Fireplace andirons are horizontal bars used to support logs for burning in a fireplace. Sometimes called “fire dogs”, fireplace andirons are typically used in pairs with the purpose of promoting air circulation for faster burning. Andirons hold up firewood for air to pass around it, allowing for proper burning and minimizing smoke. They usually stand on short legs and connect with an upright guard that keeps logs in place as they burn and settle. Andirons were essential in homes for hundreds of years, as homes relied on fire for warmth and food preparation. Today, they are more of a decorative element. As described below, fireplace andirons come in many shapes, styles, and materials, and they can make a bold addition to any fireplace.
History of Andirons
Metal and ceramic andiron artifacts have been discovered dating back to the late Bronze Age in Europe (1300 to 800 BC). Some ancient fire dogs had groves for holding skewers used for cooking meat. The more recognizable versions of andirons date back to the sixteenth century AD. Early andirons were forged from wrought iron, and they were used as a rest for a roasting spit or had a cup-shaped top for heating porridge. Many andirons had uprights that branched into arms for holding stew pots. Prior to the thirteenth century fireplace andirons were plain, utilitarian, and made entirely of iron. During the Italian Renaissance, artistic metal workers began adding ornamentation to everyday household objects, resulting in andiron guards made of different materials and ornaments. Craftsmanship and skill for andiron development was at its height during the “Grand Century” of King Louis the XIV of France. Many andirons from that period are housed in museums and the grand palaces of Europe.
Modern Andirons
While today’s homes typically don’t have fireplaces for cooking, andirons can add to the aesthetics of the modern hearth. Modern andirons are made from many different materials, and are found in many different shapes and sizes. For the modern home, one may go with shiny, sleek, less ornate designs—designs with simple curves or angular lines. One may go with Art Deco designs that look like brass cones with gazing balls on the tops of them, or forged andirons that look like the New York skyline. It is important to note that the size of most fireplaces in modern homes make andirons more decorative than necessary; therefore, one could remove the andirons from the fireplace prior to starting a fire in order to keep them clean.
Materials
Fireplace andirons are made from a multitude of materials; essentially they can be made of any material that is sturdy enough to hold the wood and withstand high temperatures. One will find andirons made of iron, antique brass, polished brass, bronze, stone, stainless steel, or mixed media. Some fireplace andirons are made of recycled materials, such as old railroad track. The most common material remains iron, both wrought iron and cast iron. Wrought iron is metal that has been heated and then pounded with tools to give it the desired shape. Cast iron is metal that has been heated and then poured into a mold.
Andiron Designs
Simple andirons are bedposts– black iron posts on three-legged stands. Two of the legs form a flat front while the third sits behind them to keep the andiron upright. Design variations are limitless. The posts can have curves in them, and they could have balls or other types of ornamentation on them. Andirons can be quite ornate. They can have all sorts of scroll-work, curlicues, and filigree. They also come in other shapes besides posts, such as people, animals, or gargoyles.
Classical Andirons
Classical styles are bold in appearance and are influenced by the Greeks and Romans. Modern-day homeowners who seek to decorate in the classical style look for precision and detail, as well as balanced proportion and symmetry. Classical andirons can come in Greek and Roman styles, featuring classic columns, statuary, and ornamentation. Classical style andirons may feature ancient soldiers or bas relief lion heads, and they may be made of cast metal or stone.
Animal Andirons
Animal lovers can choose from many different styles featuring animals to add a bit of whimsy to the fireplace. Designs that feature dogs, cats, horses, owls, dolphins, and even dragons are common.
Rustic Andirons
Rustic designs are casual and comfortable, and designed to bring the outside in. For a more rustic look, choose simple iron styles without fancy ornamentation. A simple single rod or braided rods would look nice in a cabin or lodge. Depending upon the size of the fireplace, bedpost style may be the perfect accent for the rustic fireplace.
Andiron Pricing
Fireplace andiron pricing varies considerably. Because of their intended use they typically are rather expensive to make and ship. A basic set of andirons can cost less than one hundred dollars. More artistic styles can take longer to make, and they can cost several thousand dollars from specialty art shops or fireplace stores. Antique andirons from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century can be purchased from antique dealers, and they may cost anywhere between $1,500 to tens of thousands of dollars. Some historical andirons are priceless works of art that are housed in museums.
Fireplace andirons come in so many shapes and sizes from sleek, modern designs to heavy antiques—from one hundred dollars to tens of thousands. People looking for the shiny modern styles for the urban condo or rustic styles for the cabin in the woods will be able to find the right fireplace andirons to add just the right decorative touch to the hearth.