Spring is here and soon it will be warm enough that you won’t be using your fireplace for a while. Your home may not seem a cheery without a warm fire dancing in your fireplace, but it usually doesn’t make sense to have a fire in your fireplace during the summer. So, what other options do you have available to liven up your living area when you shut your fireplace down for the spring and summer?
Cleaning and Inspection
The first thing you should do when you have finished using your fireplace for the cold season is to get it cleaned and inspected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technician. A CSIA certified chimney technician, like the ones at Leonard and Son’s, can make sure that your chimney is clean, safe, and ready for use in the fall.
Decoration and Design
Once your chimney is nice and clean, you can integrate it into your summer design schemes.
Although this may seem difficult, with a little creativity, your fireplace can be enjoyed all year round.
If you are looking to keep the ambiance of a real fire, but don’t want the heat, try setting up scented candles inside your fireplace. Or, you can wrap logs in string lights and set them in your fireplace for a neat effect.
If you want a more outdoorsy feel, you could try filling your fireplace with houseplants. If your fireplace is located in an area that has low light, there are plants, such as philodendrons, that require little light. If your lighting is good, however, you can put potted plants or even a tiny herb garden in your fireplace.
Storage
If you’re looking for something more practical to do with your fireplace in the summer, try turning it into a storage area. Add shelves or drawers to your fireplace to increase the organization in your home. You could also use the area to store and dry out your logs. This way, you know you will have some fuel ready to go when cold weather comes.
If you have a fireplace mantle, your design options are greater. Just remember to try and match the fireplace design you choose with your mantle design. If you are looking for other ideas, there are many websites online that can give you some creative design ideas as well.
At Leonard and Son’s, we want you to enjoy your fireplace all year long. Remember, before you start your decorating, your fireplace needs to be cleaned. Spring is the perfect time for a cleaning and we can help! If you are ready to decorate, call us today at 847-658-7659 or schedule an appointment online with one of our expert chimney sweeps.
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