| Fireplace tools aren't just for hearth | | | | has totally gone away." |
| maintenance - fireplace tools are a | | | | |
| declaration of your personal style. What does | | | | Contemporary Fireplace Tool Sets |
| your fireplace tool set say about you? How | | | | |
| does your fireplace tool set pull together | | | | If you're among those clamoring to modernize |
| the hearth look you want? How do you plan to | | | | your living room, a black or brushed nickel |
| use your fireplace tools? These are all | | | | or silver tool set is a great solution. If |
| things to consider when deciding on a new | | | | electronic gadgets are the mainstays of your |
| fireplace tool set. | | | | living room or family room, then one of those |
| | | | finishes is guaranteed not to clash with your |
| Fireplace Tool Set Functions | | | | big-screen, plasma television. Iron is the |
| | | | contemporary finish of choice for fireplace |
| First of all, what are those things in a | | | | tool sets, says Adams, and provides a |
| fireplace tool set? While the poker's purpose | | | | matching look to go along with technological |
| is obvious, it's worth mentioning the | | | | aspects in your room. "There's more |
| graceful curve along its underside can pull a | | | | ornamental iron work in households now," |
| wayward log back into position. The shovel | | | | Adams explains. "In lamps, mirrors and other |
| and broom keep your grate and hearth swept | | | | fixtures, all of the finishes are going to be |
| clear of ash and debris to maintain a safer | | | | iron, or different types of finishes." |
| firebox and build a better fire, and the | | | | |
| tongs can wrangle a burning log. | | | | Traditional Fireplace Tool Sets |
| | | | |
| Fireplace tool sets vary in size, so it's | | | | If you still love how firelight dances off |
| important to determine how you'll use them. | | | | the brass poker, don't fret. Today's |
| If you use your wood-burning fireplace | | | | manufacturing still produces top-notch brass |
| frequently, choose a fireplace tool set with | | | | finishes. Adams says shipping is faster than |
| a larger shovel and more durable bristles on | | | | ever today, and that a lot of companies are |
| the broom for better function. If you have a | | | | shipping from overseas-where high-quality |
| larger firebox, you may want a longer set of | | | | brass can be found. If you're looking for the |
| tools. If you have a gas fireplace, you may | | | | charm of brass, but want something that |
| decide on a smaller fireplace tool set just | | | | matches those modern fixtures Adams |
| for decoration. | | | | mentioned, an antique fireplace tool set will |
| | | | do. Burnished and less brilliant than brass, |
| Now that you've figured out what a fireplace | | | | an antique fireplace tool set's finish won't |
| tool set is, what you'll use it for and how | | | | compete with your technology-or other |
| often, it's time to decide how to choose a | | | | decorating aspects. Copper is another brass |
| style that fits your personality and | | | | alternative, providing a touch of Americana |
| lifestyle. | | | | guaranteed to fire up your longing for kettle |
| | | | corn, quilts and samplers. |
| Fireplace Tool Trends | | | | |
| | | | Choosing your fireplace tools for style and |
| According to John S. Adams, an Iowa-based | | | | purpose won't just ensure you'll get the |
| fireplace tool distributor, today's | | | | right fireplace tool set-it'll ensure your |
| homeowners want streamlined, modern style. | | | | fireplace tools set you apart from the pack. |
| "People want predominantly a four-tool set in | | | | Brick-Anew offers a complete line of |
| black, brushed steel or pewter," he says, | | | | fireplace tools in stunning finishes-both |
| adding customers are shying away from | | | | modern and traditional-that will compliment |
| traditional brass. "They've totally moved | | | | any décor and budget. Highlight your |
| away from polished brass. It's not found as | | | | fireplace tool set with fireplace accessories |
| much in your home décor. Look at your | | | | like fireplace screens, andirons, candelabras |
| cabinet hardware and all that stuff. Brass | | | | and firebacks made in coordinating finishes. |