Fireplace adds warmth to your home in more that one way. On a chilly night you can build a fire, real or electric, and it will definitely make your night special. Let your fireplace add interest and sophistication to your home by creating a unique mantel decor. So how do you exactly decorate your mantel without breaking the bank?

1. Mirrors. Traditionally a large gold framed mirror makes your fireplace a center piece. But it can be expensive besides it could be very difficult to install. So what can you do to add the sparkle without spending a fortune? You can add more than one mirror. Make a collage of mirrors of different sizes and forms, or just the opposite place three mirrors in a row or make a square out of four mirrors of the same size. You can even mix the mirrors and the pictures for more interest.

2. Candlesticks. Candles add a very nice touch to any decor. Traditionally candlesticks and candelabras were used to decorate mantels of the fireplaces in different cultures and styles. You could place two candle holders symmetrically and if you happened to have multiple candle holders of different sizes and shapes – arrange them on one side of the mantel and it will instantly add more interest, You can use your single crystal and glass candle holders, yes the ones that are left without a pair after you broke it.

3. Plants. Two or three topiary’s placed on you mantel will make a beautiful decor statement

4. Art gallery. Display your favorite art, a large painting or a few various sizes prints, it will allow you to show off your taste in art and will certainly decorate your room

5. Museum. Display some artifacts that you acquired over the years, your favorite flee market finds, treasures inherited from your grandmother or souvenirs brought from memorable vacations.

The first thing about a home has always been the need to be warm. So, what are the options in today’s high-tech world to warm your home? Fireplaces, radiators, forced air, – there are so many options to help you stay warm this winter. This information is essential for you to know before you make your final choice or to make you reconsider your existing source of heat.
First of all, heating can be central, or come from one location via air ducts or pipes, another option is to use individual heaters to warm different rooms in your home.

1. Underfloor heating. Warm floors could be one essential element of a modern home and, at the same time, it is one of the oldest types of heating systems. It’s a luxury but if you take in consideration all the advantages and savings, it becomes a necessity. Even in warmer climates a warm floor in the kitchen or a bathroom ( especially a bathroom!) is a welcomed feature. Adding radiant heat floor to your home will make it more comfortable and might even save you some money in the long run. It’s also a healthier choice than forced air and by far more appealing as far as esthetics are concerned.

Read about radiant heat floors –  11 things you need to know to build it right.

2. Fireplaces probably started in the caves of our ancestors as they tried to keep the fire alive to keep themselves warm yet they still remain one of the most important elements of the home design. Truth be told, today’s fireplace serves more as esthetic element that a source of heat. You can find more information about different types of fireplaces here.

3. Geothermal Heating Systems – uses the air from below the earth surface to cool or heat your home. While the seasonal temperature varies from scorching heat in the summer to sub-zero cold in the winter — a few feet below the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature, ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 75°F (21°C). Geothermal and water-source heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings. They are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air like some of other sources of heat. Even though the initial cost to install such system may be significant in 5 to 10 years it will return because of the low operating cost.

4. Solar Heat – Solar central heating: The sun’s energy can be captured by homemade solar hot-air collectors and thermosiphoning panels to provide free heat. The units direct air warmed by the sun through a window or wall opening into the adjoining room.

5. Surpirse-surprise! Wood and Pellet Stoves still are considered to be one of the eco-friendly options to heat your home. Today’s EPA standards for new wood- and pellet-burning stoves ensure that neither the environment nor your home will be polluted. These new stoves use a catalytic combustor. This means that the gases produced by burning wood will not be vented, but will combust at a lower temperature, thereby allowing more heat to be produced with less energy. This method of combustion burns cleaner so there is less soot buildup.