The Well Dressed Fireplace
Some fireplaces don?t age well. Their stone surround may be outdated. Their mantel may have an unfortunate 1970s look. Perhaps the entire fireplace clashes with its surroundings. Fortunately, homeowners can give their fireplaces a complete makeover with a host of fireplace accessories.
Inserts are one of the most popular fireplace accessories. These heating units can be retrofitted into an existing fireplace ? either masonry or factory-built models — to update older appliances that no longer efficiently heat a room. These fireplace accessories can boost the efficiency levels of these old fireplaces, transforming them back into cost-effective alternatives to traditional heating methods.
Manufacturers make inserts that work with fireplaces that run on wood, gas or wood pellets. These inserts can either use a fireplace?s existing chimney for venting or, in their non-venting version have no need to use any chimney at all. Vent-free inserts feature blowers that circulate heat through a room, cutting out the need for outside venting.
But while inserts rank among the most popular, they are only one example of the many fireplace accessories from which homeowners can choose. New mantels and surrounds are two accessories that completely and quickly revamp the look of a dated fireplace. Today?s surrounds and mantels are made of everything from brick and ceramic tile to marble, soapstone, granite and both hard and soft wood.
Glass doors are another type of fireplace accessory that homeowners can customize to add their own touch to their home?s hearth. The glass doors of a fireplace can be clear, mirrored, etched or smoked. Each option gives a fireplace its own distinct look.
Some fireplace accessories are more unusual than others. For instance, homeowners can order sound systems that duplicate the sound of a crackling fire. These are perfect to add ambience to an electric or gas fireplace.
Unfortunately, choosing the right fireplace accessories requires some homework on the part of homeowners. Officials at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association recommend that homeowners consider how they plan on using their fireplaces before purchasing any accessories that will change the look of a fireplace. For instance, those owners who use their fireplaces mostly as decoration may choose a more striking glass door or a more impressive-looking stone surround than might homeowners who rely on theirs to slice their heating bills.
Those homeowners struggling to pick out the perfect fireplace accessories may turn to home-decorating magazines for assistance. They often provide full-color photos of rooms highlighted by fireplace accessories.
The choices may be many, but this flexibility means that homeowners can make sure that their fireplaces fit in perfectly with the rest of their residence.
