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January 18, 2011
Isn’t that an oxymoron? How can something be necessary and yet also decorative? Fire proof rugs are the perfect example of something you need to have for safety and durability, but also love to have for the added beauty and visual appeal.
Traditional fireplaces often had stone, brick or granite shelves that extended from the front of the hearth out into the room. This element was there to protect the area immediately surrounding the fireplace opening, eliminating burning and damage to the floor.
The same danger exists with fireplaces and wood stoves today, even though glass doors enclose the traditional opening. Fire proof rugs are placed on the flooring – whether it’s carpet, hardwood, laminate or tile – and stand as a barrier for flying sparks, embers and other hot debris that can cause serious damage.
The plus side is that most fireplace rugs are beautifully crafted and add charm to the room. Buy them for the necessity. Enjoy them for their beauty. Check out the selection of fire proof rugs at Fireplace Village, where there is sure to be a style and size to suit your home.
September 27, 2010
Now that heating season is approaching it is time to upgrade that old rug in front of the fireplace or wood stove. Upgrading the hearth rug is an inexpensive way to upgrade the look of the hearth. Fireplace rugs are also a functional addition to any room as they protect your floor from unexpected hot embers.
Fireplace Village carries a wide selection durable fire resistant hearth rugs. Most of our rugs are Made in the U.S.A. Buy hearth rugs online or in one of our New Hampshire locations.
June 28, 2010
They look quaint and can complete a well laid out and comfortable living room design. But that’s not the most important aspect of fire proof rugs.
Hearth Rugs are mats that are specially conditioned with a fire-retardant chemical. Any sparks or embers that land on them won’t catch fire, protecting the area around your hearth.
One side will lay flat against the front of your fireplace or wood stove. The rug can be a half-moon shape or a small rectangle, whatever suits your home. Decorative patterns and prints can also make fire proof rugs unique and complimentary.
As nice as the rugs are, always remember that safety is their highest priority. Use them properly to make sure they can deliver it to your home.
Buy fire proof rugs online or in one of our five New Hampshire locations.
February 17, 2010
Whether the fireplace needs an updated look or you just want to add protection and safety for minimal cost buy a hearth rug and change the look of your home.
Make sure the hearth rug you choose is made of fire resistant fabric or fibers. Any old area rug will not offer what a quality hearth rug can. Many hearth rugs come in a half moon pattern, with a flat side to butt against the hearth and a curved side to extend into your room. They also come in a variety of patterns from cozy to modern.
To add class and remodel cheaply, buy a hearth rug today.
February 9, 2010
When dealing with the danger of flames in your fireplace or wood stove, you need to have quality safety products nearby. Be sure that you are equipped to handle the fire with these items.
Hearth Rugs
Generally inexpensive, these rugs sit in front of your fireplace and wood stove to protect the flooring from sparks and ash. They are often made of synthetic fibers and need to pass rigid flammability tests. Alternatively you can install tiles of non-flammable materials around the fireplace or wood stove – such as stone or ceramic.
Hearth Gloves
Fully insulated for protection, these gloves, sometimes referred to as fireplace gloves, are a must when handling wood and tools for use in the flames. Often the exterior is leather, while the inner glove can be felt or something equally comfortable. The fingers should be reinforced for strength.
Hearth Gates and Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens are decorative, but they do protect the flooring and surrounding area. For more extensive and stable protection, install hearth gates. These act like a solid fence, are often higher than a screen with a gate for entrance, generally child proof. Made of steel or iron with interlocking sections, hearth gates can be purchased and designed to fit almost any size of fireplace. Perfect when infants and toddlers are around, hearth safety gates give homeowners security while still allowing access.
Thermometers
Useful for maintaining good working order in your fireplace or wood stove, thermometers are also a safety feature. They warn you when the flames have become too hot or too cold, as both situations are unsafe for your home.
Log Racks
A rack specified for log storage can help to contain any tumbling logs. Keeping your fuel stacked tightly and out of the way also deters climbing on and playing in the wood.
Ash Buckets and Tools
These are not only handy but help encourage you to keep the hearth empty of dangerous ash buildup. With a flat shovel and a brush, homeowners can quickly and easily clear ash from the fireplace and into the bucket for disposal.
Glass Cleaners
Specially formulated for the particle buildup from fires, these cleaners will keep the glass door or windows clear. This will allow you to properly see the shape and size of the fire inside. It will also help you to enjoy view of the fire better.
Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety
It is imperative that you have these safety features close at hand when dealing with fire. They will limit dangers and potential damage as well as allow you to enjoy the warmth and beauty of a well built fire with less worry.
February 3, 2010
You have the fireplace you’ve always dreamed of – a hearth where your family gathers for relaxation and warmth. Now all you need is quality and attractive fireplace accessories to complete the picture. Search out these functional accents with the overall scene in mind.
If you own a wood burning stove, your fireplace will not function safely and efficiently without some well chosen fireplace accessories. A fireplace screen is essential to protect your flooring from sparks and ash and to fence off the opening from wandering children and pets. Be sure to choose something large enough and sturdy enough for your family’s needs. Look for a screen that suits the style of décor in your room – from fancy to simple, any style is available.
You will also need a place to store logs and kindling. Often a bin is sufficient, but make sure it is sturdy with a wide bottom to prevent tipping and mess. Look for one with a handle for easy transporting. A shelf or log holder can also be used and is usually more elaborate and decorative. Some have a suede or leather bottom hanging on an iron or brass frame, holding the logs easily and providing some style on the hearth. Make sure that the log holder is large enough for a few lightings but not so large that the wood will sit inside too long.
Look for some tools to use for cleaning and maintenance. A brush for the hearth is essential, with a comfortable, long handle and bristles that can pick up a fair amount of ash. Also a flat shovel is useful for scooping up ash and a lidded bucket or bin will be necessary for carrying it away. Use your bin to transport the fireplace ash into your garden as compost. Bellows are another tool that should be kept handy when burning wood.
Many fireplace accessories are made for safety and maintenance, but can still add style and a finished look. Try to purchase each piece with the whole picture in mind – some accessories even come in matching or coordinating sets. Things like fan kits and damper pulls may come with your fireplace and can be used to coordinate other pieces.
Gas fireplaces often have less accessories due to their burning technology. Still, mantels, hearth rugs and even decorative screens can be found around gas fireplaces, lending a certain atmosphere to the setting. Consider the overall look you want to convey and find fireplace accessories that suit that look. You will be much more content enjoying your fire with all of the functional accents in place around it.
January 31, 2010
A hearth rug is both functional and beautiful. It is used to keep the hearth clean and add to the décor of your room. There are several things to consider when purchasing a hearth rug. These things include; style, size and materials used. It is simple to find a rug that suits your needs if you consider the following three points.
1. Style
Hearth rugs come in many different styles. You will want to find one that matches the overall décor of your room. Choose one that coordinates with the colors in the room. If you are going for a more formal flare consider a rug with ornate detail. If you are looking for a rug that is contemporary look for one that has more clean lines and less fussy details to it. A hearth rug should reflect your overall style as it is part of the focal point of your room.
2. Size
The size of the hearth rug is an important consideration. Depending on the look that you are trying to create you will either want to purchase a semi-circle or rectangular rug. For instance, if you have a large room and you are trying to pull the seating area and fireplace together, choose a rug that is rectangular and large enough to touch the hearth and the surrounding seating area. This will allow for more intimate esthetics and a stronger appearance of the fireplace. If you have a smaller space, you may want to consider a smaller semi-circle rug. This type of rug will allow you to have a beautiful conversation piece without overpowering the room.
3. Materials
There are several options for the material that your hearth rug is made of. The basic deciding factors are price point and the level of protection that you need. A nylon rug will be the most inexpensive option. It will withstand being scorched but will protect the surface underneath. They come in many different styles and can be used for many years. A wool rug will offer a higher level of protection and are made of a natural material. They will withstand the heat and will not melt if an ember hits it. These rugs are very rich in color and come in many different textures and styles. The highest quality and most expensive option is a fiberglass rug. This type of rug will not melt or burn. If the rug gets black marks or dirt on it, it can be easily washed away. Often the selection for style and color will be limited but these rugs will last a long time.
Finding a hearth or fireplace rug that suits your budget and desired level of protection is important. There are several things to consider when purchasing a hearth rug. You must look at the style, size and materials used for the rug. You will need to look at how safe the rug is to be used by the fireplace and how long it will last as well. The hearth rug that you choose will make it much easier to clean the surrounding area and will add to the focal point of your room.
Fireplace Village is the largest hearth rug store in New Hampshire and New England. Visit one of our New Hampshire locations to purchase hearth rugs or buy hearth rugs online.
January 14, 2010
When looking to update the look of an existing wood burning fireplace, hearth rugs are a great way to not only change the look and feel of the fireplace, but also to protect the flooring around it.
Wood burning fireplaces provide an authentic look and feel, and are still favored by many people over their gas or pellet burning alternatives, but there are a few downsides to a wood burning fireplace. One is flying sparks or embers that pop out of the fireplace and onto the floor below it. This is not only a great fire hazard, but also damages the flooring. By using a fire resistant or fireproof hearth rug, you can not only dress up the fireplace but also eliminate the risk of fire. Many hearth rugs today are made out of fiberglass, a flame resistant material, that will not scar or burn if embers land on it. Another option is a wool hearth rug, which unlike its synthetic counterparts, will not burn or melt.
Fireplace Village has a wide variety of hearth and fireplace rugs available for sale online and in our New Hampshire fireplace and stove shops. Please stop by any of our various New Hampshire locations to see them today or shop hearth rugs online.
January 8, 2010
Fireplace Village is not only a retailer of gas, wood and pellet burning fireplaces and fire place inserts, but also offers a wide variety of fireplace accessories for all types of fireplaces.
Gas burning fireplaces are known for their ease of use, efficiency and minimal cleanup. Their ease of use is highlighted by the accessory options. One great way of regulating heat and flame high, or of turning the fire on or off, is a wireless thermostat. One great model is the Skytech Wireless Wall Unit, which allows you to control the intensity of the flame from anywhere in the room. Another gas fireplace accessory from Skytech is a remote control which can regulate the flame from ‘Off’ to ‘High.’
Gas burning fireplaces can also be updated by using Real Fyre Super Ember Glow or realistic looking coal to surround the base of your log set. These fireplace accessories change the look of your gas burning fireplace and give the appearance of red glowing embers below your gas logs. In addition to embers, Real Fyre also makes ceramic wood chips and pinecones, all giving a more realistic wood burning look to your gas fireplace.
Gas burning fireplaces are not the only type of fireplace that comes with the option for great fireplace accessories. Wood burning fireplaces can be updated with a few simple accessories. Fireplace screens and doors can dramatically change the look of an existing wood burning fireplace. Fireplace screens can be attached to the hearth or sit freestanding on the floor. The look and feel of these can range from contemporary to traditional, and can often times have a lot of decorative elements to match the décor of the room. Fireplace doors are easy to clean with soap and water, and work as a seal to stop warm air from escaping up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. Fireplace or hearth rugs can add color and style to your fireplace while providing protection for the flooring in front of your wood burning fireplace.
Another necessary wood burning fireplace accessory is a tool set. These can be freestanding or wall mounted, and usually includes such tools as a poker, brush, tongs, ash shovel and stand. They can also be matched to the décor of the room, and usually come in a metal finish such as cast iron, gold or silver. A tool set is a great fireplace accessory to give as a gift to any homeowner who is looking to update the look of their fireplace. Wood holders are also a necessity and can often times be attached to a great tool kit.
Fireplace Village is proud to offer all of these fireplace accessories and more at our various locations in New Hampshire, or shop for fireplace accessories online.
December 8, 2009
An inexpensive way to upgrade the look of fireplaces, wood stoves or gas fireplaces is to purchase a hearth rug. Although, hearth rugs are more than just a design accessory for your living room or family room. They can be a lifesaver, too. Anyone who has seen sparks from a crackling log in wood burning fireplaces or wood stoves, know that they can suddenly leap from the hearth appliance and cause damage to flooring and even start a fire.
Hearth rugs are small area rugs that are often treated with a fire-resistant conditioner to prevent them from catching fire if a stray spark lands on them. Hearth rugs are typically shaped like a semi-circle and are meant to lie directly in front of your fireplace, stoves or gas fireplaces, though some people prefer small rectangular hearth rugs instead.
Fire resistant hearth rugs will protect your floor and add beauty to the hearth area. All of our rugs are high quality and display beautiful color. Fireplace Village NH sells three types of rugs; olefin, polyester and 100% wool. Generally, the olefin is the least expensive material followed by polyester and the most expensive 100% wool.
Wool and Olefin Hearth Rugs
Wool and olefin/polyester are the most common fibers used in hearth rugs. Olefin rugs are especially suitable, since they will char slightly but not ignite when a spark touches them. Shoppers looking for hearth rugs should keep two things in mind:
1. Avoid hearth rugs with fringes or tassels, which can be a fire hazard.
2. Some products sold as hearth rugs have no fire-resistant properties – they are simply called hearth rugs because of their shape and size. Be sure to ask what the hearth rug is made of, and whether it is suitable for use near a hearth appliance.
Fireplace Village NH is the largest fireplace and stove shop in NH. We carry an extensive selection of high quality, fire resistant hearth rugs at all of our NH locations.
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