Does Your Fireplace Need a Face-lift?
Summer has left us and now is a really good time to consider changes to your heating system. As the season draws to a close, families look forward to the cooler weather and nights sitting by the fireplace. With this in mind, there are many simple ways to give the fireplace a makeover before it is time to start using it for the year. In fact, many of the options available are inexpensive and can be completed in just a couple of days. Remember, if your chimney hasn’t been cleaned and inspected — make sure you do this before you are using your system daily.
Is it time to change from a wood fireplace to a gas fireplace? There is time to make the switch to better heat distribution.
A fireplace often creates a great focal point in a room, giving the family a place to congregate. When it is surrounded by drab brick, it often gets lost and does not make the impact that it could. A simple way to make the fireplace pop is to paint the brick that surrounds it. Choose an accent color that complements the other colors in the room in order to draw the eye and make people focus on the fireplace.
If the fireplace does not have a mantle above it, there is time to install one. This is a very simple project that can make a huge impact on the room. In addition to framing the fireplace, a mantle creates decorating opportunities for the entire year. Families can decorate with photos and keepsakes, or they can choose to update their mantle decor to go along with every holiday or season. This fairly simple addition can lead to endless possibilities in terms of livening up the living space.
Many families consider making the switch from a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace . Before proceeding, however, they should consider all aspects of the change. Making a fire in a gas fireplace is as simple as pushing a button, but some homeowners find that they miss the smell of an old fashioned fire. Homeowners will need to weigh the costs and benefits of this change. Gas is convenient, more energy-efficient and less messy – but doesn’t provide the sounds and smells of wood.
Even a family without a great deal of money to spend can find simple ways to update their fireplace. Simply installing new screens and doors can change the entire look of the fireplace quickly and simply. There are many styles, colors, and materials to choose one, making it simple for any homeowner to find something that fits their personal style. This is a one-day project that can make a huge impact on the entire room.
Autumn is wetting our appetites for chilly days and nights. You still have time to upgrade your heating system or make your fireplace more visually appealing.