If you have a working fireplace, you may want to display fireplace tools decoratively beside it. These may or may not be tools that you actually use to tend your fireplace, as your options range from inexpensive and utilitarian to gorgeous antique replicas. Selecting fireplace tools that match your screen and andirons is a wonderful way to make your fireplace absolutely perfect and the most eye-catching part of the room.

Brass Fireplace Tools

For that reason, most of the sets that you will find are brass and/or black iron. Screens are typically brass with black or brass mesh, so matching accessories and tools usually use those colors and materials as well. Slight variations come when you choose solid lacquered brass or cast brass, depending on how much shine you want.

The tools most often included are a poker, tongs, a brush, and a shovel. If anything, you will be most likely to use the poker. If your logs are burning unevenly or if you're having a problem with sparks, you can adjust or turn the wood most easily with a poker. Tongs, however, are absolutely essential if you have children in your home, because they are the quick solution if anything inadvertently ends up in the fireplace that shouldn't be in there.

Many people find that it's more trouble than it's worth to use the brush that comes with a set of fireplace tools because it gets so dirty. When you want to sweep and clean your fireplace, you just resign yourself to getting on your hands and knees with a cheap plastic brush and pan that you can toss in the sink to wash. But if you want to display your fireplace tools, these are items are in most antique sets and consequently in the loveliest replica sets, as well.