Nonetheless, I was really impressed with the realism when I was over at my cousin’s house – a cousin who has natural gas fireplace logs. The natural gas fireplace logs looked very close to the original. I had been burning fires in my fireplace for years. I grew up with a free standing fireplace in the middle of the room. Although my parents had installed internal heating, we still had the old wood burning stove that we could use to heat the house. It was great! Not only was it cozy, but it was practical as well. It really offered a cheap way to heat the entire house.

Those natural gas fireplace logs looked so real. The style of the fireplace was remarkably like the one that I’d grown up with, and each fireplace gas log looked like it had been hand split and thrown on wood pile. I had to admit that, for someone who grown up burning real fire place logs it provided a tempting imitation. Sometimes I ask myself that if I grew up in a house that burns natural gas fireplace logs, would I never become attached to fire in the same way that people who grew up burning wood were? It really is hard to know!

I still like having a real wood burning fireplace a little bit better even though I like my cousin’s direct vent fireplace. The natural gas fireplace logs are much better than I would have thought. But if you ask me, nothing beats the real thing. If you can’t see the wood spark, can’t stir the fire with a poker, play around with fireplace tools and accessories, and can’t smell the smell of burning timber, it is not a real fireplace no matter how good it looks. Maybe it is better than nothing, but it is still not quite authentic. This is my opinion for now of course. Either way a fireplace is nice to have. Just be careful and enjoy it.

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by Paul Zayer. This well known author is an Internet lover and sincerely enjoys to share his info with others. Discover more now about fireplaces and concerning Logs for Gas Fireplace review at his website homeimprovementcenteronline.com

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If your fire is starting to die down, use a fireplace bellows to get your fire blazing again. By using a steady stream of air, your fire will be blazing again in no time, without you having to bend down and blow on the flames. A larger bellows, which is able to hold more air, will act more swiftly to get the flames flickering once again.

Essentially, a bellows raises the combustion rate of your wood burning fireplace. It does this by pushing air out of an expandable bladder and directing it at the flames. The most typical style is triangular, with an air outlet at the tip and a handle at each of the other two corners. The handles are utilized to make the air bladder expand and contract, which takes in air and then forces it back out towards the fire.

This accessory is not required for a gas fireplace because the combustion level is controlled simply by flicking a switch. Nevertheless, the attractive styles and materials in which bellows can be found makes them a lovely decorative accent even for a contemporary gas fireplace.

One of the considerations to keep in mind when selecting a fireplace bellows is the size. Whether or not you actually intend to use them, you probably don’t want to have an oversized bellows sitting next to your small fireplace in your minimalist home. Make certain that you take into account the size of the bellows in relation to the other design features in the room that your fireplace occupies.

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The atmosphere of a house truly makes it a home. Fireplaces increase the warmth, and beauty of any home, but sometimes it’s just not reasonable to have a fire. Fireplace candelabra offer a sensible solution to the want of a summer fire. Candelabras can easily be placed in a fireplace when not in use to cast a warm glow in your space. Ranging from simple, contemporary looks, to ornate scrollwork, this most decorative of fireplace accessories comes in many varieties to match your décor, including the choice of three, to twelve candles. Even when candles are not lit a fireplace candelabra can make a drab, dirty fireplace look like a work of art. Stately not only in its appearance, but also in its construction, candelabras will provide a safe, clean alternative for years to come.

Too often in this day an age we find ourselves too busy to sit down and enjoy the simple beauty of a roaring fire. In fact, when we do have a moment to relax, it is usually spent in front of a television ignoring our surroundings. Fireplace candelabra carry an ambiance of their own that naturally attracts people to their flame. Fire, itself has the weird ability to sooth the soul. Combine it with your exquisite home décor, and a cup of hot tea, or a glass of wine, and you have instant ambiance. Since warm bodies at a party always drive up the heat, it’s not always ideal to have a fire going to entertain guests. Fireplace candelabra can provide the same ambiance without the dirt, hassle, and maintenance needed to sustain a glowing fire. For homes that feature a fireplace that doesn’t function, fireplace candelabra are the only hope for people to enjoy a fire in their own space.

Practical as they are beautiful, fireplace candelabra can add ambiance and warmth to your home with the strike of a match. But, do not limit yourself to the same old white candles. Pull the color scheme of your room into the fireplace with a combination of colored candles to seamlessly transition from the room, to the heart of your home.

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Pamela Tice is the owner of home decor websites specializing in unique Fireplace Candelabras and Fireplace Screens. Visit http://www.fireplacescreensetc.com.

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10-Candle Fireplace Candelabra With Lavish Flourish Designs

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A fireplace ash bucket can be a stylish means of disposing of ashes and embers. They are available in a number of classic and modern looks which can fit in with any decor.

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Deluxe Fireplace Hearth Ash Coal Hod Bin Bucket Carrier & Shovel Set - PEWTER

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Fireplace screens

* Single panel fireplace screens
* Curved or bowed fireplace screens
* Fireplace doors
* Folding fireplace screens with 3-5 folding panels
* Fireplace spark guards
* Fireplace screens that come with tools attached
* Glass fireplace screens

The style choices are as varied as your lifestyle and decorating tastes. If an antique look is what you have in mind, there’s an interesting selection of antique bronze or gold fireplace screens available online that can add a dramatic flair to your living room or other family gathering area. Some of the glass fireplace screens on the market are also worth a second look, including distinctive screens with an antique copper finish, a solid brass frame, or an antique copper fireplace screen. With a variety of designs to fit every home, you can get decorative fireplace screens that feature ornate scrolling, nature scenes, or floral designs.

In addition to aesthetic appeal, you’ll also want to choose a fireplace screen that is wide enough to extend the length of your fireplace opening. Wider screens or units with extra panels are available for extra large fireplaces. Other functional considerations are whether the fireplace screen provides sufficient protection against flying sparks or cinders. For some homes, a fireplace spark screen that pulls open and closed like a curtain is a good solution.

If you have small children or mischievous pets, you may also want to give some thought to a hearth safety gate. It can help give you peace of mind knowing that there’s barrier between your fireplace and the members of your family that need extra protection.

There are a number of worthwhile fireplace accessories sites on the Web that include detailed pictures of fireplace screens, fireplace tools, log racks, chimney caps, and other necessary supplies. Some of the good quality fireplace screen manufacturers to keep in mind are Pilgrim, Uniflame fireplace screens, Minuteman, and others.

In addition to comparing online prices of fireplace screens and other fireplace tools and accessories before you buy, find out whether web sites offer free ground shipping on orders over $100 and a money-back guarantee on defective merchandise or breakage that takes place during packaging or shipment.

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by Joel N. Sussman, a writer for a number of ecommerce sites, including Fireplace Essentials, an online source for fireplace screens and accessories. Article Source: Fireplace screens are as Individual as the Home Owner

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CBK Ltd Casa Cristina Collection Iron Fireplace Screen with Amber Glass Medallions, 47-Inch L

3Panel Fireplace Screen

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Fireplace Mesh Screen Curtain. 22" High. Includes two panels, each 24" wide. This provides enough screen for a good looking natural "drape" effect on the average fireplace. Pulls included. Valance Rod Kit (NEW PRODUCT) is sold separately for $59 (Check our listing on Amazon.com).

Do it Best Imports DF61237 Home Impressions Fireplace Screen

Panacea 3-Panel Oak-Leaf Fireplace Screen

Beautiful Tuscan-Design Folding Fireplace Screen

Pilgrim Home and Hearth Napa Forge Romantica Flat Panel Fireplace Screen

Many people use only one or two of the tools instead of the whole set. It is really a matter of preference based on your needs. For instance, if you have a fireplace that burns gas logs then there would be no reason to have a tool set other than for appearance. If that’s the case, you might decide to buy a simple set or even just a couple of items purely as an accent.

A fireplace tool set doesn’t have to be the old fashioned wrought iron type. There are some beautiful designs available these days that will fit any decor. You will find that fireplace tool sets come in a wide assortment of designs, sizes, and finishes, so you’ll be sure to find something that suits your style perfectly.

A fireplace tool set can not only provide most of the maintenance tools that you might need, it can also offer an attractive way to store and display them. Some people prefer to have a full set of tools, some only want a couple of pieces, and others opt for an elaborate setup that includes a log rack. The price of a fireplace tool set can range from $15 all the way up to $500.

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The fireplace needs regular care and clean-up to ensure a secure and cost-effective fire. Creosote, a combustible tar-like matter that builds up in the chimney and flue, should be cleaned out by a professional to do away with at least one possible fire hazard. The fireplace as well as fireplace tools and accessories must be given routine cleaning all through the wood-burning season to eradicate a buildup of ashes, soot, and creosote tars.

To maintain the efficiency of fireplaces, fireplace cleaning and maintenance should be kept regular. During yearly inspections, the chimney should be examined for damage, buildup and proximity to combustibles. The place around the chimney and the fireplace must be kept tidy and free from debris. The flue should be checked for obstructions like birds’ nests, and overhanging branches must also be cut. The fireplace, in general, must be cleaned when necessary. It must be inspected to make sure that there is sufficient protective linings and smoke ducts and that the chimney should be in good condition. The fireplace must likewise be kept clean so it would appear more pleasant to use and also to make it a better attribute for guests and visitors.

Some tips for fireplace cleaning and maintenance include the following:

· To keep the brass shiny on your clean fireplace, a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce should be used. The brass knobs and the door or metal parts around the fireplace can be cleaned by scrubbing since this would keep the area tidy and gleaming.

· Doors should be open for venting. Avoid fire that burns longer than five hours.

· To avoid hot embers from jumping onto the carpet, the screen should be kept close. Place a non-flammable rug directly on the fireplace. This is to avoid sparks from igniting the carpet or wooden floor.

· Do not leave the fire unattended, especially when there are small children.

· Use a chimney cap to avoid animal nesting, water damage or debris. This is also to avoid obstructing the chimney.

· Clean out the firebox once a week. To help coals heat faster and to retain their heat longer, an inch of ash must be kept in the bottom to work as an insulator. Before the ash is taken out from the firebox, open the damper to avoid ashes spreading out. Do not use a vacuum cleaner in cleaning out the ash unless it is a fireplace ash vacuum.

· Use a brick cleaner when cleaning a brick fireplace. Use lemon oil every month or two to clean exterior slate hearths.

· Clean natural gas fireplace logs once a month using a soft bristle brush. Avoid cleaning them right after a fire. Periodically remove the excess ashes and unburned logs from the fire.

These are just some of the ways to ensure that the fireplace performs at its best. In addition, it’s always an advantage to follow the fireplace cleaning and maintenance pointers religiously.

by JB Anthony, the webmaster of Fireplace-Ideas.Info. Visit Fireplace-Ideas.Info now for tips on fireplaces, fireplace designs, and fireplace accessories. Article Source: Fireplace Cleaning and Maintenance

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Chimney & stove cleaning

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8" Round Brush Chimney Cleaning Kit - 36" Rods

Flue-Renew Chimney Cleaning Log Kit

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6" Round Brush Chimney Cleaning Kit - 36" Rods

One of the most popular accessories is a fireplace screen. Of course, the main reason for using a screen is to prevent burning embers from popping out of the fire and onto your favorite rug or carpet. It also protects kids and animals from getting into the fire as well. But, they also can be used to decorate and change the ambience of the room.

Regardless of whether you actually use your fireplace or not, a beautiful screen can be a perfect addition.

Some of the most basic fireplace accessories include the tools you’ll need for any wood burning fire. A poker will help move the logs around. Tongs can pick up burning logs, and a fireplace shovel and broom will aid in cleaning up ashes and keeping your fireplace clean.

You can find tools available in all different styles and materials. One of the more beautiful materials is cast iron. It brings back memories of years gone by. You can also find accessories made from chrome, pewter, nickel, polished brass, and many others as well. It’s a selection that can suit any taste.

A fireplace blower can be a great solution in maximizing the heat produced from a fire and spreading it into other rooms. Instead of all your heat going into the bricks, or up the chimney, it’s going out into your home where it does the most good. A fireplace insert can also help with this area as well.

Other fireplace tools and accessories include log holders, grates, chimney caps, and even fireplace candelabra.

So, no matter what your tastes are, you can liven up any room by simply adding a few different accessories.

by Terry Edwards. Terry Edwards is the owner of Fireplaces A-z, a website providing great information about fireplaces and fireplace accessories. You can learn more about Fireplace Accessories as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces at http://www.FireplacesA-z.com. Article Source: Adding A Fireplace Accessory Can Fire Up The Charm To Any Room

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Uniflame 4-Piece Triple-Plated Fireplace Tool Set

Landmann 35 Inch Log Grabber, Black

Do it Best Imports 428051 Home Impressions Fireplace Tool Set

Panacea Products Corp 15913 Oak Leaf Fireplace Tool Set 5 Piece

Do it Best Imports 23217 Home Impressions Fireplace Tool Set

Wood Fireplace Log Rack: Wood fireplace log racks give your home a rustic appearance. Make sure the one you choose is treated with a fire retardant product so it won’t scorch or burn.

Metal Fireplace Log Rack: A metal rack is your most durable option for storing firewood, and generally last longer than a wooden product. Metal racks are not only durable but can also be highly attractive.
Copper Fireplace Log Rack: Copper offers a distinctive appearance that really catches the eye and becomes a focal point of the room, particularly when paired with a matching tool set. They’re also very long wearing.

Firewood Rack: A firewood rack is most often used outdoors. It’s bigger than log racks and is designed to be functional rather than decorative. These are very useful for keeping your wood off the ground so it doesn’t stay damp.

Log Basket: A basket is a simple form of log rack that gives a charming ambience to your hearth. Log baskets allow you to stylishly store and display your firewood for an old fashioned look and feel.

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Shaker Log Bin

Scroll Top Rect Log Bin

Steel Worx Regency Log Bin, 18" W x 12" D x 25" H, Basic Finish

Fireplace Log Bin/Pan

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Log Stand With Tote

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PANACEA 15940 MEDALLION FIREPLACE LOG BIN (PACK OF 3)

Fireplace Log Bin/Pan

Since so many people continue to use the fireplace as the focal point of their home, it is no wonder that many are looking for ways to accessorize their fireplace to make it truly unique and reflective of their individual personalities and decorating styles.

With so many accessories to choose from and more than a few fireplace decorating options, it is not uncommon for the process of choosing the right fireplace tools and accessories to become overwhelming, especially if you have no existing fireplace accessories to draw inspiration from.

Probably the easiest way that you can begin to accessorize your bare fireplace is by incorporating the use of a fireplace screen. There are two basic types of fireplace screens which include the flat screen and the folded screen. The flat fireplace screen consists of a solid, unbendable structure which sits directly in front of your fireplace opening. The folded screen is constructed using 3, 4, or 5 panels and sits a little out from your fireplace.

Both flat and folding fireplace screens come in a variety of styles to compliment any home’s décor including Antique, Traditional, Contemporary, and Country. There are also many materials to choose from such as steel, brass, wrought iron, copper, glass, stained glass and polished iron. Fireplace screens can range from practical and plain to elaborately crafted pieces of art which are not really practical for containing a fire but are a very exquisite addition to any décor.

Another practical way that you can accessorize your fireplace is to purchase fireplace tools and a firewood rack which match or compliment your fireplace screen. The most common materials used to create fireplace tools are iron and brass, but there are also many other materials to be found including chrome, bronze, copper, nickel, wrought iron and pewter. Fireplace tools can range from being simplistic in design to being elegantly styled with gorgeous accents made of materials such as marble and cherry wood.

If you want to bring life to your fireplace without having to build a conventional wood fire, perhaps you should accessorize your fireplace with a candelabra. The fireplace candelabra is a candle holder designed specifically to sit inside your fireplace. When lit the fireplace candelabra creates the warm flickering glow that you would normally get from a wood fire but without the wood and hassle of building one.

So, if your fireplace could use a little sprucing up, don’t despair. These are just a few of the ways that you can easily take your fireplace from ordinary to extraordinary

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5PC Fireplace Tool Set

Do it Best Imports 23217 Home Impressions Fireplace Tool Set

Panacea 5-Piece Scroll Top Fireplace Tool Set

Landmann 35 Inch Log Grabber, Black

Do it Best Imports FP0093 Home Impressions Fireplace Tool Set

Napa Forge Metro Bridge Fireplace Tool Set

Panacea Products Corp 15913 Oak Leaf Fireplace Tool Set 5 Piece

Do it Best Imports 428051 Home Impressions Fireplace Tool Set

Uniflame 4-Piece Triple-Plated Fireplace Tool Set

Napa Forge Shakespeare's Garden Fireplace Tool Set