Pre Civil War Andirons
Antique 1850s American Andirons
Iron
Antique Early 19th Century American American Classical Andirons
Brass
People Also Browsed
Antique Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Beds and Bed Frames
Birdseye Maple
Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Historical Memorabilia
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories
Metal, Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Outsider and Self Taught Art
Stone, Rock Crystal
Antique Late 19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Decorative Baskets
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Victorian Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique 1840s American Andirons
Antique 1880s American Adirondack More Folk Art
Iron
Early 20th Century Abstract Sculptures
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century American American Colonial Trunks and Luggage
Pine
Antique 19th Century American American Colonial Andirons
Antique Late 19th Century North American Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Antique 1740s Prints
Paper
Antique 1880s American Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver, Copper
Antique 1860s American Aesthetic Movement Pedestals
Wood
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Antique 19th Century American Andirons
Iron
Finding the Right andirons for You
A set of antique or vintage andirons is a staple accessory, part of the fireplace tools you’ll want to collect for keeping a neat and elegant fireplace in your home.
Using andirons in a fireplace elevates the fire, ensuring more air can get to the logs thus keeping a fire burning longer. Andirons also encourage ventilation and may also prevent smoke from working its way into your living room or bedroom.
Think of these accessories as part of an upright metal support system to optimize your fire. Antique andirons are basically u-shaped brackets with a curved end that come in pairs and are largely quite simple in structure, but the design of this household necessity has improved over time. Outwardly decorative andirons have become available since their debut because one should never underestimate the style quotient of an attractive hearth.
Andirons, which earned the nickname “firedogs” given their similarity in form to a pair of upright canines, are believed to be the oldest fireplace furnishings. They have been used broadly since at least the late Iron Age. Before iron became the material of choice, stone andirons did a suitable job of balancing the logs in a fire and adding a sense of symmetry to the hearth. Fire baskets, like the combination of andirons and a grate, afforded an opportunity to layer logs in a fire rather than delicately stacking them on andirons.
Today, andirons can be found in bronze and brass, too, which contrast wonderfully with a mantel carved from dark marble, for example, and add dimension to what might otherwise be a subdued space. And while people aren’t cooking in the fireplace anymore, andirons’ spit hooks offered an opportunity to roast meat or rest the pokers that you typically would’ve kept fireside.
During the Renaissance, andirons became especially ornate and even figurative, taking on human forms as well as marine life such as dolphins. Art Deco–era andirons are particularly exquisite. While the accessories are frequently characterized by rich geometric angles and sculptural curves, attributes that we know of most Art Deco furniture, artisans of the period also looked to what was by then a long tradition of designing andirons in the shape of animals and reptiles.
Adding fashionable antique or vintage andirons will not only improve the quality of a fire but can also elevate your space as well as the fireside experience. Find modern andirons, Art Nouveau andirons and other varieties today on 1stDibs.
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