Fireplace Spark Guards - A Matter Of Style

By: Chuck Gibson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Fireplaces of one kind or another have been central features in dwellings of every era, in every part of the world, and in every stratum of society -from peasantry to royalty. From the simplest pioneer stone hearth and chimney to the most elaborate marble Baroque-period mantel and surround, the styles of fireplaces - and wood stoves - reflect both artistic and economic concerns of diverse people and place throughout history. But regardless of time, style or geography - fireplaces pose a very real threat. Fireplace spark guards minimize that threat by protecting our families and homes by keeping fire in its place.

Start By Finding Your Fireplace Style

You'll probably want to base the style of your own fireplace on the architectural style of your home's interior. Whether you choose to carry out that style in every detail or simply to capture the essence of it through materials or motifs, you'll want it to be compatible.

Architectural styles - and the fireplaces that go along with them - can be defined in many ways, from specific historic 'periods' to broad categories like 'Old World' or simply 'traditional'. An 18th century Georgian fireplace with marble facing and classical motifs is an example of a particular period style. America's Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th to early 20th centuries was a reaction to the fussiness of the earlier Victorian period, and Craftsman fireplaces typically featured substantial wood mantels with built-in bookcases or benches on either side.

Old World or European style takes in various possibilities â€“ French country, Mediterranean, Spanish, and so on. Country-style Old World fireplaces are usually fashioned of stone or smooth plaster, often with tiled decoration and rustic wood mantels - designs that developed over centuries, shaped by available local materials and simple construction methods. In America, the distinctive kiva-style fireplace of the Southwest owes its rounded shape and native adobe material to Pueblo Indian tradition and technique, while its ceramic tile trim bespeaks a Spanish heritage as well.

'Traditional' style may conjure up images of an American Colonial brick fireplace with massive wood mantel and iron brackets for cooking, or a more formal Federal-style fireplace with symmetrically embellished mantel of polished wood. 'Lodge' style suggests a rough-hewn rock fireplace with massive chimney and wide raised hearth, while 'cottage'style may bring to mind anything from a simple wood mantel, painted white, to a wood stove of cherry red enamel. And a 'contemporary' fireplace or stove will probably be sleek and sophisticated, featuring materials such as steel, glass, and concrete.

Finding Help To Design Your Fireplace And Choose Your Fireplace Spark Guard

Professional help in designing and installing your fireplace may come from a contractor who specializes in fireplaces, your fireplace dealer, an architect, or some combination of these. You may work with stock plans and components, or have them custom-designed and custom-made. Your architect or fireplace dealer may also help you select and work with masonry and fireplace contractors. Be sure to get references before signing contracts with any of these professionals.

Before conducting business with your professional help, do your homework. Search on the Internet and look through magazines and catalogs to get an idea of what styles, materials, and components appeal to you. Before you meet, gather as much as you can in the way of room dimensions, house layout, and other pertinent information. This same information will be helpful for your interior designer when they help you pick the right fireplace spark guard to add the finishing touch on your room after the fireplace is finished.

Make sure the spark guard they choose is large enough to completely cover the entire opening of your fireplace on all sides and rests flush against the masonry of your fireplace.

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