An entertainment center fireplace consists of an electric fireplace surrounded by a mantle that functions as an entertainment center. The mantles are usually integrated into shelves on each side, with or without cabinet doors. This space is great for DVDs, videogames, books and decorative pieces. Some mantles provide storage above the fireplace for DVD players, game consoles and other auxiliary devices. The top surface of the mantle is large enough to support a modern television and possibly a set of speakers depending on the size of the unit.

Entertainment center fireplaces are electric which allows for more versatility and a smaller profile than traditional fireplaces, which require bulky, fixed masonry. This means you can move and place it like you would any other entertainment center or shelving unit. Fireplaces and entertainment centers create similar room arrangements, so it’s convenient to combine them. With only one furniture piece, there’s no competition for seating orientation, extra floor space, wall space and an unobstructed view. Also, they are a great solution for people living in apartments or other smaller living spaces who may not otherwise be able to have both a fireplace and an entertainment center.

With a variety of styles, finding the right entertainment center fireplace is as easy as finding any other style of furniture. Wooden mantles are classically handsome, while black with glass surfaces creates a purely modern look. They’re not only good looking entertainment centers, they’re good looking fireplaces. Considering their physical convenience as well as their stylistic variety, entertainment center fireplaces meet the needs of the modern home.

You don’t have to renovate your entire kitchen or spend a small fortune to make it safe. It’s all about knowing the features you need and how much it will cost to install them. Some homes could do with simple handrails, but others may need major rearrangement or a change in flooring. In any case, these features not only make your kitchen a safer place—they also increase the value of your home in the future. Here are some simple things you can do to increase kitchen safety.

Use soft and padded surfaces

Since kitchens have to be waterproof and heatproof, surfaces tend to be hard and slippery, presenting their own set of problems. Every day, people bump into counters, fall on hard floors, and hurt themselves on stoves and countertops. Avoid this by padding the most commonly used surfaces with soft covers, such as rugs and foam. Rugs for kitchens are designed to cushion falls and absorb impact from falling objects.

Improve accessibility

Most of the items in your kitchen can be replaced with a safe version, from the flooring and counter to the little cabinet knobs. You don’t have to change everything, but a few adjustments can go a long way in improving kitchen safety. For example, moving the cabinet handles lower eliminates the need to reach up or stand on tiptoe, and moving heavy pots to the lower cabinets reduces the risk of dropping them.

For seniors, the first thing you should make accessible is the kitchen sink. The ideal height is a bit above waist level, which allows them to stand comfortably and see what they’re doing at the same time.  You may also want to get some ergonomic kitchen faucets, which can be operated at the push of a button. Look for ones that are angled properly to avoid spills and have precise temperature controls.

Make good use of space

Bumping into surfaces is the most common accident in home kitchens. While it doesn’t always injure, it can cause other problems—you can hit a slippery floor, fall on a sharp object, or knock over a pot of hot water. And even when it doesn’t cause accidents, it definitely slows you down and makes you less efficient. What you need is a kitchen layout that lets traffic flow smoothly without interfering with your workflow.

Make sure the three main areas—the stove, the fridge, and the sink—are placed close together so you can do everything within a small space. That way, people can come and go while you finish your work. The fridge in particular should be somewhere accessible, since it’s the one thing that everyone uses on a daily basis.

Open up

Perhaps the least obvious kitchen hazard is the lack of air circulation. With all the heat and smoke going around, it’s easy for your kitchen to get stuffy and uncomfortable. By opening up a few windows or simply freeing up some space, you can avoid this problem and work in a safer, more comfortable room. Make the window the focal point of the room, and get rid of bulky items that don’t really have any function.

Most kitchens are located at the back of the house, so it’s also a good idea to build a kitchen herb garden. Besides being a source of fresh ingredients, plants can filter the air inside your kitchen and provide better circulation. If you don’t have the space for a full garden, start with small potted herbs—you can put them on your kitchen window where they can double as decorative plants.

Get some safety extras

There’s no such thing as too much safety, so don’t hesitate to put in safety features wherever you see fit. If you work a lot but don’t have enough space, a pull-out table or board can help you get more things done. Some pull-outs can fit into a base cabinet, much like a drawer—except that they do double-duty as temporary worktops. If it’s a large worktop, look for one with a single leg to provide extra support while you work.

If you’re the forgetful type, there are also some useful kitchen accessories that can help you keep track of your tasks. Stoves and ovens now come fitted with timers, so you can set them to sound an alarm once the cooking time is over. That way, you don’t risk burning your food or overheating your equipment.

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