» Grandfather Clocks » Candles and Decor » Color Types » Curtains & Decorating » Fireplace Decorating » Light Basics » Light Posts » Lighting Introduction » Molding & Decorating » Satin Sheets » Sconce » Shabby Chic » Silk Sheets » Slipcovers & Decor » Stylish Lighting » Tablescaping Fireplace Decorating A fireplace is a great accent for any room. The orange flames and comfortable heat that the fire in the fireplace emits give the room a romantic feel and are great on cool winter nights. A fireplace can be set up to blend in with the decor of any room and can also serve to highlight the features of the room. This article is designed to explore how to use fireplaces effectively when you are considering a decorating scheme. This article will describe some of the fireplace types available, outline some of the key components of having a great fireplace, and will provide some additional decorating strategies once a fireplace is installed in the room. There are a large number of fireplace types available. The first thing that differentiates fireplaces is the type of fuel that a firepalce burns. There are generally three types of fuel that fireplaces can use to produce heat and light: gas, electric, and wood. The wood buringing fireplaces are the fireplaces that most people will be most familiar with. These fireplaces are easy to use - you just throw in a log and light it. Gas fireplaces require a gas line. They often come with fake logs from which the gas is sent out of and burned to produce a constant, bright flame. Gas firepalces are becoming increasingly popular since many people no longer have time to build a fire and burn it. Gas firepalces are easy to use. There are also fireplaces that run on electricity. these firepalces, like gas are easy to use, however, the flame is often not the same as with a gas fireplace. In addition to the fuel type, fireplaces come in a virtually infinate number of sizes. If you are looking at purchasing a fireplaces for a particular room, make sure that the fireplace type that you are attempting to install will fit the area that you have planned for it. One of the most important things that is involved in decorating with a fireplace is to be sure that the fireplace creates the right feel for the room or patio. There are fireplaces that can be installed in a corner area. Ther are firepalces that need to have a wide open space in which to burn - these require an open wall and often draw a persons attention when the person enters the room. Firepalces can also shaped differently as well - circular fireplaces match rounded rooms while square or angled fireplaces match square rooms. In addition to the fireplace types, there are a number of items that can be used to alter or enhance the look of a fireplace. The fireplace mantel or the area just above and around the fireplace can go a long ways towards setting the look for the room or even the fireplace. The firepalce itself is just an opening in the wall. The mantle however, can be decorated ornately or simply in order to highlight the fireplace opening. Mantles come in all shapes, sizes, and textures. Large stone mantles can be used to complement a rocky room. Deep mahogony or cherry mantles can help to give the fireplace a look of elegance. There are also a lot of other accessories that can enhance the fireplace. Some of these accessories include, the fireplace doors, the fireplace screen, the fireplace tools, and the vents for the fireplace. The firepalce doors can be a great complement to elegant fireplace mantles. The fireplace doors are usually made of glass and are the lens through which a person will look at the fire. They should be kept very clean in order to accentuate the fire and the mantle. The door should also match or complement the mantle. Many people prefer metals on their fireplace doors. The screen should generally not be too visible, but should be functional. Occasionally, people will use creative ideas for a decorative fireplace screen. Once the firepalce is installed, there are many other ways to enhance or decorate the fireplace. One key thing is the how you select the items that you will locate above or below the fireplace. Many people elect to have candles, or oranamental items on top of the mantle to give the fireplace additional character. If you are going for the rustic, earthy look, you can use plants above the fireplace. Plants or dried flowers also work well right next to the fireplace if you have a large brick area in front of it. You can also use a decorative fireplace rug to contrast with the existing carpet in order to draw more attention to the fireplace. Clearly, the decorating option for a room with a firepalce are nearly limitless. This article is designed to proviude a brief overview of fireplace decorating. For additional tips, advice, and guidance on fireplaces, you can view fireplace catalogues.