Fireplace Accessories

Fireplace Screen And Fireplace History

Ancient dwellings had a fire pit dug in the ground.  The fire pit was in the center of the dwelling  and smoke escaped through holes in the roof.  It was a toss up of how smoke would escape and how much blew back into the dwelling.  Chimneys were invented much later and partially fixed this problem.

In 1678 Prince Rupert raised the grate of the fireplace which greatly inproved the airflow.  In the 1700’s Ben Franklin developed the convection chamber which made fireplaces and wood stoves much more efficient.  In the later 1700’s Count Rumford designed a firebox that greatly improved the efficiency of the fireplace.  His design made the opening of the firebox tall, which allowed for greater air flow, and shallow which reflects more heat out of the front.  The Rumford style firebox is still the most common used today.

Fireplace screens were created for two main reasons.  First,  they spread the heat out evenly through out the room.  Second, fireplace screens contain the burning embers and flying sparks, protecting the family and home.  Fireplace screens were also used to cover the the firebox in the summer months while not in use.

Early fireplace screens were made of several types of materials:  leather, paper mache, wood, and wicker.  These fireplace screens would have two end frames and the material would be secured to them.  Eventually, the fireplace screens would get decorated to become a focal point in the home.

Today, the fireplace screen still performs the same functions as they did in the early days.  Although fireplaces are not used as they once were,  the fireplace screen is still as important as ever to the fireplace user.  Fireplace screens still protect the family and home, spread heat evenly, and now make a beautiful focal point for any home.