Fireplace Screens For Protection, Effectiveness, Well Being, And Fashion
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
There were two reasons to use a fireplace screen. One reason was that they would absorb heat from the fire in the fireplace and evenly distribute it within the room. Another reason was to provide safety. It would prevent children from coming too close to the fire and would also prevent embers and sparks from tumbling from the fireplace and onto the wooden floor which could start a disaster. During this time fireplaces were used constantly as a place to prepare dinner and to heat the room in winter.
Early fireplace screens could be made of wood, leather, and wicker. At some point in time someone got the idea to decorate them and make them look more fashionable. They would paint wooden and leather screens and eventually they started to be made out of metals with decorative features. Pretty soon fireplace screens became the focal point of the whole 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.
You can find more decorative screens as well that are not made from screening materials at all. There are metal ones that come in shapes of different objects. One popular type is the peacock with a centralized body of the bird and the feathers cascade from the top down on all sides being big enough to fit the mouth of the fire place. There is also a fan style that works the same way. Another decorative type is made from wood and is just a square that has been painted in beautiful colors with flowers, or peacocks, and other items. These were fashioned after those in Victorian Era when everything was decorated and garish.
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.
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.