What is a tapestry hearth guard?

A tapestry hearth guard is a standing screen designed to block radiant heat from an active fireplace. They combine wooden support frames with embroidered textile panels. Historically placed before the hearth, these pieces served both a practical temperature-control function and a decorative purpose in period reception rooms.

How do pole screens work?

Pole screens feature a vertical wooden shaft with a sliding textile panel mounted on a collar. Users adjust the height of the needlework to block heat precisely where needed. This movable design allows the panel to be positioned at eye level while seated near the fireplace.

What woods were used for frames?

Cabinetmakers employed dense hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, rosewood, and oak for stability near heat sources. Giltwood also appears on more formal Georgian pieces. These timbers were frequently carved, turned, or polished to match other domestic furniture of the era.

How should I place one at home?

These screens sit directly on the floor between seating arrangements and the fireplace opening. They function well in rooms with traditional hearths to soften direct radiant heat. Positioning them away from excessive moisture preserves both the wooden frame and the textile panel.