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.
Tool Sets
You may notice that vintage fireplace tool sets can be larger in scale than modern sets. The reason is because in the 18th and early 19th centuries when a fire was the only source of heating a home, a large fireplace was essential and these larger fires required large tools to maintain them. 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
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. These days we hold the burning logs in cast-iron grates. You'll still see andirons in antique shops. Add 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 drafts or shield an individual 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 onto 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 does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has teaches courses on antiques. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com
Oriental rugs can be purchased in a great variety of... Read More
California has always been a fertile spot for fresh ideas,... Read More
Candle holders are an essential accessory for candles. The first... Read More
There is a reason why many Hollywood actors keep their... Read More
Chairs crafted by Thomas Chippendale were dazzling examples of quality... Read More
The military designed the first HEPA filter in the 1940s... Read More
You may need to replace dishwasher parts from time to... Read More
Feng shui indicates some specific guidelines regarding children's spaces and... Read More
Are you STILL thinking about painting your walls with color?Many... Read More
Clocks can be of any type - they could be... Read More
Wooden bunk beds are a very popular type of bunk... Read More
Heart and Soul Designs - Changing your Home into a... Read More
The term "shiatsu" refers to a form of Asian massage.... Read More
This Italian lifestyle project, underlined by the aroma of espresso... Read More
Conservatories are such lovely and serene rooms that homeowners want... Read More
If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and... Read More
As cuckoo clocks have been around since 1730 and have... Read More
One of the easiest ways to accent and decorate your... Read More
The blades of a ceiling fan make all the difference.... Read More
These vibrant collectibles are as charming today as they were... Read More
Using a room divider or folding screen can be a... Read More
Soap scum. Stiff clothing. Clogged pipes. No matter what you... Read More
Many years ago I was told that the least expensive... Read More
Do you dream of adding style to your home but... Read More
So you've decided to hire an Interior Designer-good move! Now... Read More
Most people like you love to keep everything in its... Read More
There is something to be said about a space that... Read More
No conservatory is complete without beautiful conservatory furniture to relax... Read More
Now if your children are like mine they want to... Read More
Though wood blinds and shutters are the most popular window... Read More
Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a... Read More
Wood mini blinds are one variety of wood blinds for... Read More
Here in the Northeast, summer is almost here. With hot... Read More
Many people agree that flowers are one of the most... Read More
As you begin your search for a futon you should... Read More
Did you know that you can usually tell the country... Read More
With the array of choices we have for softening hard... Read More
Candle holders are an essential accessory for candles. The first... Read More
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a... Read More
The importance of following feng shui decorating guidelines.Feng shui decorating... Read More
Massage therapists are in high demand. Consumers recognize the physical... Read More
One of the easiest ways to add a romantic or... Read More
Giving you home an instant makeover can be as simple... Read More
The great thing about looking for a retailer or manufacturer... Read More
Adjustable beds are no doubt very expensive. But the benefits... Read More
If you're not sure where to start or how best... Read More
Redesigning your home for summer gives you the opportunity to... Read More
Tired of waking every morning with a stripe of blinding... Read More
Tribal or nomadic rugs are produced by nomadic and semi-nomadic... Read More
Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops;... Read More
Making a quick set of curtains and a valance is... Read More
In these days of deadlines and time limits, shower enclosures... Read More
There is nothing more attractive and cheerful than a room... Read More
There is a reason why many Hollywood actors keep their... Read More
Feng Shui (say "fung shway") associates the kitchen with both... Read More
If you want to make your bedroom look rich and... Read More
Dale Tiffany Inc. has set out to bring the "Touch... Read More
Wood-pellet stoves were invented in the 1980's and have gained... Read More
Need An Easy Bathroom Curtain Idea?I've always had a hard... Read More
Adjustable airbeds are adjustable beds for which the firmness of... Read More
The bathroom may be the hardest room to decorate. Its... Read More
From their inception, fresh fruit baskets were exactly that ?... Read More
There is something to be said about a space that... Read More
These vibrant collectibles are as charming today as they were... Read More
Deciding what colors to use when decorating your house can... Read More
Bamboo, a grass once conjuring up images of Pandas and... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |