Firescreens...Do We Still Need Them?
Recently I created an ideabook about cozy, hunt-themed rooms and I noticed many of those rooms contained beautiful fireplaces with lovely firescreens. The history of the firescreen is an interesting one, with its purpose changing over the last 200 years.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, firescreens of varying styles were used. When homes were heated by fireplaces alone, the purpose of the screen was to help shield those in the room from the intense heat radiating from the fire. Also, it helped to keep sparks and embers from flying into the room, which could have easily led to a fire.
The earliest firescreens (those created in the 18th century) were made of wood and were often decorated with pretty fabrics or needlework. They were never made of metal because metal would become much too hot.
By the 1860s, wood stoves were available for warming rooms, and firescreens began to be used for more decorative reasons. For this reason, some of the fire screens produced in the late 1800s were made of leaded and stained glass, which were quite beautiful when the fireplaces were lit. Today’s modern firescreens tend to serve this more decorative need, although they still offer protection from wayward embers.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, firescreens of varying styles were used. When homes were heated by fireplaces alone, the purpose of the screen was to help shield those in the room from the intense heat radiating from the fire. Also, it helped to keep sparks and embers from flying into the room, which could have easily led to a fire.
The earliest firescreens (those created in the 18th century) were made of wood and were often decorated with pretty fabrics or needlework. They were never made of metal because metal would become much too hot.
By the 1860s, wood stoves were available for warming rooms, and firescreens began to be used for more decorative reasons. For this reason, some of the fire screens produced in the late 1800s were made of leaded and stained glass, which were quite beautiful when the fireplaces were lit. Today’s modern firescreens tend to serve this more decorative need, although they still offer protection from wayward embers.
Today's firescreens vary greatly in design and style. Some are simply designed for protecting the room from flying embers.
A firescreen can be designed to blend in with the fireplace itself.
If you're contemplating a fireplace remodel as was done in this room, consider adding a gorgeous firescreen.
This one looks vintage. What a great look for this bedroom.
Here's a little better view...beautiful!
Oh, can you imagine how beautiful this stained-glass firescreen must be with a fire burning behind it?
This firescreen is the perfect size for the opening of the fireplace. The contrast it creates against the lighter surround and mantel creates a wonderful focal point.
This room was included in the ideabook about cozy hunt-themed rooms. The fireplace screen works beautifully with the other wildlife elements in the room. Its perfect fit makes me think it was designed for this fireplace.
This firescreen is just so pretty with the style of this fireplace. It doesn't look like it would offer a huge amount of protection from flying embers, but isn't it lovely? It reminds me of a peacock fanning out its tail feathers.
We may not use out fireplaces very much anymore for heating our homes, but a beautiful firescreen is never a bad idea, especially when so many gorgeous ones are available.
Do you use a firescreen in front of your fireplace? If so, is it more decorative than functional?
We may not use out fireplaces very much anymore for heating our homes, but a beautiful firescreen is never a bad idea, especially when so many gorgeous ones are available.
Do you use a firescreen in front of your fireplace? If so, is it more decorative than functional?