How to Safely Decorate Around the Fireplace
The holiday season is the perfect time to decorate your home with warmth and cheer, and your fireplace is often the centerpiece of your festive décor. Whether you’re hanging stockings, adding festive garlands, or placing candles near the hearth, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first when decorating around your fireplace.
At Chimney Cleaning Columbia SC (CCCS), we want to help you enjoy a beautiful and safe holiday season. Here are some essential tips on how to decorate around your fireplace while keeping your home safe for you and your loved ones.
1. Keep Combustible Items Away from the Fire
One of the most important rules when decorating around a fireplace is to keep any combustible items—such as paper, fabric, or wood—at a safe distance from the fire. Mantels often serve as a great space for décor, but be mindful of how close candles, stockings, or other flammable items are to the flames. Ideally, all décor should be at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.
2. Choose Non-Flammable Décor
When decorating your mantel or the area around the fireplace, opt for non-flammable materials like ceramic, metal, or glass. These materials are much safer than items made from fabric, paper, or other easily combustible materials. If you do use things like stockings or garlands, make sure they are flame-retardant or non-flammable.
3. Hang Stockings Safely
Stockings are a classic holiday decoration, but they can pose a fire hazard if hung too close to the flames. Be sure to hang stockings on the mantel or nearby, but not directly over or too close to the fire. Consider using flame-retardant stocking holders to prevent them from falling near the flames or embers.
4. Avoid Using Real Candles Near the Fireplace
While real candles add a cozy, festive touch, they should never be placed too close to your fireplace or any other heat source. Instead, opt for battery-operated or LED candles, which mimic the warm glow of real candles without the fire risk. If you do use real candles, always keep them well away from the fireplace and never leave them unattended.
5. Secure Fireplace Screens or Glass Doors
A fireplace screen or glass doors can help prevent sparks or embers from escaping and causing a fire hazard. Before decorating around your fireplace, make sure the screen or glass doors are securely in place and in good condition. If you’re using a screen, ensure that it covers the entire opening of the fireplace.
6. Use Garland and Décor Wisely
Garlands, wreaths, and other seasonal décor can bring a festive look to your fireplace area. However, be sure that these decorations are hung securely and don’t interfere with airflow or the operation of your fireplace. Avoid draping garlands directly over the fireplace or mantel, as this could block the venting and create a safety hazard.
7. Keep Firewood Neatly Stored
If you store firewood near the fireplace, ensure it’s kept in a safe, organized manner. Piles of dry wood should be stored away from the heat of the fire, ideally in a metal or non-flammable container, such as a firewood rack. This will prevent any accidental sparks from igniting the wood pile.
8. Regularly Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney
Before decorating around your fireplace, make sure the chimney is clean and free of any creosote or debris that could pose a fire risk. A clogged chimney can prevent smoke from venting properly and lead to dangerous situations. At Chimney Cleaning Columbia SC, we offer professional chimney cleaning and inspection services to ensure your fireplace is safe to use throughout the holiday season.
9. Consider a Fireplace Surround or Mantel Shield
For added safety, consider installing a fireplace surround or mantel shield. These additions can help create a protective barrier between the flames and your decorations, providing an extra layer of safety. Be sure to use heat-resistant materials for any protective barriers you install.
10. Supervise the Fire
Finally, no matter how festive your decorations are, always supervise any fire burning in the fireplace. Never leave a fire unattended, especially if there are decorative items nearby. Once the fire has burned out, make sure the area is completely cool before leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep Your Home Safe with CCCS
At Chimney Cleaning Columbia SC, we’re here to help you enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season. From chimney inspections and cleaning to fire safety tips, our team is dedicated to keeping your fireplace in excellent condition. We proudly serve Columbia, Chapin, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and the surrounding areas.
Before you get your home ready for the holidays, make sure your fireplace is safe and ready for use. Call 803-977-4380 to schedule your chimney inspection or cleaning with CCCS today.
