For some people, a fireplace might as well be a video of flaming logs. Their primary interest is the welcoming ambiance a fireplace�s blaze presents. If, however, you expect your fireplace to provide heat in exchange for your log-carrying, fire-building efforts, (or in the case of gas logs, in exchange for your gas bill), it�s time to maximize your fireplace�s heat output.
The cast iron firebacks work on the same principle as heating radiators. The metal is heated (by hot water in the case of radiators and by the fire in the case of firebacks), and then that heat is radiated into the room.A fireback is a sheet of metal, sized in proportion to the fireplace, that�s placed against your back fireplace wall. Firebacks can be set on the hearth�s floor and just leaned against the back fireplace wall, but often they are secured by placing them in supporting braces which keep the fireback from sliding. Firebacks come in two main styles: the cast iron fireback and the stainless steel fireback.3. Flooring. Whether your home has carpeting, hardwood, stone or tiled flooring there are some quick and easy solutions to cozy up your space. Add more layers for warmth. Right on top of your existing flooring material don't be afraid to layer one or even two area rugs for texture and color.Incorporate a deep striped pattern, textured sisal or even a faux animal hide rug on top of the original flooring. Relax the formality and potential stiffness with some colorful patterns and textures.Instead of traveling to a spa or driving hours to vacation at the beach why not make your own tremendous haven located in your front and backyard. Be inventive and try to consider all the items that you would enjoy to have in your yard. I have seen people plant exotic trees and flowers, small bridges over man-made brooks, and a small pond with fish in it.5. Accessories. This is a simple quick fix. Remove all your existing accessories, store them and re-visit them again for another season. Look for vintage blankets, throws and pillows and blend textures. Mix and match your blankets from plaids to knits, to faux fir and drape them over sofas, chairs and ottomans throughout your home. They will keep you all warm and cozy during those frigid nights. Replace your old sofa pillows with knit sweater pillows, tea towels and even printed burlaps for added interest pattern and texture. Natural elements are all around us. Bring the outdoors in - even now by incorporating, birch trunks, light green foliage, pine cones and candles and sprinkle these elements in with family photos, framed in metals or whites for that monochromatic sophistication.So light that fire, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy cozying up in your winter chic home.1. The Fireplace. Nothing makes you feel more comfortable and cozy than a roaring fire on a cold winter day. A fireplace instantly infuses character and charm into any room and gives the space its personality. But to give it the winter makeover you're after - pack up the old accessories adorning the mantle and swap them out for some new seasonal ones. Be your own photographer, bundle up and head outside to capture some black and white photos of some winter scenes. Blow up your favorite image and frame it in a simple black, metal or white frame and set it on the mantle. To one side of your new winter scene, cluster a collection of three antiqued or vintage silver urns (or similar) in varying heights - and include some eucalyptus, feathers or other greens to give the composition added volume. On the other end situate some natural elements like a birch vase, pinecones, candles or dull greens to flank that artwork as well.Keep the accessories in the center to a minimum and very low. Perhaps a metallic framed photo or two. Either way, make sure there is some height on each side of the wintery photograph.
Both cast iron and stainless steel firebacks dramatically increase the room-warming capacity of your wood or gas fireplace fire. The addition of this simple fireplace accessory to your hearth can mean warmer toes and lower heating bills.
Author: Susan Penney
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