Archive for the ‘Doors’ Category

Fireplaces can really set the tone of a room, yet many homeowners just don’t know what to do with them. This is a shame because using a fireplace as a focal point is an important part of decorating. If you ask these homeowners why they don’t take advantage of the fireplace’s presence and use it as a decorating element, they usually reply that the fireplace facing is not very attractive. Well, guess what? You can change the fireplace facing! Yep, you can give your fireplace and your room a major boost in the looks department.

There are a several things to think of when you decide to change your fireplace facing. First of all, what type of material will you use? There are countless options. If your fireplace is from the floor to the ceiling, that is a lot of area to cover. Consider what materials will look appropriate and will strike the right chord in the room. Do you have a rustic western theme or country cabin theme going in your room? Limestone, slate or river rocks are great options that can really play into that type of décor. Even southwestern themes can play into the rough rock look. But what if your budget does not allow real rock? Consider veneer facings that look like real rock but for the fraction of the price and weight.

If you are going for an elegant, classy look for your fireplace facing, marble, tile and brick options are plentiful. With a variety of colors and textures to choose from, you can perfectly match the room’s ambiance. Plus, there is neutrality to these classic choices that would work well with almost any other décor as well.

Stucco and Venetian plaster brings a texture to your fireplace that is a throwback to the old days. Wood and decorative molding can be stained or painted to reflect the theme. Metal fireplace facing is an option as well. Sheets of metal flashing in stainless steel or copper are popular choices. Some people have scoured antique shopping districts for those old-time tin ceiling tiles. Many of them have fine detailing that offers a unique element to the room. These tin tiles could be refinished for a more polished look or left untouched for a homier feel.

Before you start prepping your area to replace the fireplace facing, you should consider your existing mantel. If you are please with it and have no plans to replace it, you will have to work around it. That means, the facing material you use has to be flexible or small enough to be installed between the mantel area and the firebox. Of course, if you have no mantel at the moment, you work will be that much easier!

When creating a budget for your fireplace facing replacement project, take into account your do-it-yourself status. Do you feel confident enough to handle the work yourself? If not, you will have to budget contract labor into your number crunching. Otherwise, your next step in the budgeting process is to price all of your materials and make sure you do not need any special tools. Just think, when all is said and done, you will have a new focal point in your room and you might actually use your fireplace – all thanks to a fireplace facing facelift!

Technorati Tags: Fireplace Facing

Fireplace doors are an alternative to regular fireplace screens. When I originally set out to find all the necessary accessories to go along with my new fireplace, I thought that I would simply purchases a traditional fireplace screen. Yet, after looking at the various fireplace doors that are available, I decided that these would make a more attractive fireplace.

There are fireplace doors that are single doors that cover the entire fireplace opening, and there are two piece fireplace doors that open on hinges with the connecting seam running down the middle of the fireplace opening.

These two types of fireplace doors make up the vast majority of fireplace doors, yet there are some more contemporary and unique styles that don’t quite fir into either of these categories. Additionally, not all fireplace doors are sold as complete units. With some types of fireplace doors, you will have to purchase the framing portions separately from the individual fireplace door pieces.

Be sure that you know which type of fireplace doors that you are purchasing, as to whether or not they will require additional framework to complete the opening and door installation. Some fireplace doors do come with everything that is required to complete your fireplace.

Of course buying the individual fireplace doors separate from the finishing framing pieces has its advantages. With this type of fireplace doors, you have more room to customize the design specifically to your liking.

There are fireplace door frames in nearly every type of material and finish imaginable, from gold, silver and pewter, to iron and many other types of materials. Whether your décor is dark, light or somewhere in between, there are fireplace door frames for every style or taste you may desire.

Though many people consider fireplace curtains to fit more in the fireplace screen category, I believe they fit more accurately within the fireplace doors category, as they can be placed in either a closed, open or partly open position.

A more expensive, yet truly unique look is to incorporate bi-fold glass fireplace doors. These lovely fireplace doors contain four panels of polished and tempered glass panels. Each half of these fireplace doors bends in the middle and slides along ball bearings located at the top and bottom of the doors. These typically also feature draft control at the bottom section of the doors.

I found just the right set of fireplace doors at http://fireplacesnow.com and was about to place an order when I decided to take a look and see if I couldn’t find the same set of doors for less on eBay. I didn’t think I’d be able to save that much, if any, money, but also thought it was worth a try.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the exact same model of bi-fold fireplace doors were for sale on eBay, and from a reputable seller, nonetheless. Ok, so these fireplace doors had been used, which is not what many people would want to buy. For me, this was a very attractive option, as they cost more than $1,000 when brand new. I walked away with a gently used set of fireplace doors for about $200. I certainly recommend perusing all the various options before committing to one.

Technorati Tags: Fireplace Doors