Metal Fireplaces: From Olden Days to Now

Centuries ago, fireplaces were used with the sole purpose of heating the house and cooking. In those regions where winters were long and harsh, fireplaces were the best solution against the cold.

In time, however, people's view of fireplaces changed and new values were attached to them. The hearth began to symbolize the family, and the fireplace acquired connotations of coziness, safety, the warmth of a home. It later became a symbol of the old countryside traditions as well. These strong values applied to the fireplace have contributed to its endurance over time.

Today, many people are having fireplaces installed in their homes not because they have no alternative source of heating, but because they want to create an atmosphere that will match their idea of an idyllic time and place.

Fireplaces come in as many different forms and materials as you can imagine. In what follows, were going to take a look at metal fireplaces.

Features and Advantages

Metal can be used for the construction of any element of the fireplace. Cast iron, an influence of the Victorian period, is an excellent choice due to its durability. Metal is often the material chosen for the hearth and firebox as well as the mantel.

Metal can be designed in all kinds of fireplace styles, from classic to contemporary. Other metals, such as wrought brass, can be used for the fireplace mantel. Iron can be painted in any color that suits the fireplace and the room, while brass impresses with its discrete glistening. Nickel plating can be applied to the metallic elements, adding luster to them.

There are several advantages of metal over other materials. First of all, metal doesn't catch fire. Its true that wooden mantels are always treated with different substances so as to become fire-resistant in compliance with the safety requirements in effect, but the use of iron for this fireplace element is an even safer choice. As for stone, while no one can deny its impressive massiveness, it is nevertheless very difficult to work with due to its weight. Fireplace elements made of metal are much easier to install.

Metal Fireplace Accessories

Fireplace accessories are also often made of metal. Think, for instance, of the screen that protects the area around the fireplace against damage caused by flying sparks and embers. Whether made of cast iron, wrought iron or brass, the fireplace screen is a beautiful decorative element in the room. Other fireplace accessories made of metal include the log rack, the fireplace grate, and tools such as the poker, tongs and shovel.

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