Hearth Rugs
Hearth rugs are small, fire-resistant rugs used to protect the flooring in front of a fireplace. The word hearth refers traditionally to brick or stone fireplaces that were used for cooking and heating. Though the phrase "fireplace rugs" would seem more accurate these days, "hearth rugs" has remained the preferred term due to the hearth's treasured place in familial history. No better proof of this is available than the idiom "hearth and home," which equates the home fire with family, cooking, warmth, and comfort.
Historically, a hearth was so synonymous with family that a hearth tax was used in 17th century England. As the number of hearths was roughly equal to the size of a house, the hearth tax worked much like a property tax. In homes with dirt-packed floors, hearth rugs were unnecessary. But as carpeting became more commonplace, hearth rugs made from wool and other materials were required to guard against errant sparks.
Today, hearth rugs are made from a variety of materials, but nylon, wool, and fiberglass are the most common. Nylon hearth rugs are inexpensive and mostly decorative rather than protective. Because of the low cost, it's easy to change your hearth rug to match seasonal or holiday decor used in the room. Wool fireplace hearth rugs won't melt like synthetic materials; wool is a very strong and long-lasting fiber. But the utmost protection is provided by fiberglass hearth rugs. Fiberglass fireplace rugs won't burn or melt, and any black marks left by sparks can be washed out easily. You'll find over 300 hearth rugs listed below— something for every style and budget.
Historically, a hearth was so synonymous with family that a hearth tax was used in 17th century England. As the number of hearths was roughly equal to the size of a house, the hearth tax worked much like a property tax. In homes with dirt-packed floors, hearth rugs were unnecessary. But as carpeting became more commonplace, hearth rugs made from wool and other materials were required to guard against errant sparks.
Today, hearth rugs are made from a variety of materials, but nylon, wool, and fiberglass are the most common. Nylon hearth rugs are inexpensive and mostly decorative rather than protective. Because of the low cost, it's easy to change your hearth rug to match seasonal or holiday decor used in the room. Wool fireplace hearth rugs won't melt like synthetic materials; wool is a very strong and long-lasting fiber. But the utmost protection is provided by fiberglass hearth rugs. Fiberglass fireplace rugs won't burn or melt, and any black marks left by sparks can be washed out easily. You'll find over 300 hearth rugs listed below— something for every style and budget.
Thank you for visiting Fireplaces Mantels today, where you'll find a huge selection of fireplace mantels for every style and budget— from a wood fireplace mantel to stone and other materials. After you've selected a fireplace mantel, you'll also be able to shop for fireplace screens and fireplace tools and even decorative and protective hearth rugs to complete the decor and functionality of your room.
