Fireplace Lowdown

Table Top "Fireplace" Lamp

Ok, technically this isn't a fireplace.  I'm not exactly sure what you'd call it (it's sold by a store that specializes in funky modern lighting, so we'll go with that).  The Table Top Fireplace is a sort of oil-burning lamp made from stainless steel "logs" on top of a slate base (dimensions of which are 10" x 14").  It creates warmth as well as light. 

The Table Top Fireplace costs $329, which is a little more expensive than your typical Wal-mart oil lamps, but it is pretty cool, and I wouldn't mind having one (that's a hint for those folks who have me on their Christmas list... ;)

http://www.gnr8.biz/fireplace.html

Pretty Fireplace Screen

We've talked about the benefits of fireplace screens or fireplace doors before (they keep sparks from flying out onto your carpet, and they keep younguns from sticking their fingers into the flames), but I haven't gone out and looked for too many examples.  I happened across this nature-inspired screen when I was looking for something else (isn't that always how it works?) over at Costco.  It's called the Dale Tiffany Tree of Life, and it's made from a metal framework with a burnished rust-brown finish.  It's reminiscent of all those colorful glass Tiffany lamps you've seen.  The screen will cost you $270 (I've seen fireplace screens for less but apparently Dale Tiffany is "the world's foremost developer of fine art glass lighting and accessories").  Knowing how Costco likes to move things off their shelves at the speed of brisk, I doubt this piece will be around for long, so you might want to pop over if you're interested.  (Oddly enough, I found it under the "outdoor" section of their web site.)

http://www.costco.com

Stainless Steel Log Holder

Stainless steel is popular for kitchen appliances, but it doesn't stop there.  Some homeowners are choosing the sleek look of the material for other rooms in their home.  Check out this stainless steel log holder from Ameico Inc.'s Conmoto collection.  Created by German furniture designer, Peter Maly, its simple but elegant style is sure to lend a modern accent to your fireplace.  Prices aren't mentioned on the web site.  I suspect that's a clue that it's expensive.  It's nice to look though.

http://www.ameico.com/conmoto.html

Firewall: Cool Gas Fireplace That Mounts in Your Wall

The firewall is a narrow gas fireplace that mounts in your wall and doesn't need a flue to vent, giving you "the freedom to create a stunning centrepiece without the limitations of a flue or chimney."  It gives off warmth and creates ambience, like a traditional gas fireplace, but more, it uses catalyst gas technology to clean the air it uses.  In that way, it acts like an air purifier to remove odors, such as arise from cooking, pets, and dust.  The price is around £700 in Europe, but you should be able to find dealers in the U.S. too.

ESSE Range Cookers & Stoves

Fire Pit Table

I've talked about a few of the fire pit tables out there before (probably back in summer, when it was warmer out in the old backyard), but this snazzy table mentioned at Luxury Home Improvement is definitely one of the more upscale ones I've seen: Granite Fire Pit Table.  The surface of the table is made from Chinese hand-crafted granite (oo la la) that's sure to impress your friends.  The fire pit runs on propane gas.  Scrounging in the couch cushins won't fund this purchase, however (unless your couch's pockets are a lot more lucrative than mine).  The table costs more than $2,000.

"Lightning Nuggets" Make Easy Fire Starters

These Lightning Nuggets are designed to make starting a fire easy (no more muddling through wads of newspaper).  Free of harmful chemicals, they are made from paraffin wax combined with the natural by-products of pitchwood to create fire starters that light instantly and continue burning for 15 minutes.  That way, lighting the campfire, wood stove, or barbecue becomes a snap. 

Available from the Gardener's Supply Store, the Lightning Nuggets cost $14.99 plus shipping.

Modern Fireplace Tool Set

When most people think of fireplace pokers and ash shovels, they think of those ubiquitous wrought iron pieces that seem to accompany most hearths.  There's nothing wrong with that style, but if you've got a more modern-looking fireplace (like the Max Blank luxury fireplace), you may want a more sophisticated look.  I found this stainless steel fireplace tool set (hey, it'll match all those stainless steel kitchen appliances that are on your Christmas list) and liked the simple but elegant arch.

Put out by Stacks and Stacks, the German-crafted Stainless Steel Fireplace Set is priced at $300. It includes a brush, tong, poker, and shovel.

Rustic Fireplace Mantels

Whether you're living in a log home or just want a touch of old-world charm, rustic fireplace mantels can give your hearth a warm feel.  Most people looking for the rustic apperance choose wood, in particular weathered wood.  Half logs are also a mantel option that create a memorable focal point.  Here's a look at some craftsmen who specialize in this niche:

North Shore Log Company -- These folks sell half log mantels with prices starting at about $330 (not including shipping).  The prices go up from there, depending on the length of the mantel and the type of wood you want.

Buffalo Specialties -- Custom mantels made from solid wood that can have such images as bears, fish, and deer etched into them.

Nature's Grand Decor -- Pricier than the North Shore Log Co., these folks offer log fireplace mantels that are "hand carved by mother nature."  Prices range from $1,100 to $3,000.

Stained Glass Fireplace Screen

The purpose of a fireplace screen is a safety one, to keep sparks from flying out and damaging the carpet or floors.  There's no reason why it shouldn't be stylish too.  I like this mission-style stained glass firepalce screen from Stacks and Stacks.  At $300, it's a bit pricy, but according to the web site, it's hand-crafted, and it looks like a pretty nice piece.  I suppose it depends on your decorating style, but I'm going to put it on my Christmas wish list. :)

Stained Glass Fireplace Screen

Cape Cod Fire Starter

The Gardener's Supply Company is quickly becoming one of my favorite online shops, because they have all sorts of nifty fireplace/hearth supplies.  If you're not in the mood for a popcorn popper for the fireplace, how about this Cap Cod Fire Starter?  Dating back to the olden days (before that modern convenience called the match), the fire starter was popular in colonial days when wood fires were a necessity for warmth and cooking.  The Yankees filled the cast iron pot with lamp oil and let a pumice stone soak in it.  When lit, that stone burns for about ten minutes, which is plenty of time to get a fire going without kindling or newspaper.  According to the company, it works every time, and it's good for charcoal grilling too.

This working replica costs about $40: Cape Cod Fire Starter

Portable Alcohol-fueled Fireplace

Honey, we've got guests coming--wheel out the fireplace!  Sounds odd, but with the EcoSmart Portable Fireplace, you can do it.  This fireplace doesn't require logs, gas, or even a chimney.  Because it's not hooked up to anything, it can be moved from room to room. It burns denatured alcohol, which is a renewable energy source, and according to the company, it burns clean, so it's not harmful to the environment.  The fireplace is also supposed to be low maintenance.  The Australian company is still working on its US version of their website, so I wasn't able to find out the price in U.S. dollars for the EcoSmart, but it's around $2,000 in Australian for those who want to convert.

http://www.ecosmartfire.com/

Log Cart That Handles Stairs

Here's a neat idea, if your fireplace or stove is on the second floor of your house.  Offered by Hammacher Schlemmer, this log cart has oversized wheels and a canted basket so it can haul logs up stairs.  It looks like a decent piece of equipment, and it looks like a good idea--anything beats hauling logs up two at a time or using one of those awkward log baskets where the handle never seems to be in the right place for the weight inside.  Available on the company's web site, the log cart is on special for $80 as of this posting (usually $130).

Stair-Navigating Log Cart

Popcorn Popper for the Fireplace

I was browsing for Christmas gifts on the web and stumbled across this old-fashioned popcorn popper that's meant to be used over an open fire.  According to the site, it's made of modern no-stick material and has a wooden handle designed to stay cool.  The popper makes 2 quarts of popcorn and can work over campfires and wood stoves as well as the coals in your fireplace.  Looks like a fun gift for anyone who enjoys popcorn and uses their fireplace regularly.

If you're interested, look under the Hearth section at Gardeners Supply.  (The popcorn popper costs $25.)

DIY Pellet Stove

If you're a DIY type and think you can handle the installation of a pellet stove, you can save money by buying the stove and doing the work yourself instead of hiring laborers.  You can even order pellet stoves online.  (Stores like HomeClick.com offer free shipping on big items like that.)

This pellet stove from Dansons Group, Inc. costs $2,300.  There are plenty of cheaper models out there, but as with anything you get what you pay for.  Since stoves, are an investment (not just for one seasons but for many years), get something durable that's going to last for a long time.  With heating prices climbing, pellet stoves may even add value to your home when it's time to sell, since new homeowners will be looking for ways to save on heating bills too.

Pelpro Automatic Freestanding Wood Pellet Stove w/ Bay Window

Extra-long Wooden Matches

Whether you're afraid of the explosive flame of your old gas barbecue or hate sticking your hand all the way into the sooty fireplace to light a fire, long wooden matches are a nice change from that flimsy book of paper matches you got free from 7-11.  I've looked for long wooden matches at the grocery store and a few other places but always seem to have a hard time locating them.  I decided to check online (what isn't online these days?) and found some 11 inch long wooden matches at an online shop called the Barbecue Store.  At less than $5 for a pack of 60, I'm planning to order a couple of boxes. 

http://www.barbecue-store.com/longbbqmatches.htm

Fireplace Screensaver for Your Plasma TV

If you have a flat-screen TV, you may love it when it's on but hate the big black window it creates when it's off and just sitting on the wall.  Someone decided to invent a fireplace screensaver designed for plasma TVs.  I confess, I've never seen one of these in action (we don't have a plasma TV yet), but I've heard of them before.  It's basically a DVD that you slip into your DVD player, and when you're not using your TV, the image of a flickering fire dominates the screen.  Kind of a fun idea, though it's probably not as energy-efficient as just having your TV off.  Still, it might be fun for parties where you want something on the wall, but don't necessarily want everyone gaping at the latest episode of Lost.

The DVD is available at Amazon for $20: Plasmavironments DVD Fireplace Video (There's an aquarium one too.)

See-through Indoor/Outdoor Gas Fireplace

This see-through indoor/outdoor fireplace from Heat & Glo is designed to be installed in an exterior wall of your home where it can be used and viewed from inside the house and out.  Basically, you get two fireplaces for two different living areas without the hassle of buying and installing two different units.  Named the Twilight II, the gas direct vent unit also acts as a bit of a window, since you can peer through it to the other side.  According to the manufacturer, there's no need for additional fireplace venting, so it can be incorporated anywhere in your home.  The Twilight II will run you about $3,300.

http://www.heatnglolifestyle.com

Jel Fuel Fireplaces

A while back, I posted on jel fuel as a new type of fireplace fuel, and I thought I'd share this cute little fireplace I came across that's designed to run on the stuff.  It's fairly inexpensive (about $500), at least compared to gas fireplaces, and it comes with built-in storage.  Of course, since jel fireplaces don't put off much heat, they're more for ambiance than warming up the house, but if you're just looking for something to create a focal point in a room without a fireplace, it might be a fun addition.  Unlike gas or wood-burning fireplaces, they don't require a chimney or any sort of outside ventilation.

This particular fireplace is available online from Home Visions.  It's hand-painted and "portable, smokeless, ventless, and includes a realistic cement log, metal firebox, bag of faux coal cinders and screen kit."

Jel Fuel Fireplace

Tea Light Fireplace Logs

Those design shows on the Home & Garden Channel always seem to show a fireplace with candles burning in it, especially during open houses when the homeowner is trying to attract potential bidders.  The addition of candles does seem to light up the area and draw the eye when it's not the right season for a real fire, or you just don't have the time.  Several Internet retailers offer "tea light fireplace logs," which are basically designed to combine candles with the look of actual fireplace logs.  The site pictured here is available from Montgomery Ward for just under $100.

Tea Light Fireplace Log

Old Fashioned Pellet Stoves

Thinking of installing a pellet stove? The Parlor 3000 Pellet Heater from Thelin Co, Inc. is designed to have that "old-time parlour, pot belly look."  It's got power, too.  According to the company, the 42" tall stove will heat as much as 2,000 square feet and with a forty-three pound hopper, it'll keep putting out heat all night on a single load of pellets. The pellet stove is available in black (shown) or brown enamel.  They also have stoves in porcelain enamel with fun colors such as teal green and cobalt blue.

http://www.thelinco.com/

Extra Small Gas Fireplace

If you've ever thought about installing a gas fireplace in a kitchen, library, or other room where there just isn't a lot of space, you may want to check out Kozy Heat's Two Harbors Fireplace.  It "lets you add the warmth and ambience of a fireplace in spots you never thought you could."  The fireplace's compact size (32 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 14.5 inches deep) means it can fit in bathrooms, kitchen cupboards, and other tight spots.  Different face options allow it to match any decor. 

The price for the Two Harbors fireplace is $1,150.

http://www.kozyheat.com/

Concrete Fireplace Surrounds

Residential fireplace surrounds are often made from wood or stone, but Sonoma Cast Stone's website has convinced me that concrete surrounds can look pretty cool.  The company specializes in "architectural concrete" and makes such creations as sinks, countertops, and yes, fireplace surrounds.  No need to stick to plain gray either.  Sonoma offers their concrete in 40 different colors. They have a gallery of fireplace pictures that's worth looking through at http://www.sonomastone.com.

Fireplace Cooking Cranes

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned some articles describing how to cook over your fireplace.  Today, I came across a product designed to make it easier.  This reproduction fireplace crane, made with traditional blacksmith's techniques, has a swinging arm that can hold heavy iron kettles and pots.  It comes with anchor bars so you can attach it to the side of the fireplace.  The cooking cranes are available in four lengths: 22" 26" 32" and 41".  Measure the width of your fireplace opening to learn which size you need (you should get a crane that spans 2/3rds of the width of the opening).  The prices for these cranes run $24-$42, depending on the size you buy.

http://www.lemeesfireplace.com/

Hearth Rugs

These Kirman style hearth rugs are made to look like classy oriental rugs, but they're made from 100% Olefin (a heat resistant fiber), so they aren't a fire hazard to stray sparks that might escape the fireplace.  According to the seller, they are also static and moth resistant.  At less than $40, they certainly won't break the bank, but they can offer you a cozy spot to settle down in front of the fire.  They are available in green and ivory and measure 32" x 42".

http://www.hartshearth.com/

Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

I've never been that big on electric fireplaces (though I can see why they'd be popular with apartment or condos owners who don't have fireplaces in their units or the luxury of installing one) but this wall-mounted fireplace from Spirit Elementals has a snazzy look.  Called the "Whistler Fireplace," it can be installed on any wall, and because it's electric, there's no need to worry about burning bans--flip it on any time you want some ambiance.  Unlike some electric fireplaces that provide a show only, this one comes with a 1500W heater and will warm up your room just like a gas fireplace.  The price is $1,249.

http://www.spiritelements.com/

Tabletop Firepit

Ever thought about sitting around the patio table and grilling a hot dog or roasting a marshmellow?  Oakland Living Corporation's stone-topped table comes with two interchangeable center sections: a copper fire pit that can hold logs for a fire or charcoal for a barbeque (grill included) and a copper ice bucket that can be used to keep food and drinks cold during backyard entertaining.  The tabletop is made of natural stone covered with ceramic tiles; it's designed to stay cool even when the fire is burning, so diners don't get seared.  The bottom is made of cast aluminium that won't rust, and there's a protective foot rail to keep your family from bumping their feet against the hot bottom of the fire pit.

E-mail: sales@oakland-living.com

Source: HGTV's I Want That

Southwestern Style Gas Fireplace

Increasingly, I'm coming across gas fireplaces that step outside the traditional rectangle-insert-in-the-hearth look.  Heatilator's "Aztec" model gas burning fireplace has an arched design that can fit into any style home but looks particularly apt in this southwestern home.  The fireplace outputs 23,000 BTUs/hour and displays eight ceramic logs designed to capture the feeling of a real fire.

The MSRP is $2179 and you can find more information on this and other models at the Heatilator home site.

Chimeneas--the Easy Outdoor Fire Pit

Maybe you want an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, but don't have the time or funds to devote to a major backyard renovation just now.  A chimenea gives you the ambiance and convenience of a fire on your patio without the hassle of tearing out bricks or concrete.  Chimeneas simply rest on any hard surface.  They're wood-burning, so there's nothing to plug in and no gas lines to install.  They come in a few different materials to suit different tastes with clay being the most common (metals are more durable and less apt to crack, though).  The pewter cast iron chimenea pictured here has the coloring of clay but none of its structural weaknesses.

Pewter Cast Iron Chimenea

Cactus Andirons Give Your Fireplace a Southwestern Feel

The purpose of andirons is to keep logs from falling out when you've got a fire burning, but you can also use them to add a design element to your fireplace.  If you like the idea of a southwestern style fireplace, check out these cactus andirons, available online from ShoppersChoice. 

The black cast iron andirons are 14 inches high and weigh 18 pounds.  They cost a little under $60 (plus $12 shipping) and, according to the manufacturer, are easy to install in any wood-burning fireplace.

Cast Iron Cactus Andirons

Mono Outdoor Fire Pit

The outdoor Mono fire pit is a compact unit with storage for logs on the bottom shelf and room to build a small fire on the top shelf.  It's size makes it ideal for condos and townhouses, and it can be tucked away for easy storage after use.

http://www.apartmentzero.com/ (I am including the link as a courtesy; I couldn't actually find information about the fireplace on their nightmare-to-navigate site--check the products section of http://www.interiordesign.net/ for more details).

Designer Fireplace Tiles

Trikeenan Tileworks makes combination glass and ceramic tiles (ceramic backs with crushed glass fronts in various designs) to make cool looking decorative tiles.  They can be used anywhere in the house, but the ones from the gallery of fireplace pictures looked quite nice.  (Fireplace Tiles Pictures)  The ceramic/glass tiles can be installed by a DIY type, and they come in 5 sizes, 17 colors, and 37 modular patterns.

Gas Chiminea?

I've seen any number of chimineas (if you don't know what a chiminea is, start here), but I've never seen one that runs on gas before.  This DESA clay chiminea that runs on propane runs just under $300 and is designed to work as an outdoor fireplace.  The gas logs are designed to look realistic while putting out 45,000 BTUs of heat to keep you and your family warm during your backyard barbeques, even in the cooler months.  It requires hook up to a 20 pound propane tank to run.

Clay Chimenea with Propane Gas Logs

Enclosed Outdoor Gas Firepit

If you like the convenience of gas fireplaces in the house, why not set one up on the deck or in the backyard?  Firepits are very popular today as outdoor living trends take off.  The Gazebo Outdoor Firepit runs on natural gas and is enclosed, so unlike with wood-burning fire pits, you don't need to worry about stray sparks obliterating your landscaping (or the house).  At just under $1,000, this fire pit may be a bit of a luxury item, but it comes with a solid warranty, and the manufacturer promises it will last many years.

Gazebo Natural Gas Fire Pit

Stone Planks

Looking for an interesting upgrade for your fireplace surround?  Colorado Stone Planking makes short stone planks in travertine, sandstone, and marble.  Though they are most often used for stone floors, the company shows a number of pictures of fireplaces using stone planking on their website.  The elegant stone gives a classy look to any fireplace.