Cue the Color

A crisp white setting is the perfect backdrop to citrus-inspired pops of color in this cheery living room designed by Maria Killam. She adds holiday sparkle with glam gilded wings and gold-foil trees while rustic touches like a faux-fur throw and bundled log coffee table lend a woodsy accent.

Classic Meets Mod

Mix trendy with traditional. Classic silver and gold ornaments and beaded garland complement a trendy monogram topper on this chic, simple tree.

Only Burn Dry, Cured Wood

That is, logs that have been split, stacked, and dried for eight to 12 months. Cover your log pile on top, but leave the sides open for air flow.

Hardwoods such as hickory, white oak, beech, sugar maple, and white ash burn longest, though dry firewood is more important than the species. Less dense woods like spruce or white pine burn well if sufficiently dry, but you’ll need to add more wood to your fire more often, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Burn Firewood and Only Firewood!

Crates, lumber, construction scraps, painted wood, or other treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising air quality. Log starters are fine for getting your wood fireplace going, but they burn very hot; generally only use one at a time.

Close the Damper When Not Using Your Wood Fireplace

This will prevent warm indoor air – and the dollars you’re spending to heat it – from rushing up the chimney.

Keep Bifold Glass Doors Open When Burning a Fire

This will allow heat to get into the room. On a factory-built, prefab wood fireplace with a circulating fan, keep doors closed to prevent unnecessary heat loss.

Have a Chimney Cap Installed

It will prevent objects, rain, and snow from falling into your chimney, and reduce downdrafts. Caps have side vents so smoke escapes. A chimney sweep usually provides and can install a stainless steel cap, which is better than a galvanized metal one because it won’t rust. Caps cost $50 to $200.