by Dell

Created on: September 23, 2008   Last Updated: September 25, 2008

It is hard to imagine anything better than a cozy fire on a cold winter day. But why do we have to wait for weather to turn ugly to enjoy our fireplaces? With all the accessories and decorations available today, it is easy to turn our fireplaces, hearths and wood stove hearths into centerpieces to be enjoyed year 'round. With the help of local experts or home stores and a little initiative, anyone can make their hearth the center of attention in every season.

Many times people feel helpless in the face of an old fireplace hearth. With a lot of use, hearths can be chipped, burned or just plain out-dated. And floor protection under a wood stove is often treated as a necessary evil in the home. Since they are mainly there for safety, their aesthetics are regularly ignored; but there are many solutions to revamping these old utilitarian underlayments.

Perhaps the most dramatic idea for tuning up the look of your hearth is to use a hearth pad. A hearth pad can look like brick, tile or natural stone. It can look good in front of your fireplace or under your wood stove while still protecting your home. Putting it directly in front of the fireplace or extending out and around the wood stove hearth is sometimes all you need to dress up your tired looking fireplace / wood stove. Check with your local specialty stores or online to see the wide variety of hearth pads that are available.

Another option that many people don't consider is a hearth rug. A hearth rug is not just your typical rug. These specialty rugs are made of material such as fiberglass or wool so they are fire resistant. Yet, even though they are tough, they aren't some ugly blanket laid down just to protect the living room. These rugs come in all different colors and styles to match just about any dcor. They, too, can add to the beauty of your home.

A hearth gate is generally thought of as protection only. But consider the addition of wrought iron or other metal as an accent piece around your existing hearth. A simple gate offers height and depth to your living space, enhancing your expressed style.

Finally, don't forget about the effect that paint can have on, and around old fireplaces. While regular paint doesn't do well on really hot surfaces, it can bring a "wow" factor to your fireplace and hearth by tying in colors found in and around your living room. Make sure that you don't paint the inside of your fireplace, or any other surface that is exposed to extreme heat without first consulting a specialty fireplace shop. Otherwise, paint stores and home improvement centers can give you great ideas for primers, paints, textures and faux finishes that will transform the look of your fireplace and mantle.

The combination of paint and hearth pads as well as hearth gates and rugs can transform your fireplace and wood stove areas into the fulltime centerpiece of your home.

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