Video Didn't Kill the Fireplace Star

Even on a Flatscreen, Video Fireplaces Don't Compare

They've got to be kidding . . .

That was my first thought when a friend forwarded me this story from NPR about the new fireplace video, Living Fireplace: Volume 2. As a longtime fireplace enthusiast I know all about the fireplace video genre -- people have been filming hearth fires and selling them to the less fortunate since the arrival of Betamax, way back in 1975 -- but I've never known the celluloid crackler to get much in the way of respect, never mind critical attention. In fact, I always assumed half the sales of these babies could be tracked back to people in the fireplace industry, who like to give the videos and DVDs to each other as holiday gag gifts.

Of course, upon reading the NPR piece I realized, yes, they are kidding. The review of Living Fireplace: Volume 2 is meant as a joke, and a pretty doggone funny one at that. Here's my favorite paragraph:

The film begins -- languidly, serenely -- with an extreme close-up of a popping and crackling fire. Almost Lynchian in its dreamlike ambiance, the scene slowly unfolds. Blue flames lick the underside of the foreground birch log. Smoke swirls in soft focus at the edges of the flue. It's a devastating mise en scene, evoking the aching nostalgia of hearth and home, but with malevolent, stygian menace.

Kind of makes me want to buy one of these as a stocking stuffer for my hipster nephew, who's spending Christmas with us this year during his college break. He recently told me he how much he looks forward to his visits because I always have a good fire going, so I think he'd get a kick out of unwrapping a video imitation Christmas morning in front of the real deal. And just to make sure he doesn't feel cheated, maybe I could also put a some new fireplace tools from Brick-Anew under the tree. Eventually, the boy's going to have a real fireplace of his own, and there's no reason not to encourage him.

Home is where the hearth is, Lennox Fireplace Glass Doors

Hello again!

Today I am totally focused and trying to get my normal work done but wanted to give a little information about another beautiful fireplace that was another option for me while deciding on what I truly wanted for my house. Next up, Lennox Fireplace Glass Doors. Lennox is a company out of the great state of Tennessee, Nashville to be more specific. I am a transplanted southerner and love the south so as I researched more about this particular brand of fireplace door, they already got a plus one in my book.

I am trying to stay within a budget and so I like to look at the "economical end" door, the companies bestseller, then drool over the ones that have all the pomp and circumstance. Well, because my wallet only has dollar tree receipts and dust bunnies I will be providing you the information for what I truly found most interesting and features of the first one or two doors but encourage you to check out all that is available because you wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity to upgrade. Especially right now, your spring cleaning! Right? You are spring cleaning aren't you? Well, if your not, I hope that your at least thinking about it, that counts for something too. Well, instead of thinking about a new fireplace before the cold seasons come back, strike while the fire is hot (pun intended).

The Lennox EZ Fireplace Door made of black anodized aluminum and has tempered glass or clear. This is truly a gorgeous fireplace glass door and if you have this manufacturers fireplace already, all you need is to give the model number and if you don't have it just give a few measurements and this will be yours in no time. I really like this door, it has a good price and I recommend you contact my favorite friends at Brick Anew. Not only do they seem have incredible prices but most often they are better then being competitive when comparing to other sellers, they are the best. Note: Lennox and Superior Fireplace Doors have identical model numbers.

As long as you are checking this quality fireplace glass door, here are some other things that would blend nicely with your new decor.

Fireplace Tools 

Fireplace painting products

Mind That Fire!

You know, here at the Fireplace Decorating blogsite we tend to focus on remodeling and redecorating techniques, or on ways to get more enjoyment from the well-built fire, but sometimes we also need to step back and remember a few things about fireplace safety. With much of the nation suffering an exceptionally cold winter this year, a lot of people are turning to their fireplace for added heat. This can be a great idea, and if you’re smart about it, you can even shave a little expense off your monthly heating bill.

Unfortunately, people sometimes get careless around the hearth—burning improper materials, leaving a fire unattended or neglecting proper maintenance of the chimney and flue—and the results? Well, in some cases they can be catastrophic. In fact, every year around this time the news reports start coming in about home fires that started due to carelessness or just lack of basic fireplace safety information. This article from the Buffalo News does a great job of spelling out some of the potential hazards the fireplace enthusiast should be mindful of as fireplace season kicks into high gear.

Of course, none of this is meant to scare anybody. Or, we only want to scare you enough that you practice a little common sense when you build your next fire. If you use a little common sense and invest just a tiny bit in fireplace cleaning supplies and the proper fireplace tools, there’s every reason you should enjoy the rest of the winter with your feet by the fire and your mind at ease.