A working fireplace is often a big selling point for a home, but many people who buy a home with one don't often realize that it requires a certain amount of upkeep. To keep your fireplace the inviting centerpiece of your home, you're going to need plenty of fireplace tools. Find out what tools you need and how to go about choosing the right ones.

Safety First for Fireplace Tools

A fireplace can be warm and inviting, but a fire can be extremely dangerous. Many tools you use for your fireplace will be going directly into the fire, so you need to make sure they are fire-resistant and safe for you to handle. Obviously, anything that does go into the fire should be made of a durable material, such as wrought iron. But if you don't like the look of wrought iron, there are plenty of other materials you can choose from that include brass, copper, bronze, nickel, graphite, stainless steel, pewter, and more. In addition, a good pair of fire-resistant gloves will prevent your hands from burning.

Fireplace Tools and Your Home Décor

Safety and functionality are key components to choosing the right fireplace tools for your fireplace, but these tools are also decorative pieces that add style to your fireplace and your home. As a result, you don't want to just choose the first set that you see. There are many different styles available, from traditional to contemporary, that can complement the current design of your home. Use your current home décor as a guide when you choose the look of your new fireplace accessories. If you're looking for something with an antique feel, don't buy the sleek stainless steel fireplace tool set. Wait until you find the set that works for you.

What Goes Inside the Fireplace

If the inside of your fireplace doesn't come fully equipped, there are some items you must have and some that aren't necessary, but add a nice touch.

Andirons and Grates

What exactly are andirons anyway? Andirons are usually made of cast iron and they sit inside the fireplace to hold up the wood. If you prefer to have a grate to hold the wood, the andirons hold up the grate. They also usually have decorative touches.

Heat and Protection with Firebacks

If you don't like the look of the black soot building up on the back wall of your fireplace, consider getting a fireback. Also made of cast iron, it will protect that back wall, but it also works as an additional heat source, radiating the heat of the fire into the room.

What Goes Outside the Fireplace

Anything outside of the fireplace is either functional or decorative or both. Here are the specifics on what you need and what will make your fireplace look pretty.

A Fireplace Tool Set

# You can buy the tools separately, but if you buy them as a set, you'll have a consistent look and the convenience of having everything in one place. A complete set will have most of the following: Stand – You'll need a place to store your tools. Look for a set that includes a stand or a set of hooks.

# Broom & Scoop – You'll need the scoop to remove the ashes from your fireplace and the broom to help you get the ashes in the scoop.

# Poker – No tool set is complete without a fire poker. This one will help you keep the fire burning longer.

# Tongs – A poker will help you move the chunks of wood around, but the tongs will help you remove those chunks after the fire is gone.

Fireplace Accessories to Make It Pretty

Last but not least, buy some accessories for your fireplace to make it even more beautiful. Fireplace screens are a great way to add a touch of style to your fireplace, while a hearth rug adds a little warmth.