Archive for the ‘Screens’ Category

A fireplace looks great in just about any room and a monogrammed fireplace screen is the perfect finishing touch. And you’ve got plenty of choices for material.

Take for example the beveled leaded glass screen. It takes countless hours of skilled artistry to create one of these fabulous screens and your guests will be green with envy. It’s 100% American and considered a masterpiece by all with the cutting edge on this hand cut beveled glass screen that works great with either a gas or wood burning fireplace.

The Iron screens also look fabulous monogrammed. It gives the screen a distinctly aged look of authenticity from an era of another day. It’s a classic traditional material add the monogram and it makes a bold statement.

The Italian gold screen is a real eye catcher and functional too with the mesh backing. The burnished gold takes this one a step above the rest. You don’t have to be wealthy to look wealthy. The rich finish of this monogrammed screen will have your friends talking.

A pewter fireplace screen with a monogram screams high fashion and what a statement it makes. If you prefer you can substitute stainless, copper, or brass as alternative metal choices. Which ones perfect depends on your room décor. All look great!

The most important thing is choosing a shape that works with your room and your fireplace. In just the past few years the number of choices you have has grown dramatically.

Fireplace screens vary by the number of panels and the shape of the panel varies too. They can be bowed or straight.

Single panel screens are very popular. These fit flat against the fireplace on feet that are adjustable. The curved single panel has a gentle curve so there are no feet. When it sits in front of the fireplace the center bows away slightly.

The three and four panel screens are designed with piano hinges on each panel so you are able to adjust. The three panel screens are the most popular with the middle panel being twice as wide as the two outer panels. These look great in a traditional room setting. They can have flat glass panels or slightly beveled glass.

Four panels are not as common which is why they have such a unique appeal. They stand steady and can be easily adjusted. An arch top looks fabulous and costs only a fraction more. All three can be arched or just the center. It makes a visual contrast that’s interesting to look at.

There are just so many great choices on the market and shopping online will quickly reveal what those choices are. Of course you can shop locally but your choices will be limited. After all most stores only stock the “top sellers” but who says that’s what you want.

By shopping online you’ll suddenly have hundreds of refreshing choices from around the world to choose from. And suddenly finding that perfect monogram fireplace screen is as easy as one two three.

Technorati Tags: Monogram Fireplace Screen

A fireplace surround is the entire portion surrounding the opening to the firebox, as visible from the front of the fireplace. A fireplace surround generally replaces a fireplace mantel as well as the side jambs. A fireplace surround is typically an entire piece that takes the place of individual fireplace components, such as jambs, hearth and mantelpiece.

Fireplace surrounds are made from all kinds of materials, from wood to plaster and all types of natural stones. Some of the most beautiful fireplace surrounds I’ve seen were fashioned out of natural stone blocks by skilled masons.

Whether you want an ornate carved fireplace surround, something simple and colonial in style, a rustic stone or a highly polished natural stone surround, I think the nicest fireplace surround are made from natural wood or stone.

Limestone surrounds are one of a kind. Traditionally, the highly carved surrounds depicting angels, scrolls and all sorts of embellishments were made of limestone. Limestone surrounds are exquisitely beautiful pieces of art that will add elegance to any fireplace setting.

For a more stylish and contemporary looking fireplace surround, you may wish to incorporate some polished marble. Polished marble is a beautiful addition to any living or sitting room fireplace with modern or classic décor.

One of the more unique fireplace surrounds I’ve seen was fashioned out of slate. This naturally dark stone had a very striking effect and meshed quite well with the vibrant colors of the great hall in which it was situated.

Many people think that natural stone fireplace surrounds are not within their reach, financially, but there are many innovations in the stone cutting and fireplace manufacturing industry that have made natural stone fireplace surrounds much more affordable than they had been previously.

Today, there are many natural stone companies that offer various pre-cut stone pieces that will fit together to make beautiful natural stone surrounds. By combining pre-cut pieces with some custom stone work, it is possible to spend little more than a regular brick fireplace would cost, and have a beautiful limestone fireplace surround to show for your troubles.

Another advantage to using natural stone veneer pieces is that the overall space from the wall will be less than when carving a surround out of one massive piece of stone. Also, the overall weight will be much much lower than that of a solid natural stone fireplace.

You can go online and download exact patterns for each of the pre-cut or stone veneer pieces that are available. Once you have decided on the layout that you like, simply order the pieces online or by phone.

When the limestone veneer pieces arrive they can be put together using various techniques, all of which are quite simple for anyone handy with construction work. The joints between the pieces can be filled with mortar or caulking. It is recommended that mortar is used, however, the caulking option is perfect for earthquake zones.

For more information on this type of natural stone fireplace surrounds, take a look at the ideas, information and templates found at the American Limestone Company. This website is located at http://americanlimestone.com .

Technorati Tags: Fireplace Surround

Fireplace screens provide both increased safety and a touch of style. Fireplace screens are one of the focal points of fireplaces. When people look at a fireplace that has a nice, warm, crackling fire in it, chances are they’ll notice the fireplace screen as well.

Since fireplace screens are what we look through to view a crackling fire, the type of fireplace screen that you choose can make a lasting impression. Should you choose a wrought iron fireplace screen, or perhaps a low profile fireplace screen made of tempered glass with metal along the base? With all the various fireplace screens from which to choose, your imagination is the only limiting factor.

For a totally contemporary look, why not try a Bebop fireplace screen? This stylish and modern fireplace screen features glass and steel materials. The glass is all that you see as the metal is only along the base portion to affix the screen to your hearth. The glass swoops up in gentle curves and will not detract from the fire one bit.

For something a little more traditional, how about a black twisted rod fireplace screen? This lovely fireplace screen is made from wrought iron and features simple colonial design. This is one of the most popular and standard types of fireplace screens.

For a little flair on the traditional fireplace screen, why not try a chrome and black fireplace screen. This lovely fireplace screen has three portions, the sides leaves of which are made from chrome, while the center portion is a fine mesh screen.

For something a little more streamlined, take a look at the single panel, curved fireplace screens. These come in chrome, pewter and other types of materials as well. This is the type of fireplace screen that I have in my home. I love it because it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the fire.

Now, for something completely unique, there are even Japanese screen fireplace screens. Of course these are slightly different in that they are not intended to be used while a fire is going, yet can make a beautiful decorative area out of your fireplace when there is no fire burning.

There are combination fireplace screens that feature places to hang your fireplace tools on the side panels of the screen. This makes a great gift for anyone with a new fireplace. You get a fireplace screen and a full set of firplace tools, all in one. This piece retails for around $160. For a complete set, that price really can’t eb beat.

Take a look at http://fireplacescreens.com for a huge selection of all kinds and styles of fireplace screens. Most of their fireplace screens will be shipped for only $5.00. This is where I purchased my lovely single panel fireplace screen. I was very pleased with the customer service as well as the timely shipping. My fireplace screen showed up in perfect condition a few days after I purchased it online.

Technorati Tags: Fireplace Screens

First of all, you have to understand what you’re cleaning. It’s not regular glass; glass would explode at fireplace temperatures. It’s either some kind of tempered safety glass or, more likely, a transparent ceramic material. That’s why regular window cleaners don’t work very well.

Next, you have to know what you’re cleaning off. Wood fires produce creosote and soot, which forms a sticky black residue. Gas fires produce a whitish haze, which is made of mineral deposits from water condensation. Each requires a different cleaning method and product.

1. The first rule of fireplace glass cleaners: follow manufacturer’s directions.

The best approach to cleaning fireplace glass is to follow the directions that came with your stove. This is especially true if your fireplace glass is under warranty; using alternate methods or cleaners will probably invalidate your warranty. If you don’t have the manufacturer’s directions, you may be able to obtain them by checking the internet or writing or calling the manufacturer.

2. The second rule of fireplace glass cleaners: be safe.

Never clean fireplace glass when it’s hot. Always use gloves. You may also want goggles and/or a mask. If you’re using a commercial product, read the instructions and see what safety precautions they suggest. You can request a MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) from the manufacturer that lists any hazards and what protective gear to use.

3. Cleaning creosote.

Creosote is a thick, sticky, tarry substance that builds up on surfaces when wood is burned. The easiest way to get rid of creosote is to burn it off. Build a hot fire using dry wood. The temperature inside the stove needs to be 900-1200 degrees Fahrenheit to burn off the creosote, and wet or green wood won’t burn that hot.

After the glass has completely cooled, some people recommend scraping the creosote off with a razor blade. This could scratch the glass, however, so using a plastic or Teflon putty knife might work better.

Then you have to scrub off what’s left. A commercial fireplace glass cleaner that’s designed to remove soot and creosote is probably your best bet. There are, however, several other options that some people swear by:
* Scrub the glass with damp newspaper dipped in ashes.
* Use a little dishwashing detergent in water. One of the new “power” detergents might work better than the regular ones.
* Orange-based cleaners.
* Oven cleaner.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners or pads that might scratch the glass.

Cleaning mineral deposits.

You can’t burn mineral deposits off, and you can’t scrape them off with a Teflon putty knife, either. Some people recommend scraping them off with a razor blade, but that may scratch the glass.

Again, a commercial fireplace glass cleaner formulated to remove mineral deposits or “white residue” is probably going to be more effective than homemade remedies. However, here are the homemade options:

* Vinegar in water.
* Scrub gently with baking soda or salt
* Oven cleaner.

Don’t use anything abrasive.

The best way to clean your fireplace glass is to use a commercial fireplace glass cleaner. When you use the right cleaner, it takes less effort and you get better results. Many people are happy with their homemade solutions, though, and you can get satisfactory results with them. They work better if you clean the glass frequently.

A dirty fireplace glass blocks both heat and light, so it makes your fireplace less effective and you lose the beauty of having a fire. Choose a cleaning method that works for you, and clean the glass several times a year to keep your fireplace functioning at its best.

Technorati Tags: Fireplace Glass Cleaner

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