subject: Making The Most Of Your Fireplace [print this page] Making The Most Of Your Fireplace Making The Most Of Your Fireplace
In times gone by fireplaces were welcomingly used to ward off the chills and cold winter draughts that seeped in through the floorboards or vents in the house. They were the center of warmth and love, where families would gather to have their supper, or spend some quality time with each other. Blazing hearths were more of a necessity than an adornment for the living room. In present times too fireplaces are used for the basic purpose of generating heat, but they are not used as readily as they were in the days gone by. Fireplaces in the present times add to the aesthetic value of your home. A few additions and alternative creative touches in and around the fireplace area can enhance the appeal of your living area. In this article we shall share some tips to make the most of your fireplace, focusing on its visual appeal. * If you have a hearth with an antique look you can make it look even more attractive with hand painted wood screens, brass andirons, hanging pots, or brass tools. Do a little looking around in museums or antique stores and you will be surprised to pick up a lot of ideas on how to make that old fireplace homelier and warmer. * An interesting idea for a fireplace when a blazing fire is not really needed is to arrange a set of bold candles in varying heights placed in a pillar stand. It's easy to remove, should you require to light a blaze for more heat or to create a warm fuzzy ambience. * Fireplaces that are on a raised hearth can be beautifully done up by having bricking over the opening and arranging pictures or small statues along its edge. You can also place some large cushions, but make sure it's not too close to the hearth. * You can use dried, paper, or silk flowers to fill in the firebox. Dried summer blossoms can be used in summer while fresh evergreens would suffice during winter. During the autumn season leaves in different hues and dried boughs could add a magical touch to the fireplace. * Make sure the furniture around the fireplace is well balanced out. If you have a large piece of furniture, place it directly opposite the hearth and the smaller pieces around it. A well decorated fireplace can liven up even the dullest of atmospheres making the ambience warm and comfortable. If you are looking for a professional to refurbish your existing fireplace, Atlanta residents can get the best quality services from certified technicians in the area.
