Heat Wave

Courtney Mueller -- Casual Living, 3/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

The image of hearth brings several things to mind — home, comfort, warmth, memories. New products in the category range from decorative fire screens to functional tools, vented logs and grates. Highlighted on the following pages are innovations in the industry.

Afterglow fire bowls from Foremost Groups are fueled by paraffin lamp oil with a patent-pending Super-Wick design to offer a robust flame instantaneously.

The Canyon Wildfire Series of vented gas logs from Hargrove offers a combination of bark texture, peeled bark and charred paint to capture the rustic detail of a campground setting.

Made from cast aluminum, chimeneas from Oakland Living feature weave, hummingbird, frog, leaf or grape designs.

Coleman's copper fireplace measuring 33 inches with a steel frame and decorative powder-coated wrought iron finish features a removable screen that prevents flying embers while a log grate facilitates proper wood-burning airflow.

Steel grates from Landmann USA are available in standard, medium and heavy-duty grades and a variety of sizes with an ember retainer to keep wood embers in place for a hotter, more efficient fire.

Suitable for gas log fireplaces, the five-panel vaulted fire screen from Bago Luma is crafted of hand-forged iron with a selection of 12 finishes and customized sizing.

Joan Baker Designs' new collection of decorative hand-painted art glass screens have been designed to be interchangeable inside a bronze wrought iron frame.

Part of the European Gardens Collection from Red Carpet Studios, the lattice fireplace screen provides an antique, old-fashioned look to the hearth.

Part of the Manor Collection from Pacific Rim, a fire screen features an ornate shell-like pattern with scrollwork design, complemented by a matching tool set.