What Exactly Is A Fireplace Andiron
Fireplace andirons go as far back to at least the 14th century and in some form date back to the iron ages. The function of andirons is to accommodate the circulation of air beneath the wood. This enables the fire to continue burning without being smothered by the weight of the wood. Andirons became more decorative in the 16th century as artists started to create beautiful items in order to use in the house. Today, andirons are popular more for their aesthetic value than function.
Purchased in pairs andirons are made of heat resistant metals such as iron. The face area of the andiron is the decorative emblem that faces outward from the fireplace. Connected to the face is a bar that extends into the fireplace and sits on one leg. The face was typically designed as an animal of some form and sits on two legs. Today you will discover andirons in numerous types of shapes and forms. The andirons sit opposite each other and the wood lies on the bars. There’s lots of traditional styles that some will call gothic. Today you will see contemporary versions intended to fit the decorum of modern fireplaces.
Finding the most appropriate andirons for you fireplace relies onthe type and style of the fireplace. You want the andirons to improve the decorum of your existing fireplace. If you have a modern contemporary fireplace, you will choose andirons that are a modern design. Andirons come in more shapes than one can imagine. You will discover many animal figures, decorative posts and simple designs.
The most popular andirons are made using iron, solid brass or both. The brass is polished to a satin finish and the designs are usually elaborate and detailed. Your choice ought to be based on the entire look that you are trying to create for the fireplace and the room. The simplest way to choose your andirons is to browse the many available styles to obtain ideas for decorating your fireplace. Upon having determined the style, you’ll then need to determine the size.
Andirons come in various sizes and a vey important aspect is the bar length. You will choose this based on the depth of your fireplace. The andirons must fit properly and secure within the fireplace. If they are too long, this will create a fire hazard.
Fireplace andirons are both a functional and decorative tool. Choosing andirons will depend on your individual taste and budget. You will discover basic andirons readily available for under $50 and you will find manyfor several hundred dollars. You will need to go through the wide variety of designs available before making a final decision.