How to decorate your fireplace in summer

The fireplace is the heart of the home, providing comfort, warmth and is the perfect place to socialise when the day draws to a close but what do we do with our fireplace in the summer? The last thing we want to do is turn it on, so how can we make the most of our fireplace when they’re not in use? This month, Enviro Flame will be exploring various different things you can do with your fireplace throughout those hotter months.

How to make the most of your fireplace this summer

Cleaning your fireplace
Since your fireplace won’t be turned on for a while, it’s time to give it a thorough clean, and thanks to the increased daylight hours, it’s likely you will feel more inclined to get this done. That said, you can always hire a professional who will be able to clean your fireplace and check that all is in full working order for you.

Should you wish to do it yourself, you can:

1. Clear out the ashes (ideally use a fireplace shovel and brush or a vacuum cleaner).
   
2. Put on a pair of marigolds and use a fireplace cleaning product to make sure that you don’t damage any metal or cause rusting, this will happen if you use water based products including polishes – but if it has a brick face you can also use a brick cleaning solution purchased from any DIY store.
3. Clean the fireplace glass with a specialist stove glass cleaner and wipe dry with a microfiber towel – this will remove any carbon deposits and streaks for a flawless finish.

Decorative logs
If you have a log burner, you could add a pop of colour to your fireplace by switching out those standard logs for colourful ones. Not sure what we mean? You can actually purchase ‘decorative logs’ – they come in a number of shapes, sizes and colours – so you can match your room’s furnishings to a T. Alternatively, if you have some spare paint, you could paint the ends of the logs yourself, but remember, you can’t burn them once they have been painted because burning paint expels toxic fumes. Decorative logs have the ability to spruce up any fireplace and a handy way to get rid of leftover paint tubs.

Decorative flowers
Make a stunning display on your mantelpiece or in the middle of your fire with fresh or fake flowers – nothing says summer more than a beautiful array of petals.

Decorative mirrors
Mirrors have always been praised by interior designers because they reflect light into darker spaces of the room, making it look bigger and not to mention – it looks stylish and classy. In the case of decorating your fireplace, one large framed mirror propped up in front of it would look modern and chic.

New storage
Ever considered that your fireplace might just be the optimal place for storage? Of course, this is only if you have a large fireplace, but if you do, you could store books here – it’s quirky but looks fabulous! Always remember that this isn’t a permanent space though, so be sure not to make the changes too elaborate because you will have to move bits when the winter comes.

Screens and dividers
Want to keep it simple? There are countless types of fireplace screens and dividers to choose from, so pick up a firm favourite that you’d be happy to use year on year and you’ll be pleased to cover up the fireplace when summer swings around.

Candles
If you miss the flames of the fire in the summer but really don’t want the extra heat, opt for statement candles! Candles will bring back the atmospheric glow, without the unnecessary heat and not to mention, scented candles would add a lovely, fresh aroma.

Fireplace gallery
It’s time to hang up that artwork or display family photos that you love so dearly, and what better way to decorate than to put them up at the very heart of the home. Your fireplace tends to draw the eye, so make the most of your favoured pictures in a place you’ll see them often. Either invest in a multi-picture frame and place them in front of your fire or above the fire and present them in a fun way.

If you’re looking for advice or a brand new fireplace, call on Enviro Flame – we have London’s largest selection of fireplaces. From domestic and commercial fires to garden and outdoor fires, we have something for everyone. Call today for your free estimate, we operate throughout a number of areas including: Chelsea, Dulwich, Kensington, Kingston Upon Thames, Merton, Pimlico, Wandsworth, Weybridge, Clapham and beyond.