Fireplace Screens Providing Protection, Effectiveness, Well Being, Or Fashion
- Apr 22, 2010
- My Review, arts, design, family, Fireplace Accessories, Fireplace Screens, home, Home Decor, house, Interior, My Review, parenting, product, reviews
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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.
In the early days the screens were made of various materials like leather, wood and wicker. They were quite plain and eventually an idea was made to make them more decorative and stylish. Wooden and leather screens were painted like murals and soon screens were made of metals carved with delicate features. It was not long until fireplace screens were made into the main heart of the room.
Today fireplace screens can serve to keep embers in and children and pets out but they are mostly there for decorative purposes since most homes have heating systems and are not used as often. Today you can get fireplace screens in a variety of styles and colors, sizes and shapes that will enhance the look of your room.
You can get folding screens that usually come in 3, 4, or 5 panels. They can be propped open in front of the fire place opening. They come in a variety of finishes from wrought iron to gold or silver edged. A three panel is about the right size for most modern fireplaces and these a basic folding screen can be purchased inexpensively.
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.
Fire screens come in decorative styles and made from metals shaped as something interesting. There is a peacock type whose feathers fall from the central body to both sides to cover the opening of the fire place. A fan style is similar and made of brass. Some are made of wood and painted with beautiful murals or with flowers or animals and landscapes. These were taken from the Victorian Time with all their ornate features.
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 a good thing for all fireplaces to have some sort of firescreen in place just for safety’s sake. They will protect your family and pets and look nice in the process.
Jeff Bridges has always enjoyed a warm fire on a cold winter’s night he currently helps run a fireplace screens website, which promotes fireplace screens in all shapes and styles.