

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.

Fireplace Accessories For Every Season

To help you enjoy your fireplace in the summer, winter, spring, and fall, there are unique and attractive fireplace accessories that will give you the distinctive atmosphere of each season. Whether yours is an electric fireplace, gas, or wood burning fireplace, you can make it feel cool rather than warm with a summery colored backdrop featuring a fan to add a breeze to the environment. It need not be a cast iron fireback like those used in Europe to protect the actual fireplace brick and distribute heat.

In summer, all you need is a colorful framed or unframed picture or print and a fan with perhaps a floral design. Using a metal or glass screen (even mirrors) on the back can add light and texture to the diorama you produce in the center. Candelabras and Candle Holders can be decorated to fit with any season and give the area a romantic glow whether they are lit or not!

The usual warm weather fireplace accessories that you use in winter such as mesh curtains, hearth rugs, trivets, hot plates, humidifiers, hot pots, andirons, bellows, fans, fenders, unique grates, safety screens, match holders, popcorn poppers, and metal or pottery accessories can be lightened with color and electric illumination from twinkle or patio lights to create  a fresh impression to suit the warmer seasons.

Fireplace doors are not only a functional and safe addition, but can also change the mood of the room. Sealed doors save energy and contain odors. These masonry or metal firebox enclosures feature easy care metal finishes and tempered glass. Bi fold, cabinet doors, mesh, louvered glass, or corner doors offer your choice for convenient access to the firebox.

Fireplace tools such as a poker, tongs, broom, shovel, or brush are often set on the hearth in a metal stand handy maintenance of the fire. They vary from the simple $10.00 four piece set to themed sets on pewter statuary or elaborate brass or copper golf themed sets that can be very costly. Some sets are incorporated into the design of a wood box. Appropriate tools are a necessary addition to your fireplace accessories.

Fireplace mantels can present the minimalist style in simple metal.  Ornately carved exotic wood is an impressive addition in formal, classical or eclectic styles. The country-look of logs or woods with character features such as spalls, knots, worm holes, blue stain, or grain lines is timeless. Marble, granite, and other specialty cut stone makes an impressive mantel as well. Whether pre-made or custom made, a mantel can make or break the fireplace.