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Fireplace Accessories
Firebacks
Decorative cast-iron panels designed to stand behind the fire, firebacks were once common in masonry fireplaces. They have become a lesser-known accessory in modern times -- but, in fact, these freestanding pieces are practical as well as decorative. They absorb heat and radiate it back into the room while protecting the firebrick from soot and wear.
Firebacks are suitable for both wood-burning and gas log masonry fireplaces. Although you may have the good fortune to find an antique one that's in good condition (worn or damaged firebacks could be dangerous), you can now find new versions in stores and through the Internet. You can also find three-panel reflectors suitable for use behind gas logs.
Grates and andirons
A fire grate supports the logs in your fireplace and allows air to circulate underneath for better combustion. Ordinary grates are simply iron grids on legs. But beautiful, decorative grates are available in reproduction period styles as well as cutting-edge contemporary designs.
Buy the heaviest, most solidly built grate you can find and it will serve you for many years. Some grates can be used with gas fires; consult your fireplace dealer about them.
A time-honored alternative to a basket- or grid-style fire grate is a set of andirons, sometimes called firedogs. These L-shaped metal supports cradle logs laid across their horizontal bars. Vertical supports -- usually highly decorative -- keep the logs from rolling out onto the hearth. Look for antique sets as well as new styles.
Fireplace tools
Purchased as separate pieces or as a matched set -- often with its own stand -- fireplace tools are essential to maintaining a well-burning wood fire. You'll need a poker for arranging burning logs and a pair of fireplace tongs for picking up pieces of wood. Also useful for cleaning out cold ashes from a spent fire are a long-handled shovel and brush.
You may choose tools that are handmade or mass-produced, of forged iron or solid brass, in a variety of finishes. You can even find antique tools, although some may look too beautiful to use! Buy the best you can afford, especially when it comes to tongs, which must be reliable. Consider buying a set of bellows, too; this simple, old-fashioned "tool" can wake up a dying fire with a few quick puffs of air.
Fenders
Also called "rails", fenders are essentially foot rests of brass, steel, or even wire, set on the hearth across the front of the firebox. In bygone days these were ubiquitous; people used them instead of screens to keep logs from rolling onto the hearth, to keep crawling babies out of the fire, and to protect ladies' long skirts.
Fenders can be quite decorative and lend a certain distinguished air to your fireplace. You can still find antique examples, but new ones are also being made, including reproductions of antique originals.
Decorative cast-iron panels designed to stand behind the fire, firebacks were once common in masonry fireplaces. They have become a lesser-known accessory in modern times -- but, in fact, these freestanding pieces are practical as well as decorative. They absorb heat and radiate it back into the room while protecting the firebrick from soot and wear.
Firebacks are suitable for both wood-burning and gas log masonry fireplaces. Although you may have the good fortune to find an antique one that's in good condition (worn or damaged firebacks could be dangerous), you can now find new versions in stores and through the Internet. You can also find three-panel reflectors suitable for use behind gas logs.
Grates and andirons
A fire grate supports the logs in your fireplace and allows air to circulate underneath for better combustion. Ordinary grates are simply iron grids on legs. But beautiful, decorative grates are available in reproduction period styles as well as cutting-edge contemporary designs.
Buy the heaviest, most solidly built grate you can find and it will serve you for many years. Some grates can be used with gas fires; consult your fireplace dealer about them.
A time-honored alternative to a basket- or grid-style fire grate is a set of andirons, sometimes called firedogs. These L-shaped metal supports cradle logs laid across their horizontal bars. Vertical supports -- usually highly decorative -- keep the logs from rolling out onto the hearth. Look for antique sets as well as new styles.
Fireplace tools
Purchased as separate pieces or as a matched set -- often with its own stand -- fireplace tools are essential to maintaining a well-burning wood fire. You'll need a poker for arranging burning logs and a pair of fireplace tongs for picking up pieces of wood. Also useful for cleaning out cold ashes from a spent fire are a long-handled shovel and brush.
You may choose tools that are handmade or mass-produced, of forged iron or solid brass, in a variety of finishes. You can even find antique tools, although some may look too beautiful to use! Buy the best you can afford, especially when it comes to tongs, which must be reliable. Consider buying a set of bellows, too; this simple, old-fashioned "tool" can wake up a dying fire with a few quick puffs of air.
Fenders
Also called "rails", fenders are essentially foot rests of brass, steel, or even wire, set on the hearth across the front of the firebox. In bygone days these were ubiquitous; people used them instead of screens to keep logs from rolling onto the hearth, to keep crawling babies out of the fire, and to protect ladies' long skirts.
Fenders can be quite decorative and lend a certain distinguished air to your fireplace. You can still find antique examples, but new ones are also being made, including reproductions of antique originals.
