Display Ideas for Cast Iron Stoves

Choosing a Space

• Choosing a display space for your cast iron stove depends on the room as well as your design needs. Although it might be tempting to make your stove the absolute focal point of the room, this may not always be the best option. Working stoves require proper venting and adequate distance from other potentially flammable objects such as upholstered furniture. If you are displaying a working cast iron stove, your display options will be limited to areas near to a chimney or other venting system. Displaying a nonworking, or purely decorative, stove provides you with many more options. In this case look for a spot that is free from other bulky furniture that might distract or camouflage your stove.

Country Styles

• You don't have to live on a farm to achieve a cozy, country look for your home. Displaying an antique or older looking cast iron stove can transform a kitchen or living room into a rustic respite. Evoke the feelings of an old-time American kitchen by surrounding your stove with decorative accents in a similar style. Put your stove near a pot rack that you stock with cast iron skillets or add a few pieces of earthen ware style pottery to the top of the stove when it is not in use. For a country living or family room, display the stove near a rustic metal bucket of wood. If your stove is completely decorative and you don't plan to use it for heating add a gingham or quilted throw over the top. Avoid this decor idea if you use the stove for heating or cooking.

Basic Displays

• Create a basic decor that falls in-between country and modern for a more simplistic way of displaying your cast iron stove. Stage your stove on a fresh looking tile, stone or brick flooring space. For example, create a rectangle shaped pad with neutral ceramic tiles that is at least two-feet longer than the stove on each side. Make the stove standout by painting the adjoining walls a warm, but light, color. This provides some contrast without creating an overly dramatic look. Keep accents to a bare minimum, only adding what is necessary to actually use the stove. Avoid decorative elements such as pottery, dishware or other accents. These will clutter your basic look and distract from a simple stove style.

Contmporary Styles

• Although cast iron stoves typically evoke an old-world feel, you can use them in a modern decor scheme. Create completely clean lines and remove all of the clutter from the stove area. Set the stove on a sleek dark or black toned stone floor for a crisp, contemporary stage. Add a splash of color for a dramatic effect by painting an accent wall behind the stove with a bold blue, ruby red or bright white. If you must have extra items nearby such as a fire poker or wood holder, choose solid silver or stainless steel metallic options to enhance the contemporary feel.