How do I choose the right size?

Measure the width and depth of your hearth opening before selecting a fender or screen. Adjustable models offer flexibility for non-standard fireplace dimensions. Ensure that folding screens have sufficient span to cover the hearth opening safely when fully expanded.

Were these guards used daily?

Hearth accessories served both practical and decorative functions in nineteenth-century homes. Screens blocked intense summer drafts and unlit grates. Fenders prevented hot coals from rolling onto wooden floorboards while providing a neat boundary for the fireplace.

How do I clean brass guards?

Dust metal surfaces gently with a soft dry cloth to remove soot and surface grime. Avoid abrasive cleaners that strip historic patination. Preserving the aged surface texture maintains the character developed over centuries of domestic use.