What is an adjustable fire screen?

An adjustable fire screen is a nineteenth or eighteenth-century furnishing designed to protect sitters from excessive hearth heat. It typically consists of a vertical pole holding a sliding panel that raises or lowers as needed. Craftsmen built these pieces from timbers like mahogany and rosewood, mounting them on stable tripod bases for use in period drawing rooms.

How do you adjust the height?

Most antique pole screens rely on a brass thumb screw or a friction mechanism concealed within the sliding frame. Turning the screw loosens the grip on the central wooden shaft, allowing the panel to slide freely. Once the desired height is reached, tightening the screw secures the panel in place to block the radiant heat from the fire.

Where were they placed in a room?

These screens stood directly between the fireplace and the seating area to shield delicate complexions from the direct glare of the flames. In cooler months, people positioned them close to armchairs or sofas. When not in use, the screens stood quietly against a parlour wall as decorative items displaying fine needlework or carved timber.

How do I date a pole screen?

Dating relies on the prevailing style of the timber base, the turning of the pole, and the framing of the screen. Georgian and Regency pieces often feature slender tripod supports, while later Victorian versions display heavier carved rosewood or walnut. Needlework panels and specific hardware types like brass thumbscrews also offer clear stylistic clues to the manufacturing decade.