A fire pit is a smart addition to your backyard that extends the outdoor entertainment season by weeks or even months, ensuring that guests can stay cozy and warm during any outdoorsy get-together. For homeowners along the Wasatch Front, from the breezy evenings in Bountiful to the crisp mountain nights in Salt Lake County, an outdoor fire pit isn’t just a luxury—it’s a central hub for gathering family and friends. At Croft Fireplace, we believe your outdoor space should be as inviting as your living room, which is why we curate top-tier brands like Fire Garden to bring world-class ambiance to your Utah patio.
A cozy fireplace easily becomes the centerpiece of any room, but it can be surprisingly difficult to create a safe yet beautiful decorative display on your mantel and hearth. Whether you’re moving into a new home, redecorating after a recent fireplace repair in Salt Lake City, UT, or simply want a new look for your old hearth, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Create Layers
Decorating is largely a matter of personal taste, but most designers agree that layers are key to a good mantel design. One common suggestion is to think about your decorations in terms of three separate layers. Start with a large focal point or anchor. This can be a mirror, a piece of artwork, or even a large, bold sculpture that acts as the centerpiece of your design.
Use your second layer to create balance. These should be larger pieces placed symmetrically on either side of the anchor piece. Popular choices include floral bouquets and large candelabras.
The third layer should be smaller filler pieces that round out your display. These can be photographs, small figurines, smaller flower displays, or anything else you want.
Blend and Personalize
Be sure to pick your decorations while thinking about the rest of the room. It’s safest to choose matching or complementary colors, although some people prefer to use it as a contrasting accent piece instead. Make sure it flows with the rest of your decor, regardless of which approach you take.
Your mantel also provides ample opportunity to add small personal touches, so don’t be afraid to put your home’s personality on display. Family photos are a classic choice, but you can also get creative with unique art pieces.
Keep It Safe
It can be tempting to use a lot of fabric around your hearth to help create a cozy atmosphere, but keep in mind that this can be a fire risk. Experts recommend keeping any combustible materials, including pillows, blankets, and seasonal decorations, at least three feet away from the opening of the fireplace. This includes any decorations you might hang from your mantel, such as stockings or garlands.
Candles are another classic mantel decoration that requires extreme caution. Many mantels are made of wood or other inflammable materials, so your candles need to have appropriate containers or a safe drip tray. Artificial candles can be a better choice if you want a warm glow without the fire risk.
The mantel design itself can present some risks. It should be a minimum of 12 inches above the top of the firebox. If it’s closer, you may need to consult a professional to assess the risk and fix any problems.
Whether you’re looking for routine fireplace maintenance or want a new installation or gas fireplace conversion in Salt Lake City, UT, Croft Fireplace can help. Our professionals are available for a wide variety of projects, so give us a call today!
It’s getting to be that time of year again and getting together with family and friends to enjoy the holiday season. Cold winter nights spent retreating to the fireplace for warmth and relaxation. Many of us enjoy a festive holiday dinner, only to be followed by surrounding the fireplace for a tasty dessert.
Your outdoor gas fireplace in Summit County or Davis County is more than just a heating source. It’s also a great place to entertain guests this summer. When your friends and family make their way to your home, give them a night they’ll never forget with these four outdoor fireplace party ideas.
Are you thinking of adding a new gas fireplace to your Salt Lake City home? Well, you have a lot of options to choose from!
Is a gas fireplace, gas insert, or gas logs the best choice for your home? Will they be vented or unvented? Which brand will you choose?
To help you decide which gas fireplace will be the ideal choice for your home, we’re covering the difference between vented and unvented fireplaces in this blog.
Gas Fireplace. Gas Insert. Gas Logs. These three terms are often used interchangeably by homeowners or those who are not industry experts. However, they are very different products that each have their own set of advantages. Let’s learn what their differences are, so you can pick the very best choice for your home!
Before we dive in, it’s important to remember that each product comes in two models: vented and unvented. Vented fireplaces require an opening of some sort, usually a chimney, to release exhaust fumes. Vent-free, or unvented, fireplaces empty directly into the room. However, don’t worry! With proper care and maintenance, both models are safe to use.
