In years past, a fireplace was used for both cooking and to provide heat for homes. Today, most homes have modern ways of cooking food and heating; however, fireplaces are still installed as a decorative appliance in many homes. Fireplaces need fireplace screens, irons and other accessories for safety and to accentuate the beauty of the fireplace.
Although fireplace screens can certainly add beauty to most fireplaces, they also have a practical purpose that they serve. It is not uncommon for firewood to give off sparks when burning. The fireplace screen serves as a spark arrestor to keep live sparks from landing on carpets or floors. Before using any fireplace, a screen should be put into place in front of the fire.
Traditionally fireplace screens are very simple and classic in design. They are usually clean and able to work with almost any decoration. Traditional screens are made of copper or brass. The could be made with one or more panels. They are available in several sizes.
Still other fireplace screens have an antique look. These screens work very will in Victorian style rooms which rely heavily on tapestries and other elegant items in design. Antique screens feature rounded designs that include swirls, scrolls and flowers. These screens are used primarily in formal homes and should be matched to the other fireplace tools and accessories.
There are also several designer screens that are available for fireplaces. These screens are very stylish and can be a part of an overall fireplace equipment set.
To measure for a fireplace screen, use a tape measure and write down both the height and width of the opening to your fireplace. Add approximately five inches to the height and twelve inches to the width of the fireplace. This will give you the ideal size for your fireplace screen.
The extra measurements give an allowance so that the fireplace screen is able to fold. This will prevent the danger of the screen tipping over, but will also allow it to still cover the opening of the fireplace.
While there are many fan shaped fireplace screens available, these screens are for decorative purposes only and should not be relied upon for spark arresting. They can allow sparks to escape from the firebox and damage nearby surfaces. When you have a fire burning, you should replace the fan shaped screen with a screen that offers fuller coverage.
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.
