Although it is well known that the Romans made use of rudimentary fireplace screens, it was not until the eighteenth century that decorative fireplace screens became an established item of fireplace furniture. From the basic country style wooden fireplace screens to the elaborate French fireplace screens they have developed using many designs, materials and applications.
Fireplace screens undoubtedly perform important practical tasks such as keeping sparks and falling burning logs at bay, protecting children, pets and that very expensive Persian hearth rug. Apparently some observers claim that glass fireplace screens aid the flow of air to the fire thus improving combustion and so the heat given off. There is no denying that fireplace screens do help radiate the heat into a room but given the immense range of fireplace screens now available on the market they can seriously be seen as a positive design statement.
Firstly let us deal with fireplace screens in their most ideal design position, that is in front of an empty, scorched fireplace. It is this application that best suits the use of such fireplace screens as hand painted black floral fireplace screens that are now widely available. Custom fireplace screens are usually found here employing materials that do not have to be heat resistant and although they can be expensive they do allow the broad minded designer to fully express themselves. Indeed it is in this area that fireplace drape screens have developed along with mesh fireplace screens.
It is when we come to fireplace screens protecting working fireplaces that the design issue becomes much more blurred. This is partly because fireplace screens come in such a wide variety of styles and prices. Traditionally and probably still the most popular are the wrought iron fireplace screens usually consisting of three panels hinged together so that they are able to move independently of each other. Two, four or more panelled models are also available to fit any hearth space. These fireplace screens are designed to stand forward of the fire with the opening of a panel allowing the fire to be tended, some now have small doors within the panels for this purpose. Recently, new materials such as brass and stainless steel have given these traditional fireplace screens a new modern feel.
The development of fire resistant glass in the late nineteenth century allowed the use of glass fireplace screens. Originally they were available in designs similar to wrought iron fireplace screens, that is a folding fireplace screen, but they soon developed into fitted fireplace screens that were flush with the front of the hearth. Once again doors were fitted to allow access to the fire and mesh vents to aid the flow of air and the ability of this close fitted glass to radiate heat was soon apparent.
However, what made these glass fireplace screens a design gem for any home was the application of stained glass. Stained glass fireplace screens are colourful, using hand crafted and hand soldered glass panels with a myriad of designs from flowers and animals to your favourite football or baseball team logo. Looking fine in front of a fireplace not in use or a lit one there are not many people who would not relish lounging in front of a pretty back-lit stained glass fireplace screen.
