Fire Proof Hearth Rugs, A Finishing Touch to Your Fireplace Decor

To some of us, the finishing touch of luxury to a fireplace, with a real log or coal fire, is the hearth rug. Stretching out in front of the fire after a long tiring day, especially after being out in the cold, is the stuff of winter dreams.

Even if you already have a carpet, buying a small rug that will go well in front of the hearth, and maybe contrast or complement the carpet, can be an attractive idea.

(For more information, to buy, and for more selections of rectangular, semi circular or semi circle hearth rugs, please click on any image.)

The size of hearth rug that will suit your needs will depend on a number of things. Firstly, the size of the hearth itself. If you want to feel as snug as a bug in a rug in front of the roaring fire, a rug about the width of the hearth would be fine. A bit bigger or smaller would suit fine as a hearth rug.

Secondly, you need to consider the positioning of your furniture. It is convenient to leave the rug in place at all times, so if you have chairs and settee that you like to move closer to the fire sometimes, then you want to be sure your castors do not regular ride up the edge of the rug and cause damage.

If you choose a semi circular, or half round rug, then actual size may need to be more accurate to make it look just right. A semi circle is a good shape for a hearth rug from a decor point of view, and contemporary designs come in a variety of materials and colors. The picture on the left presents a pure wool carpet. Please be sure your choice of rug meets local fire standards, which in the USA is the Federal Requirements of Part 1631 for surface flammability of small carpets. You want it to be fireproof for safety reasons.

(For more information, to buy, and for more selections of hearth rugs, please click on any image.)

When choosing your rug, also bear in mind color, given the higher than usual risk near the fireplace. A white deep pile Flokati rug may be wonderfully luxurious, but when you drop your first ash, embers or coal on your lovely new rug, you may be having regrets moments later. There is no need to take such risks, as the choice of rugs available for a hearth front are as varied as other area rugs. In fact, most small sized area rugs could fit your needs.