Warm up to the fire with hearth rugs

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Nothing says cozy quite as warmly as a fireplace with a deep-colored hearth rug sitting in front of it. A flickering fire, the faint tang of wood smoke and the family gathered around to enjoy the warmth are a page straight out of our heritage. There are some important safety considerations when using a fireplace, though, most of which are meant to keep sparks contained within the fireplace, or at least minimize the damage that they do when the natural snap and pop of a roaring fire sends sparks flying.

Your most important fireplace accessory is a screen to keep the flames inside where they belong. They can be ornate or simple, but they are vital. Just as important is the recommendation that there be at least 18 inches of non-flammable floor space between the fireplace and any rug, carpet or wood floor. If you have a lovely carpet, though, 18 inches may not give you the protection you need to prevent damage to the rug. A good way to add an extra layer of insulation and safety to your home is a hearth rug. Hearth rugs are made of a fireproof or fire resistant material. According to most fire prevention experts, the best material for a hearth rug is 100% wool, which is naturally flame retardant and resists igniting even without further treatment. Other material choices for a hearth rug include 100% cotton, which also resists igniting from sparks, though not to the same degree. Treated with a flame retardant chemical, though, a 100% cotton hearth rug provides safety in front of your fireplace. While both wool and cotton may scorch, the black marks or soot is most often easily brushed away, keeping the hearth rug looking fresh and new. Finally, Olefin (polypropylene) is flame resistant, but will generally melt where a spark hits it if the spark isn't removed quickly enough. They will provide protection for the carpet beneath, and resist igniting from sparks, but they'll also show some damage unless they've been specially treated.
 
A hearth rug should be the full width of the fireplace hearth. For best protection, it should be at least two feet wide, and be placed at the very edge of the hearth stones. With the variety of patterns and styles available, you'll have no trouble finding a hearth rug to coordinate with any decorating style or colors that you choose. The right hearth rug for your room can accent the room's decor as well as any other area or accent rug. Don't just be safe - be beautiful!

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