How to create the perfect fireplace...

It's amazing what a mess Christmas can make of your fireplace!

Did your Christmas see a roaring fire blazing in your hearth? It's not just people that look a little worse for wear after the excesses of a wonderful Christmas have passed, your fireplace will have taken a battering too...and don't get us started on the mess Santa leaves sliding down the chimney!

But fear not! We are here with tidings of good news! Over the next couple of months, we'll be here sharing the best ways to get your fireplace and hearth looking its New Year best once again...

Let us start this month by making sure that your fire-making supplies are in place. These tools will be put through their paces over the year so please make sure you choose good quality tools fit for purpose.

We suggest you start off with a companion set; a cost-effective way of buying the bare essentials. Our Village Companion set comprises a brush, shovel, poker and tongs, complete with a matching stand, all robustly made from wrought iron in a satin black finish. 

We also have separates available, if you need replacements or additional tools, such as these log and coal tongs, made by fireside specialist Manor....

...or, if you are lacking in space for your accoutrements, may we suggest this baby fireside tidy set...

A fire-guard is an absolute must for containing any exuberant crackling or popping of fuel, as well as keeping out any curious little fingers. However, there's no need to sacrifice style for safety. Take a look at these two beauties to see what we mean.

One of the common complaints about fire-guards has been that they can be ugly so, we've tracked down a fire-guard specifically designed to enhance arched fireplaces. It nestles snugly against the opening, becoming a feature in its own right.

Our other recommendation is this fire-guard. With its stunning curves, and shapely handle, you may be tempted to think it is just a pretty face.... 

However, its fantastic quality means that its top and base is made from one smooth piece of metal which minimises scratching on softer hearth materials such as slate.

Finally, we come to the issue of fuel storage. For wood burners, we love the neutral tones of our rattan baskets for holding logs, alongside our Kindling Bucket for those smaller pieces.

And, for coal, we stock a range of coal hods.

Lastly, if you have not yet discovered the joys of your own fire, may we encourage you to try it out! A good way for a trial run, if you have a chimney breast, is our sturdy Manor cast iron fire basket.

Next month, we'll have a full tutorial on cleaning your fireplace, so that it can be the focal point it deserves.

Happy New Year!

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The Perfect Fireplace Part 2

Although still mild, the weather this week has been noticably cooler, which leads us nicely onto Part 2 of How To Create Your Perfect Fireplace.

This week is all about seeking out accessories that conjure up images of fireside country bliss, toasting crumpets and sizzling chestnuts. That's the look we love. 

At Relics, we pride ourselves on sourcing well-made, good quality items: ones that have character but also a strong air of originality. We've picked out just two of our fireside accessories to show you what we mean. 

If you'd like a closer look then pop in to the shop, or contact us for more details.

A companion set is essential for keeping your hearth in tip-top condition. Our sets (this is the smaller size of two) come with a poker, tongs, shovel and brush.

 Not only useful for keeping everything looking beautiful, companion sets are a great way of introducing character to a modern home.

 

Our chunky wicker baskets have been a huge hit with our customers. This is our favourite for holding kindling and a few logs. The wicker is strong and sturdy, and has a gorgeous, slightly greyed finish.

One of the queries we frequently get asked at Relics, is how to add character to featureless properties. Decorative touches that are textured and traditional, such as these, are an easy way of doing just that.

Next week, we'll be starting a detailed tutorial series about gilding. Impeccably timed to lead us into the Christmas season.

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