Can I use these screens with a working fire?

Many of these pieces served as spark guards and tolerate active hearth use well. Solid brass and iron mesh variants safely contain embers during burning. Delicate gilt bronze screens with mirror glass or silk panels function better as decorative summer screens. Check the mesh integrity before exposing any guard to intense heat.

How do I measure for a fireplace fender?

Measure the width of your hearth opening precisely from side to side. Account for any baseboards or projecting bricks that might obstruct placement. Many period fenders offer extending mechanisms to adjust the fit. Ensure the inner dimensions match your fireplace hearth perimeter before selecting a piece.

What is the difference between a fender and a screen?

A fender sits flat on the floor around the hearth perimeter to keep logs and embers inside the fireplace boundary. It frames the hearth base. A screen stands upright to block radiant heat or hide the grate. Screens range from single rigid panels to multi-fold peacock fan designs.