Go Vintage When Decorating Your Hearth

With the weather cooling, it's time to put on the fireplace. Curling up near a cozy fire is a wonderful winter pastime but you'll need the right tools to tend your fire. Vintage fireplace accessories can add just the right atmosphere to your décor. Here's what you'll need to keep your fire aglow.

Fireplace Tool Sets.

In the 18th and early 19th centuries when a fire was the only source of heating a home, a large fireplace was essential. You may notice that vintage fireplace tool sets can be larger in scale than modern sets. The reason is simple - larger fires required large tools to maintain it. Tool sets for the fire ? a shovel, poker, brush and pair of tongs were usually made of brass, bronze or wrought iron. Bronze tools are more valuable than brass or wrought iron. Look for fireplace tool sets to match the décor of your home. Ornate Victorian tools suit more traditional homes. More modern decor lends itself to the simple linear tools reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts period.

Andirons or Fire-dogs.

Andirons are iron supports used to rest burning logs in the fireplace. They were utilitarian and not particularly decorative. However, in the 18th century the French fancied up their andirons with ornate figures such as dogs, lions, fish, mythological creatures or people. These were dubbed fire-dogs. Today, the terms andirons and firedogs are used interchangeably. Now, we hold the burning logs in cast-iron grates. You'll still see andirons in antique shops. Use them to add a striking panache to your hearth.

Fenders.

A fender is three-sided rectangular shaped metal piece that keeps sparks from jumping onto carpets and flooring. They could be very ornamental at times.

Decorative Screens.

There were several styles and purposes for screens ? to combat draughts or shield from heat. Some were used to hide the fireplace in summer months. These were called cheval screens. They could be decorative and were made from mahogany, rosewood or satinwood with needlepoint, tapestry or embroidery details. Some were made with unwanted fabric or leather. A pole screen was used when the fire was lit. It was small, light and portable with an adjustable panel that could be square, oval or shield-shaped. It was used to protect the face when you were near the fire ? either sitting to be warmed or stoking the fire. Pole and cheval screens are hard to find these days because as central heating became available, screens were often discarded. If you do a cheval screen, you can still use it to hide the fireplace during the warmer months. Mesh screens came along later and served the same purpose as fenders. They held the popping embers in. Look for older mesh screens. They'll have two small rectangular notches at the base that were to allow for the andirons.

Value.

A matching set consisting of a fireplace tool set, fender and andirons is more valuable than a mismatched set. It's hard to find a complete fireplace set because over the years the sets were often broken up. If you have one, hang on to it.

Good News.

There are lots of vintage fireplace tools out there. Since they were made of brass, bronze or wrought iron, many have survived over the years. You'll often find vintage fireplace tool sets more affordable than new sets. Plus, vintage sets will have that great patina that newer sets cannot duplicate.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

---

Save Money & Time... Plan Home Decorating Projects

Why is planning home decorating projects important? Let's start by... Read More

Soothing Symbols as Home Decor?

Did you know that our bodies can automatically react to... Read More

Wall Clocks Tell Time and Decorate!

Clocks can be of any type - they could be... Read More

Measuring Space - How Much Room Do You Really Need?

When planning your home décor, it is vitally important to... Read More

Add Summer To Your Home

Here's a decorating challenge just for fun in this hot... Read More

Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks

Known for its harsh winters, its many local artisans, and... Read More

How to Choose Kitchen Sink Faucets

Choosing appropriate faucets for your kitchen sink is as important... Read More

Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More

7 Tips to Care for Your Antique Furniture

During your spring cleaning, don't forget to think about your... Read More

Heirloom Decorating

I love to surround myself with things from the past.... Read More

Plantation Shutters Bring Antebellum Elegance To Modern Homes

Choosing plantation shutters for form or function? Plantation shutters offer... Read More

Finding a Bamboo Flooring Supplier

Bamboo, a type of grass that grows all over China... Read More

Use A Wallpaper Border For A Budget Backsplash

You can add some splash to your kitchen without spending... Read More

Posters as a Decorating Style

When I think of decorating a room with posters, I... Read More

Reasons to Consider a Professional Designer for Your Interior Decorating Project

When one is considering a new look for an existing... Read More

Home Decorating: Planning Lightning

When you are choosing a bathroom light fixtures or lightning... Read More

The Touch of Tiffany - Unsurpassed Quality and Excellence By Dale Tiffany Inc.

Dale Tiffany Inc. has set out to bring the "Touch... Read More

The Benefits of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Stainless steel has emerged as the most popular choice of... Read More

Add Beauty and Elegance to Your home with Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs can be purchased in a great variety of... Read More

Amish Furniture For the Home

Amish Furniture makes a home warm and welcoming. Hard woods,... Read More

How to Repair Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher isn't measuring up to the price you paid... Read More

A Kitchen Cart To Spruce Up Any Kitchen

Contrary to popular belief, the addition of a center island... Read More

The Benefits of Metal Wine Racks

The number of metal wine racks available may seem overwhelming,... Read More

Resourceful Redecorating - Budget Friendly Home Decorating

Spring is here and for many of us it's the... Read More

Varieties of Fabric Shower Curtains

If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive way to... Read More

The Benefits of Electric Adjustable Beds

Electric adjustable beds are adjustable beds that can be automatically... Read More

Let Your Wall Art Define You

Wall art can be defined by family portraits or historical... Read More

Blackout Blinds

Tired of waking every morning with a stripe of blinding... Read More

A Look at Faux Wood Blinds

For those who want the warmth of wood, but are... Read More

?Too Much Stuff? Syndrome or How Decorating and Organizing Can Help Your Sanity

This area of home life is different from others in... Read More

An Introduction to Roman Shades

Roman shades are a simple and practical window treatment to... Read More

Home Interior Decorating

Your house is something special. It's the place where you... Read More

Interior Decorating With Picture Frames

There are many ways to decorate the interior of your... Read More