Fireplace Jewelry

On another fall subject... the fireplace. It's almost time to start building those fires (or turning on the gas logs). Loyal reader Perry suggested that I write a post on andirons, which I thought was a great idea. We've talked a lot about decorative details such as lamp finials, picture frames, and hardware, so why not discuss andirons (or chenets or firedogs as the French and British call them)?

Many people have the traditional brass ball andirons, which are perfectly lovely. And I'm sure you've come across those cast iron owl andirons with the glass eyes that "glow"- available at just about every flea market in the country. However, there are so many other clever designs on the market that perhaps you may want to consider upgrading your andirons with ones that truly reflect the spirit of your room. Here are a few that caught my eye...


Hammered brass andirons, c. 1950, from Historical Materialism


These nickel and copper andirons are quintessential mid-century modern.


Rococo Revival brass andirons, French c. 1890, from Epoca


Glass spherical andirons from Wilshire Fireplace Shops


Louis XV style chenets, c. late 19thc., from Westland London

Image at top: Glam crystal andirons in the home of Delphine and Reed Krakoff; I believe these andirons were custom designed by Delphine.