In the old days it was necessary to have some sort of fireplace screen in place. Old fireplaces would take up the area of a whole wall and rise to a height of 5 feet or more. It was not uncommon for small children or pets to wander into the fireplace and get burned. Fireplaces became smaller after a 1700's invention of Count Rumford that allowed them to be small but more efficient. This style is still used in some manner today. Fireplace screens were an invention of the th century that allows one to place it in front of one of these smaller fireboxes. They prevented ash and smoke from coming out of the fireplace and into the room
Fireplace screens were used for two reasons. The first was that they would soak up all the heat from the fire and distribute it evenly in the room. The second was the safety reason. Not only would it save children from going to close it would keep sparks and embers from falling out of the fireplace to the hearth and starting a fire. Back then the fireplace was the only place to cook and would heat a room or house.
Fireplace screens in their early times were constructed from leather or wood and sometime wicker. They were rather bland so someone decided to paint them or decorate them to make them look fancy. They painted murals on wood and leather ones and began to use metals to make them that were intricately carved. Suddenly the fireplace screen became the focal point of the room.
Fireplace screens today can prevent children and pets from getting in and keep sparks from coming out but they are mostly used to make the fireplace pretty since central heat came into fashion. Screens come in many different styles and in many different colors, shapes, and sizes that will look beautiful in the room.
Paneled folding screens that have anywhere from 3 to 5 panels are popular. They are placed in front of the mouth of the fireplace by propping the panels open. Finishes vary from wrought iron to silver or gold framed. A regular fireplace will only need a three panel screen and these are relatively cheap.
Single Screens can give better protection from sparks. They can be placed right up to the mouth of the fireplace and have to be removed in order to get to the fire. They are usually made from a black screen material and may have handles near the top and at each side to move it that are brass or another metal.
Decorative screens are very popular and are not made from screen material but other more decorative material. Metal screens come in a variety of shapes and depict animals or other objects. A frequently popular one is in the shape of a peacock with the body at the center and the feathers falling from the center to the floor. Another is a fan which looks similar to the peacock. You can also find squares of wood designed to fit over the edges of the fireplace and have murals of flowers or birds and other items painted in folk art style. They imitate the ones used during the Victorian Times when ornate was the fashion.
Still more modern screens include those that are actually installed in the fireplace and surround it. The screen itself can be pulled away somewhat like a curtain from the middle to each side in order to gain access to the fire. Others have glass panels that will swivel out from the center to gain access. These are probably the best kind to have if you want the protection factor covered. They will keep out pets and children and keep in embers and sparks but allow full and easy access to the fire when needed.
It is probably safe to say that every fireplace where a fire is set should be protected by some sort of fireplace screen. You can have them for protection of your family and pets or to just make a style statement in the room. - 30198
Fireplace screens were used for two reasons. The first was that they would soak up all the heat from the fire and distribute it evenly in the room. The second was the safety reason. Not only would it save children from going to close it would keep sparks and embers from falling out of the fireplace to the hearth and starting a fire. Back then the fireplace was the only place to cook and would heat a room or house.
Fireplace screens in their early times were constructed from leather or wood and sometime wicker. They were rather bland so someone decided to paint them or decorate them to make them look fancy. They painted murals on wood and leather ones and began to use metals to make them that were intricately carved. Suddenly the fireplace screen became the focal point of the room.
Fireplace screens today can prevent children and pets from getting in and keep sparks from coming out but they are mostly used to make the fireplace pretty since central heat came into fashion. Screens come in many different styles and in many different colors, shapes, and sizes that will look beautiful in the room.
Paneled folding screens that have anywhere from 3 to 5 panels are popular. They are placed in front of the mouth of the fireplace by propping the panels open. Finishes vary from wrought iron to silver or gold framed. A regular fireplace will only need a three panel screen and these are relatively cheap.
Single Screens can give better protection from sparks. They can be placed right up to the mouth of the fireplace and have to be removed in order to get to the fire. They are usually made from a black screen material and may have handles near the top and at each side to move it that are brass or another metal.
Decorative screens are very popular and are not made from screen material but other more decorative material. Metal screens come in a variety of shapes and depict animals or other objects. A frequently popular one is in the shape of a peacock with the body at the center and the feathers falling from the center to the floor. Another is a fan which looks similar to the peacock. You can also find squares of wood designed to fit over the edges of the fireplace and have murals of flowers or birds and other items painted in folk art style. They imitate the ones used during the Victorian Times when ornate was the fashion.
Still more modern screens include those that are actually installed in the fireplace and surround it. The screen itself can be pulled away somewhat like a curtain from the middle to each side in order to gain access to the fire. Others have glass panels that will swivel out from the center to gain access. These are probably the best kind to have if you want the protection factor covered. They will keep out pets and children and keep in embers and sparks but allow full and easy access to the fire when needed.
It is probably safe to say that every fireplace where a fire is set should be protected by some sort of fireplace screen. You can have them for protection of your family and pets or to just make a style statement in the room. - 30198
About the Author:
Jeff Bridges has always enjoyed the warmth received in front of the fire he currently runs a website where he sells fireplace screens. There they promote many differently styles, colors, and designs of fireplace screens.
