Unantiquated Andirons

Back when I had a real fireplace (rather than the faux one that I now have), I had the hardest time finding andirons, screens, and tools that didn't look old-fashioned. The andirons that crossed my path were usually of the brass variety and seemed fitting for Ben Franklin. Not that early American-ish andirons are not lovely; quite the contrary. They just seemed a little incongruous with my affinity for high gloss and mirror.

Unfortunately, I'm no longer in the market for andirons and such, but I did see some last week that would have been perfect in my old house. Available through Parc Monceau, they were vintage brass versions that had the elegant and regal shape of traditional andirons, but they had been replated in silver. How, um, cool is that? Silver toned fire tools and accessories would work well in a bedroom- if you're lucky enough to have a fireplace in your bedroom, that is- especially one decorated in cool, icy colors. Or, what if you had a dining room replete with silver Fromental or de Gournay wallpaper and a fireplace with a mirrored surround? The silver plated andirons would look, oh, okay, hot.

But, if brass is your thing- and I do love brass too- I've included a few examples that look modern. Let's just say that these aren't your grandmother's andirons.

All are available through Parc Monceau and Parc Monceau on 1st dibs.


The silvered finish adds some glamour to these traditional faceted andirons with claw feet.


How many of you grew up with andirons like these? They look quite different in silver, don't they?




Anchors away. I love the novelty of these mid-century brass andirons.



Not too brassy, and the Neoclassical lines are quite dignified. This pair is early 20th century.





And, if you can't make up your mind, how about a pair with both silver and gilt?



All images courtesy of Parc Monceau.