Fireplace Screens For Protection, Effectiveness, Well Being, Or Fashion

By Jeff Bridges

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

About the Author:

How To Choose Fireplace Screens That Will Compliment Your Home: Function And Design

By Jeff Bridges

If you are one of the fortunate with a fireplace in you home, you know how enjoyable it can be. Especially in cooler weather and around the holidays, nothing is more enjoyable than curling up next to a blazing fire in your own home. Fireplaces are no longer necessities, but luxurious and decorative. While they are a luxury, it is necessary to take some precautions to ensure that your home is protected from a potential fire. One of these necessary precautions are fireplace screens.

Have you ever been around a fire and noticed sudden "pops" caused by air pockets in the wood? Sometimes when this occurs, pieces of burning woods and ash are thrown from the fire. In your home, this could pose a great hazard, especially if you have carpets or other materials around your fireplace. This is why fireplace screens are important.

When choosing a fireplace screen, it is important to make sure you purchase the proper size. These screens come in various shapes and sizes. Measure the width and height of your fireplace and add 10 to 12 inches to the width and 3 to 5 inches to the height. This is the ideal size you should look for. This extra size allowance ensures that the screen can fold properly and will not tip over.

You will also need to choose whether a single or double paneled screen is best for your fireplace. The simplest fireplace will use a single panel; this screen can be easily placed in a straight line across the fireplace. Multi-paneled screens can be slightly more complicated, but they can also be more decorative. This option really depends on what type of person you are and whether you are more interested in simplicity and function or design and decor.

There are various designs of fireplace screens available. You will want to find a screen that fits into the general decorating scheme of your home and compliments it. Fireplaces are often the focal point of the room they are in, and a fireplace screen can be a nice addition to make it more attractive and draw the eye away from the darkness of the fireplace.

As far as design, this will also depend on the decor of your home and your personal style. There are traditional screens, which are more classic and simple. Antique screens are elegant and usually feature designs with scrolls and curves. Designer screens are for the more modern touch, and outdoor screens are usually black to go with almost any decor scheme.

There are many different colors and finished available in fireplace screens. The color you choose should compliment the dominant color of the room in which it will be placed. - 30198

About the Author:

Fireplace Screens: Keep The Fireplace More Efficient

By Jeff Bridges

Without modification, a fireplace can waste more heat than it produces. One cost effective way to modify your fireplace so that it can effectively heat your home it by adding glass fireplace screens. These screens can turn a inefficient fireplace into an effective heat source.

Glass screens serve the exactly same safety purpose as most other fireplace screens. The keep those popping red embers from jumping through the fireplace firebox and causing a fire in the home. However, in addition to these advantages, the glass screen has some advantages that are not found with other open screens.

Glass screens can also be used to control the air that enters into the burn chamber of the fireplace. This feature alone can make a load of wood last much longer and also keep more heat from escaping from the room.

The doors to she screen are made of clear fireproof glass so that you can get a better view of the fire than would be possible with a normal screen. The glass is better at keeping the embers contained in the fireplace than a screen. When you need to add wood to the fire, the doors conveniently fold out of the way to make loading easy.

A fireplace, even with the damper closed can allow heat to escape from the home in the winter and to enter the home during the summer. In addition, there is often a smoky smell that enters the home even when the fireplace is not in use. By using a glass fireplace screen, you prevent the smoky smell and any heat loss or gain through the chimney. The screen is much more effective at stopping the heat flow form the chimney than the standard metal damper.

When you have a fire burning in the evening with a traditional fireplace screen, the fire must be allowed to burn down before going to bed. With a glass fireplace screen, keep the doors closed and allot the fire to continue to warm the home as it dies down. The glass keeps the fire safely enclosed in the fireplace for the night.

By closing the damper on the fireplace screen at night, the flames will quickly die down, but the coals will continue to burn most if not all night. In the morning, you can add dry wood and open the damper back up and the flames will catch back up to warm your home for another day. This prevents the eight hours of heat loss up the average chimney as a fire is allowed to die out for the night. - 30198

About the Author:

Bedroom Furniture Direct From The Manufacturer Will Save You Money

By James Tolbert

Furnishing a home can be extremely expensive. This is especially true if you purchase furniture made from expensive woods. There is less expensive furniture on the market. This home decor is made with veneer. It allows for wood look without the decorated price. Unfortunately this wood can warp and only lasts a short tome. Your other option is purchasing bedroom furniture direct. I will explain how below.

There are numerous places that you can look for discounts some of the furniture retailers are; local furniture store, rental companies, and warehouses and the web.

Your local furniture companies and renal companies will often run clearance sales on older supplies, when they need to make room for the new furniture. They will often decrease discontinued or damaged items. Of course by paying cash for the bedroom furniture direct you can make better deals.

Warehouses are another place where you can buy bedroom furniture direct. Because they buy directly from the factory they can give larger discounts.

On line searches brings up thousands of furniture retailers. The advertisements will intrigue you, saying they will save you hundreds of dollars. They offer free shipping and promise deliver within a few days. Before purchasing there are a few questions to ask they are; Shipping prices and shipping time length. Sales tax, return policy, warranties, company history and feed back

Is your furniture going to be shipped to your home? Are they going to ship it to a warehouse closer to where you live?

Does the price include sales tax, or is that an additional sum? Are there any other charges that you will have to pay or is the quoted price the final amount? If they ship the wrong or damaged product can you return it? If so how long do you have to make the return? Will there be an additional fee?

Do the furniture retailers offer a warrantee? If so what does it cover and for how long? Is there an additional cost for the warrantee? How long has the furniture retailers been in business? What do other customers think about the company?

You can purchase bedroom furniture direct from numerous of places. One area is the web. Before you purchase any furniture you should first get the needed answers to the above questions. That will give you a peace of mind because you will know you are dealing with a reputable company and not a company that sells high priced junk. - 30198

About the Author:

Fireplace Screens - The Hazards And Why You Genuinely Need One

By Jeff Bridges

Nowadays fireplaces are built in many different shapes and sizes. To enhance our homes even more today, you can choose between wooden, electric, stone or bricks and mortar. No matter which one you have in your home, Fireplace Screens will not only enhance your room, but will offer much needed safety as well. They are also a very elegant addition to the traditional splendor of some of the most gracious homes.

It doesn't really matter what type of fireplace you have, it goes without saying that yours must have the proper screen to protect your furniture and fixtures from those pesky embers and sparks we get from fire. You can go for the ultra mod screen or the vintage look, the sky is the limit here, because they are so decorative these days.

If you are one of the lucky ones that owns a fireplace, then kudos to you. You must be the envy of many a friend on a cold winters night. Sitting in your favorite chair and listening as the wood crackles and bursts with the heat is wonderfully soothing, and to let your eyes dance with the flames has a certain hypnotic feel to it. But as you sit and watch your fire, you no doubt know that if can also be an extreme hazard if not controlled properly. By this we mean having a good screen to lessen the damage as those embers coming flying out.

You could spend hours choosing one as creativity is endless in this regard. Different materials like; copper, brass, glass or cast iron are used and combined with patterns and motifs, become magnificent pieces of art. Many designers would create their screens looking antique as if they just arrived from an ancient castle or villa.

Having said that, there a countless forms, shapes and sizes available to us which are decorated in wonderful art work and colors. We can also have screens customized to suit the fireplace's style and form. In stores today there are ones which fold up if you are not making a fire or those that stay in front of the fireplace and is used as an art piece to marvel at.

Before you purchase your screen you will however need to know some facts about your fireplace. The measurements that you take will the shop assistant in providing the best fitted screen for the open section of the fireplace. So no matter what your preference is, you will find the right one that not only suits your decor but also your personality.

Buying the right screen for your fireplace can help it esthetically, and keep the dirt contained. Some people choose to have multiple Fireplace Screens so they can change their decor with some screens for casual use, and others that come out on special occasions or holidays. - 30198

About the Author:

Bedroom Furniture Direct - Is It Worth It, And What Are The Risks?

By James Tolbert

Buying bedroom furniture can be expensive. This is especially true if you want your furniture made out of expensive woods. You can often find less expensive furniture made with veneer. By choosing this option you can have the wood look without spending your last penny. This type of furniture warps easy and usually lasts only a few years. There are ways to buy bedroom furniture direct. I will show you how.

There are numerous places that you can look for discounts some of the furniture retailers are; local furniture store, rental companies, and warehouses and the web.

Local furniture companies and rental companies have clearance sales on old stock when they are making room for the new. Discontinued or damaged items the price often decreases. Of course you will get bigger deals if you pay cash for the bedroom furniture direct.

Warehouses are another place where you can buy bedroom furniture direct. Because they buy directly from the factory they can give larger discounts.

The web search will show you thousands of on line furniture retailers. Their enticing advertisements claim huge savings free shipping receiving the merchandise within days after purchase. Before you purchase on line there are a few things that you should check they are; shipping prices and length of shipping time, sales tax, return policies, warranties company history and customer feed back.

A lot of furniture retailers will offer free shipping, but to where? Will it be to your door or to another warehouse closer to where you live?

Does the price include sales tax, or is that an additional sum? Are there any other charges that you will have to pay or is the quoted price the final amount? If they ship the wrong or damaged product can you return it? If so how long do you have to make the return? Will there be an additional fee?

Do the furniture retailers offer a warrantee? If so what does the warranty cover, and how long does it last? Can you purchase additional warrantee? How long has the furniture retailers been in business? What do old customers say about the company?

You can purchase bedroom furniture direct from numerous of places. One area is the web. Before you purchase any furniture you should first get the needed answers to the above questions. That will give you a peace of mind because you will know you are dealing with a reputable company and not a company that sells high priced junk. - 30198

About the Author:

Pine Bedroom Furniture Has Qualities That Make It Commendable For Most Dwellings

By James Tolbert

Europe first used pine bedroom furniture around the 17thcentury. It was made for people who couldn't afford other types of wood furniture. It became more popular during the 18th century. By the 19th century pine was chosen above the others. It was used for numerous of things. Pine has kept its popularity even in today's furniture. Purchasing pine or other types of woods can be rather costly. That is unless you know where to look at what furniture to buy. Let me explain.

Although the first pine bedroom furniture was made during the 17th century it wasn't until the 19th century that pine furniture was stained. This gave the furniture an additional appeal and increased its popularity.

Since staining was such a hit craftsman began painting the wood. In addition they added different designs. This increased its popularity more, especially in the well to do. Before long making pine furniture became a hobby and it gained its name of workman's wood.

Pine woods quality and durability can make it to expensive for some people. On the market you can find cheaper bedroom furniture made from veneer plywood. This will give you the pine look that you love without all of the expense.

If plywood veneer isn't an option there are several places to look they are local furniture store, rental companies, warehouses and on line. Local furniture stores often have clearance sales for discontinued items. They and the rental companies sometimes have damaged pine bedroom furniture that they will sell for less. If you offer to pay in cash your discounts will increase as well

You can find cheap bedroom furniture savings at warehouses and outlet stores. Their product comes directly from the factor, eliminating the middle man's price increase. You can find their ads in the newspaper and local TV.

Of course we can't forget the web. Web searches will produces thousands of companies from all around the world selling pine bedroom furniture. Their advertisements claim to offer you huge discounts and free shipping within days after s purchasing cheap bedroom furniture. While exploring the web check the online auctions.

Pine bedroom furniture first began in 17th century Europe, spreading throughout the world by the 19th century. Because of its reputation and durability it continues to be used today. Although pine furniture can be expensive there are places where you can find cheap bedroom furniture. Before purchasing from the web check company reputation, feed back and return policies. - 30198

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here