douglas58 the panels return into the hearth area about ten inches. We have had fires several times and they appear no worse for wear. no black, no damage, no marks at all. They are screwed into the fireplace framing of two by fours or two by twos that are underneath.
The sofa is a Baker Furniture’s Archetype Wood Banded Sofa (No. 6370-78). The style is similar to some of the styles found at www.bakerfurniture.com.
Hope that helps,
Synthesis Design