What is a club fender?

A club fender is a hearth guard built with integrated upholstered leather seats on the ends. It provided a traditional seating area close to the warmth of the fire. These pieces combined metal frames of brass or oak with padded leather tops, making them a functional piece of fireside furniture.

How do I measure for a fire curb?

Measure the width and depth of your fireplace hearth to ensure the metal curb sits correctly outside the opening. Adjustable fenders offer flexibility if your dimensions fall between standard sizes. Check the internal and external measurements carefully before selecting a rigid nineteenth century frame.

Are these curbs adjustable in length?

Many period examples feature sliding mechanisms that allow the frame to extend to fit different hearth widths. These extending models were popular in the nineteenth century for domestic versatility. Fixed length curbs require exact matching to your fireplace surround dimensions.

What metals were used?

Makers utilised brass, cast iron, steel, copper, and bronze for hearth curbs. Pierced brass and beaten copper dominate the Victorian and Arts and Crafts selections. Iron and steel provided structural strength, while bronze and gilt brass offered ornamental surface finishes.