How did people use a pole screen?

Occupants placed them between their seating chairs and the fireplace to protect their faces from excessive heat and to prevent cosmetics from melting. The adjustable panel slid up and down the pole to find the exact height needed for comfort.

What is the difference between a pole screen and a cheval screen?

A pole screen uses a single vertical shaft with a sliding panel mounted on a tripod base. A cheval screen rests on two side pillars with a wider frame that stays at a fixed height.

Can these screens still be used near a working fireplace?

Historic timber and delicate textiles require careful placement to avoid damage from excessive heat or stray embers. Most modern homes use them as decorative room dividers or background pieces rather than active heat shields.