Fireplace decorating is what makes the fireplace one of the home’s most important showcases.  Fireplaces are a visible part of a room and draw attention.  Naturally, their decoration will be noticed as well.  Ideas for decorating the fireplace include what to place around the hearth and where.  The mantel is central to the decoration of the whole fireplace, and its eye-level décor is the first part of the fireplace that will be noticed.  If you don’t light your fireplace, decorate the inside of it.  With all of this said, now we will approach the details of how you can decorate your fireplace?

Fireplace decorating will acquire a new look for the whole room, so you may need some new fireplace decorating ideas to do away with any drab old look.  Things to consider when decorating are complementing and matching the color of the walls to the color of your fireplace, as well as choosing the right objects to place around your fireplace.  Those placed at the foot of your fireplace serve, for the most part, functional purposes, and fortunately, these functional objects can reflect your personal tastes.  The fireplace toolset, andiron, fireback and woodholder, while made to take care of your burning fire, vary in style and material (such as cast iron, copper and pewter).  Arrange these items in the feng shui arrangement that best suits your taste.  Fireplace glass doors add to decoration, providing a protective and attractive window into the fire.  Mantels frame this pretty picture and can be as rustic, classical or modern as you fancy.
 
The question of what to put on your mantel is the most personal aspect of fireplace decorating.  Mantels are good locations for artwork, such as portrait or landscape paintings, and objects of art, such as vases or sculptures.  Fire holds a sense of eternity, making the fireplace mantel an appropriate location for things dear to the heart, such as heirlooms which can be displayed.  Vases often occupy opposite ends of the mantel, giving the décor of the fireplace a sense of equilibrium.  While this balance is pleasant to the eye, many of us enjoy an aspect of incongruity in an otherwise perfect picture.  A large potted plant at one side of the fireplace will work toward this effect, with the tools placed at the other end.  The sense of equilibrium remains visible on the mantelpiece, while the décor on the ground keeps our eyes interested in the sight of a single plant.  Those who prefer a completely unobstructed fireplace may want to leave the mantel and area in front of the fireplace bare, with only a simple wreath or clock hung over the fireplace.

For those who do not use the fireplace at all, a candelabra inside the fireplace is a romantic and qualified alternative to logs.  Seasonal variations, like a horn of plenty in the fall, a basket of pinecones in the winter, or flower arrangements in the spring and summer will make the fireplace a living part your home, even though not used for its traditional purpose.  Whether or not the fireplace is used, comfortable chairs near the fireplace warmly invite family and guests to sit by the fireplace after a meal.  Thinking in this vein will keep the ideas flowing for your own fireplace decorating.

Fireplace decorating is one of the most enjoyable aspects of a fireplace makeover.  It allows you to show your personality and to show the objects you are proud to display.  Your own way of decorating will prove fruitful, as your fireplace will become a place that draws people together.  Decorating your fireplace is the final touch to a completed fireplace.

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You've bought new furniture for your family room. You've painted the walls, bought a couple of lamps, and installed a new hardwood floor. Everything looks great - except the fireplace. There it is with its dark, outdated brick. The focal point of your room. So, what do you do to make the most of your fireplace without spending a fortune?

For starters, you can give your old, dark brick the look of new light-colored brick with Brick-Anew. The kit comes with all the tools and paints you need to transform your outdated fireplace into a beautiful focal point for your room. The process is easy, fun, and can be completed in a few hours. The results are amazing and the cost is only a fraction of the cost of refacing or rebuilding your fireplace.

After your brick is updated and looking great, you're ready to move on to your hearth. If you use your hearth for stacking wood, you might want to paint on some "clear matte finish", a polyurathane product, to protect the paint.

Here are some design tips for the rest of your fireplace:

*Paint the inside of your fireplace where you build the fire with a black fireplace paint. This will cover any unsightly stains and make the opening look like new.

*Purchase a new screen in brass or black wrought iron. Glass doors are also a good choice since they provide a "window" to see the flames.

*Look to see if your mantle color competes with the overall look of your fireplace. You might want to paint the mantle so that it blends in.

*Make sure your mantle is "balanced" when it comes to accessories. A good formula to use is a large mirror in the middle and a topiary on each end. Or, a large picture in the middle and decorative vases or urns on each side. A mantle clock is also a good choice with sets of candles and some ivy on the sides.

*If you decide to take down your mantle or you don't have one, a pretty wreath can be used in its place.

*If you have a real wood burning fireplace or wood stove, consider a hearth rug to protect your floor from falling embers. Decorative fireplace tools are also a plus.

*If you don't use your fireplace at all, you can place a large fern in the opening or a wrought iron candle holder filled with white candles.

* Seasonal decorating for your mantle is always fun. Consider placing grape wine entwined with a string of white lights with a collection of small pumpkins and gourds to create a warm, colorful look for Fall. For Christmas, use the same white string lights with greenery and varying sizes of red candles.