Fireplaces are the centerpiece in most homes where all the members gather automatically on winter or cool summer evenings. People opt for the ideal fireplace depending on their requirements. The choices are portable electric fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces where you can use gas fireplace inserts and wood fireplace inserts. Ventless gas fireplaces are all the rage today since they deliver almost 100% fuel efficiency and do not require a chimney. There are options of wall mount fireplaces and freestanding gas fireplaces or a ventless see through fireplace that is a décor enhancer. As far as portable patio fireplaces go, electric portable fireplaces can be a good option though you would have to carry them indoors during extreme cold weather. Chimneys and wood stoves can sometimes make good portable outdoor fireplaces if you need moderate heat on a cool summer night when you are out barbecue grilling on your outdoor cooking equipment or enjoying a cook off or cook out.

When fireplaces are embellished with the right kind of fireplace accessories, you can indeed be proud of your hearth. Some of the fireplace accessories that are popular are as follows:

Fireplace Andirons decorative vintage andirons, antique brass andirons and western fireplace andirons
Fireplace Bellows to keep your fire going strong with a choice of metal bellows and ornamental hearth bellows
Chimney cleaning brushes and rods are a must if you have a wood burning fireplace or wood stove. Chimney sweep brushes will prevent a fire hazard and keep your chimney flue clean from creosote
Chimney caps to protect your chimney from debris and dirt. These can be of different types, comprising of copper chimney caps, fireplace high wind chimney caps, tiered chimney caps and stainless steel chimney caps
Firestarters and matches to light your fireplace or bbq easily. You get magnesium firestarters, beeswax firestarters and fatwood firestarters. Stovebright fire starter gel and Rutland fire starters are popular firestarters for fireplaces.
Back plates to protect the wall of your fireplace from damage
Fenders charming brass and iron accessories to keep your children and pets safe from the vicinity of the firepalce
Fireplace Grates to hold your logs of wood. Choices are cast iron fireplace grates, brass fireplace grates and wrought iron fireplace grates.
Fireplace Screens to add to the décor of your fireplace while protecting the room from intense heat. You can choose from vintage iron screens and satin nickel screens, antique copper screens, bronze screens, black screens, brass screens, polished iron screens and other fireplace safety screens. Some well-known brands are Pilgrim screens, Woodfield screens and Minuteman screens.
Fireplace Tool sets containing shovels and ash rakes that look great when displayed while being functional. These decorative fireplace tools need not necessarily be used. Vintage fireplace tools are collectible, as are silver fireplace tools. You also get outdoor fireplace tools. Wrought iron fireplace tools are quite popular.
Log carriers, log holders and coal hods to store your wood and coal for easy access. These firewood log racks have wood holders and log rack covers to store firewood or grilling wood on the log rack brackets.
Cookware like ornamental steamers and kettles

Fireplace accessories are not just meant for the wood-burning fireplace. Used more as a design element, even if you have electric stoves or gas fireplaces, you can enhance the look of your fireplace with realistic looking gas logs. You can find a variety of gas fireplace logs in the form of ventless gas logs, propane gas logs firebox, gas log splitter, and vent free gas log sets for your gas log fireplace.

To keep your fireplace functioning smoothly and delivering optimum performance, it is important to be aware of fireplace maintenance and safety. Gas fireplace maintenance means the maintenance of vent free gas fireplace logs. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, wood burner gloves can protect your hands when you handle firewood. To ensure fireplace hearth safety, smoke alarms must be in working order. Chipped paint must be touched up with fireplace paints that are heat resistant. Keep cleaning supplies handy. Repair gaskets that seem warped or loose. For corner fireplaces, there are child safety fireplace corners and fireplace guards.

A fireplace with its accessories can increase the value of your property, especially when chosen carefully and maintained well.