In addition to risking causing a fire, you could permanently lose this object to which you are undoubtedly very attached.
Installing a fireplace in your living room transforms the atmosphere of a room. The space immediately becomes warm, welcoming, and lends itself to all kinds of decorative ideas. We like to decorate it with candles, garlands or travel souvenirs. But be careful, certain common sense rules are essential, otherwise you risk endangering the lifespan of your objects, but also the safety of the house.
Fragile and flammable materials are the first to be banned. As interior design expert Chloe Barrow explains, “First of all, I would avoid plastic decorations. Sure, they may seem affordable, but too much plastic can devalue your fireplace.” Plastic has another weakness: it deforms and melts easily when exposed to heat. Simon Browne, product expert at Luxaflex, also recommends avoiding items that are too bulky: “As a general rule, I always advise not to place objects that are too large or too heavy on the chimney; this can be dangerous if they fall.”
Other common mistakes involve candles. If they reinforce the intimate atmosphere of a fire, their multiplication can quickly become risky. “Try not to add too many tall candles”warns Chloe Barrow, who advises varying the heights, but remaining measured. Safety remains the key word: Joanna Humphreys, fire and stove specialist at Direct Stoves, also stresses that it is best to avoid any flammable materials too close to chimneys without suitable precautions. Experts also point out that there are solutions to secure the space, such as firewalls, useful in homes with children or animals.
But beyond questions of safety and aesthetics, another point deserves particular attention. Decorators warn against a reflex that many adopt without thinking: placing family photos above the fireplace. The place seems ideal for showcasing them, but the heat generated irreparably damages the photos, especially the oldest ones, which are fragile to light and heat.
Even when protected by a frame, prints may warp or discolor. Over time, the effect is irreversible. Simon Browne reminds us: it is better to choose another location to preserve these memories.
