Andirons

Andirons For Sale

Mid Century Cast Iron Figural Andirons Santa Claus by Virginia Metal Crafters

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous pair of cast iron Santa Claus andirons by Virginia Metalcrafters c1950. Excellent castings, very detailed with Santa having toys and presents ...

Category

1950s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Andirons

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Cast Iron Figural Andirons Santa Claus by Virginia Metal Crafters

$1,650 / set

Pair of American Cast & Wrought Iron Horse Andirons with Horseshoe Legs, C. 1850

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of American cast and wrought iron flanking reared horse andirons with decorative horseshoe back legs, Mid-19th century.

Category

1850s American American Empire Antique Andirons

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair of American Cast & Wrought Iron Horse Andirons with Horseshoe Legs, C. 1850

$5,800

Antique English Federal Brass Cannonball Fireplace Andirons With Patina - Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique English Federal Brass Cannonball Fireplace Andirons With Patina - a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 20" H x 11" W x 32" D.

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Federal Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique English Federal Brass Cannonball Fireplace Andirons With Patina - Pair

$850 / set

Mid 19th Century Cast Iron Figural Nude, Cherub and Lions Head Andirons

Located in San Francisco, CA

Mid 19th century cast iron figural nude, cherub and lions head andirons Outstanding cast iron andirons with 20th century log arms attached The ...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Andirons

Materials

Iron

Mid 19th Century Cast Iron Figural Nude, Cherub and Lions Head Andirons

$2,200 / set

Pair of French Bronze and Brass Mythological Figural Floral Chenets, Circa 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of French bronze and brass mythological figural scrolled floral and step back rocky plinth chenets with supporting iron backs, Early 19th century.

Category

1820s French Louis Philippe Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Iron

Pair of French Bronze and Brass Mythological Figural Floral Chenets, Circa 1820

$9,500

Monumental Pair of Forged Iron Spanish Revival Andirons

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Hand forged heavy gauge andirons with iron strapping and heraldic shields and battle axes. Generously sized at 18.5" wide, 23" deep and 27" high. Fine old p...

Category

1920s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Andirons

Materials

Steel

Monumental Pair of Forged Iron Spanish Revival Andirons

$2,995 / set

Pair of Italian Wrought Iron and Floral Andirons with Scroll Legs. Circa 1830

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of Italian wrought iron andirons with foliate petals, centered acanthus plinths, and terminating on hand chased scrolled legs. Early 19th Century

Category

1830s Italian Neoclassical Antique Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Italian Wrought Iron and Floral Andirons with Scroll Legs. Circa 1830

$9,000

Modernist Donald Deskey Andirons and Tools

By Donald Deskey, Bennett Co.

Located in Water Mill, NY

Iron and brass andirons and tools by Donald Deskey for Bennett.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Modernist Donald Deskey Andirons and Tools

$2,700 / set

Set of 4 English Georgian-Style Brass Fire Tools

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 4 English Georgian-style brass fire tools comprised of a brush, shovel, poker and tongs; each with brass spindle finials, supported by a curved hook brass rack anchored to a c...

Category

20th Century British Georgian Andirons

Materials

Brass

Set of 4 English Georgian-Style Brass Fire Tools

$1,200

Set of English Country Style Hunting Horn Finial Brass Fire Tools

Located in Queens, NY

SET of English Country-style brass fire tools including a brush, shovel, poker, and tongs, all topped with finials in the shape of hunting horns, held in a brass stand with a circula...

Category

19th Century British British Colonial Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass

Set of English Country Style Hunting Horn Finial Brass Fire Tools

$1,250

English Georgian Brass Fireplace Trivets

Located in Queens, NY

English Georgian-style (20th Century) brass fireplace trivets

Category

20th Century British Georgian Andirons

Materials

Brass

English Georgian Brass Fireplace Trivets

$360

Mid-Century American 4-Piece Twisted Design Wrought Bronze Fire Tool Set

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-Century American 4-piece wrought and hammered bronze fire tool set comprised of a poker, tongs, shovel and broom with shaped, twisted and textured design handles topped with a cu...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century American 4-Piece Twisted Design Wrought Bronze Fire Tool Set

$490

Pair of modernist wrought iron andirons, France, 1950's, mid century

Located in BELFORT, FR

Pair of Mid-Century Modern, wrought iron andirons in the style of Jean Royère.

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of modernist wrought iron andirons, France, 1950's, mid century

$1,673 / set

19th C. American Federal Brass Cannonball Andirons with Aged Patina - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

19th C. American Federal Brass Cannonball Andirons with Aged Patina - a Pair. Item features desirable aged patina to brass, large cannonball ...

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Federal Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass

19th C. American Federal Brass Cannonball Andirons with Aged Patina - a Pair

$750 / set

Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet and Desirable Patina- a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 11" W x 11" D.

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Empire Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet - a Pair

$1,400 / set

American Brass Rail and Pleasing Wire Work Fire Place Screen, Circa 1800

Located in Charleston, SC

American brass rail and pleasing wire work fire place screen, early 19th century.

Category

Early 1800s American American Colonial Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wire

American Brass Rail and Pleasing Wire Work Fire Place Screen, Circa 1800

$7,500

Fine Victorian English Brass Andirons Fire Dogs

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Circa 1890 England Quality fire dogs with subtle and elegant brass work showing their original patina and lustre with swirling finials.

Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass

Fine Victorian English Brass Andirons Fire Dogs

$1,160 Sale Price / set

20% Off

1950's Brass and glass andirons in the style of Jacques Adnet

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Bois-Colombes, FR

1950's Brass and glass balls andirons in the style of Jacques Adnet France One little chip in the bottom of one ball who doesn't affect anything

Category

1950s French Vintage Andirons

Materials

Brass

1950's Brass and glass andirons in the style of Jacques Adnet

$1,087

French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Chenets Andirons with Putti, Pair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine pair of French 19th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted figural chenets. The ornately decorated andirons, each with a figure of a resting Putto (Children) holding a tor...

Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Chenets Andirons with Putti, Pair

$6,450 Sale Price

48% Off

Large Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand Wrought Black Iron Andirons

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Large Aesthetic Movement Hand Wrought Black Iron Andirons 28” Tall By 22” deep and 16” wide. Each andiron is one piece. Great condition with just s...

Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand Wrought Black Iron Andirons

$1,325

French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Putti Children Chenet, Pair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine pair of French 19th-20th century Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze figural chenets. Each cast as two patinated figures of amorini (Putti) growing out of leafy volute vi...

Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze

French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Putti Children Chenet, Pair

$3,950 Sale Price / set

38% Off

English 19th Century Gilt Bronze Fireplace Fender Chenet with Greyhound Dogs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very fine English 19th century gilt bronze and steel figural fireplace fender - Chenet. The beautifully designed fender flanked on each end by resting greyhound dogs on a rectangul...

Category

19th Century English Empire Revival Antique Andirons

Materials

Steel, Bronze

English 19th Century Gilt Bronze Fireplace Fender Chenet with Greyhound Dogs

$5,850 Sale Price

38% Off

20th Century Sunflower Black Wrought Oversized Iron Hand Forged Andirons

Located in Essex, MA

20th century wrought iron hand forged black sunflower andirons with scrolled legs and hitching post loop in the middle these spectacular andirons measure. Tall. Lovely large size.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

20th Century Sunflower Black Wrought Oversized Iron Hand Forged Andirons

$1,900 / set

Pair of French Directoire Bronze Andirons

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of French Directoire-style bronze andirons with filigree connector (PRICED AS PAIR)

Category

20th Century French Directoire Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Directoire Bronze Andirons

$1,850 / set

Art Deco Fireplace Log Holder Andirons Dog 1920s

Located in Munich, DE

Wonderful set of two dog andirons in solid green painted iron. They were used in a film of Pedro Almodovar.

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Andirons

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Fireplace Log Holder Andirons Dog 1920s

$2,271 / set

Victorian Cast Iron Decorative Railing Panel

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A decorative Victorian era cast iron decorative railing panel by George Wright & Co, Rotherham (stamped). This is one of various similar pieces we have available for sale, each usabl...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Andirons

Materials

Metal, Iron

Victorian Cast Iron Decorative Railing Panel

$2,152

Large and Impressive Bull Wrought Iron Andirons, circa 1950, France.

By Edouard Schenck

Located in Brussels, BE

Large and impressive pair of bull andirons, circa 1950, France. Blackened wrought iron. Dimensions: 53 cm H, 60 cm D, 19 cm W. All purchases are covered by our Buyer Protection Guara...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large and Impressive Bull Wrought Iron Andirons, circa 1950, France.

$4,184 / set

Pair of Bradley and Hubbard American Country Wrought Iron Andirons

By Bradley & Hubbard

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of American Country (19th Century) wrought iron andirons with sunburst and face design (BRADLEY & HUBBARD) (PRICED AS Pair)

Category

19th Century American Rustic Antique Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Bradley and Hubbard American Country Wrought Iron Andirons

$4,250 / set

Pair of American Cast Iron Anchor Andirons

Located in Highland, IN

Striking pair of American cast iron anchor andirons connected by anchoring chain. Original log stops and dog legs. The rich patina speaks to their dec...

Category

Late 19th Century American Other Antique Andirons

Materials

Iron

Pair of American Cast Iron Anchor Andirons

$4,700

Pair of Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Andirons with Figural Horned Devils

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Pair of Gothic Revival wrought iron andirons with figural horned devils and fireplace tools.

Category

19th Century Gothic Revival Antique Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Andirons with Figural Horned Devils

$750 Sale Price / set

74% Off

Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV Style Cherub Gilt-Bronze Chenets Andirons

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very fine and charming pair of French 19th-20th century Louis XV style Belle Époque figural gilt-bronze chenets. The finely chased whimsical ormolu andirons, each surmounted with a...

Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV Style Cherub Gilt-Bronze Chenets Andirons

$12,895 Sale Price / set

31% Off

Modernist Art Glass and Brass Andirons with Log Holder circa 1970

Located in Chicago, IL

Modernist brass fireplace andirons with egg-shaped art glass sculptures, circa 1970. Includes optional iron log holder.

Category

1970s Modern Vintage Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Modernist Art Glass and Brass Andirons with Log Holder circa 1970

$3,800 / set

English Regency Brass Fire Fender with Artistic Wire Work Gallery, Circa 1815

Located in Charleston, SC

English Regency brass fire fender with artistic wire work gallery, original flanking tool holders, lower fluted banding with decorative shell & foliage motif, and resting on the orig...

Category

1810s English Regency Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

English Regency Brass Fire Fender with Artistic Wire Work Gallery, Circa 1815

$4,080 Sale Price

40% Off

American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Folding Fire Place Screen, Circa 1815

Located in Charleston, SC

American brass and artistic wire work folding fire place screen with a pleasing brass gallery and flanking ball finials. Early 19th century Each adjustable folding end on fire scree...

Category

1810s American American Empire Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wire

American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Folding Fire Place Screen, Circa 1815

$6,500

Ornate 19th Century Bronze Andirons

Located in Atlanta, GA

Ornate 19th century bronze andirons, probably Italian, circa late 19th century. They retain their wonderful original verdigris patina. They came to us without log holders attached on...

Category

19th Century Italian Regency Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Ornate 19th Century Bronze Andirons

$4,500 / set

Pair of Steel Cowboy Andirons

Located in Danville, CA

Cool pair of Cow head Andirons

Category

1950s American Vintage Andirons

Materials

Steel, Pewter

Pair of Steel Cowboy Andirons

$1,800 / set

Donald Deskey Bronze Blade Andirons

By Donald Deskey

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Modernist cast iron andirons featuring a bronzed blade. Donald Deskey for Bennett.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

Donald Deskey Bronze Blade Andirons

$3,400 / set

Pair of Massive Modernist Andirons Attributed to Donald Deskey, U.S A 1930.

By Donald Deskey

Located in Brussels, BE

Massive pair of stainless steel modernist andirons. Skyscrapers style- Art Deco period. Attributed to Donald Deskey, U.S.A. 1930.

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Andirons

Materials

Stainless Steel, Iron

Pair of Massive Modernist Andirons Attributed to Donald Deskey, U.S A 1930.

$1,912 Sale Price / set

20% Off

French Brass Serpentine Four Panel Decorative Foliage Fire Place Screen, C. 1830

Located in Charleston, SC

French Brass serpentine four panel folding fire place screen with decorative beaded foliage medallions, engraved ball finials, and flanking side handl...

Category

1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wire

French Brass Serpentine Four Panel Decorative Foliage Fire Place Screen, C. 1830

$7,000

Whimsical Pair of Brass Goose Andirons

Located in East Hampton, NY

Solid brass pair of goose andirons.... cast iron support dogs....

Category

Mid-20th Century Andirons

Materials

Brass

Whimsical Pair of Brass Goose Andirons

$2,300 / set

Pair of Adirondack Brass Duck Andirons

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of Rustic Adirondack-style brass duck form andirons mounted on wrought iron horseshoe shaped front shanks. (PRICED AS Pair)

Category

20th Century American Adirondack Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Adirondack Brass Duck Andirons

$1,600 / set

Limited Edition English Fire Dogs

By Gibilaro Designs

Located in London, GB

Limited Edition English cast-iron fire dogs. This handsome English early 18th-century design is part of a limited edition series reproduced by Gibilaro Design. The turned standards w...

Category

2010s English Georgian Andirons

Materials

Iron

Limited Edition English Fire Dogs

$2,186 / set

Mythological Horned Creatures, French Andirons

Located in North Miami, FL

These very rare andirons are from Art Deco period, mythological animals with horns in brass. Very heavy and well crafted.

Category

1950s French Art Deco Vintage Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mythological Horned Creatures, French Andirons

$6,400 / set

Antique French Renaissance Revival Large Figural Man and Woman Andirons - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Renaissance Revival Large Figural Man and Woman Andirons - a Pair. Item featured is a larger impressive size, stunning patina and casting, very rare antique andirons, ...

Category

19th Century Renaissance Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Renaissance Revival Large Figural Man and Woman Andirons - a Pair

$6,500

Pair Antique French 19th Century Bronze Figural Andirons

Located in New York, NY

An impressive pair of Antique French 19th Century Bronze Figural Andirons. Dolphin fish at base hold up an urn with a women and man on top. Man and ...

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Pair Antique French 19th Century Bronze Figural Andirons

$2,525 / set

Pair of Gilt-Bronze Fire Place Figural Bronze Andirons depicting Pan and Nymph

Located in Tarzana, CA

A pair of late 19th century gilt bronze fireplace figural bronze andirons designed by Ernest coxhead. Depicting Pan & Nymph, circa 1890 Measur...

Category

19th Century European Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Pair of Gilt-Bronze Fire Place Figural Bronze Andirons depicting Pan and Nymph

$8,750 / set

Donald Deskey Andirons in Brass and Iron

By Donald Deskey

Located in Kansas City, MO

Donald Deskey Andirons. Heavy iron with Brass fronts. Very good condition and may have been restored at some point in time. Few if any signs of use.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Andirons

Materials

Brass, Iron

Donald Deskey Andirons in Brass and Iron

$2,450

Arrow Form Mid Century Modern Arts and Crafts Andirons

Located in New York, NY

Pair of solid iron andirons of arrow form, with original rust surface. Both are structurally sound and sturdy, free of damage or repairs. Executed in the Brutalist, Arts and Crafts s...

Category

1950s American Brutalist Vintage Andirons

Materials

Iron

Arrow Form Mid Century Modern Arts and Crafts Andirons

$900 / set

Art Deco Andirons with Horse Heads, 1940s

Located in Greding, DE

Set of iron andirons featuring stylized horse head finials.

Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Andirons

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Andirons with Horse Heads, 1940s

$1,912 / set

Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Andirons

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of French Louis XVI-style (19/20th Century) gilt bronze andirons with a lyre centered between two acorn finials (with a double iron shank) (PRICED AS Pair)

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Andirons

Materials

Gold Leaf, Bronze, Iron

Pair of Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Andirons

$2,750 / set

American Wrought Iron and Brass Nursery Wire Fender, Circa 1810

Located in Charleston, SC

American wrought iron and brass rail top nursery wire fender with connecting swags and interior iron pan, Early 19th century. Pan can be removed if desired...

Category

1810s American American Colonial Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

American Wrought Iron and Brass Nursery Wire Fender, Circa 1810

$5,700

19th Century Five-Piece Edwardian Cast Brass Fireplace Tools Set

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Five-Piece Edwardian Cast Brass Fireplace Tools Set. The set made of heavy cast brass and iron Matching pair of andirons and...

Category

19th Century American Edwardian Antique Andirons

Materials

Brass

19th Century Five-Piece Edwardian Cast Brass Fireplace Tools Set

$1,995 / set

19th Century Victorian Cast Iron Decorative Railing Panel

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A decorative 19th century cast iron decorative railing panel by George Wright & Co, Rotherham (stamped). This is one of various similar pieces we have available for sale, each usabl...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Andirons

Materials

Metal, Iron

19th Century Victorian Cast Iron Decorative Railing Panel

$1,564

Bronze Andirons, France, 19th Century

Located in Belmont, MA

Very decorative Rococo style bronze andirons. Dating back to the 19th century, the pair of andirons comes from France. They are embellished with two putti and curved rocaille and oak...

Category

1860s French Rococo Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Andirons, France, 19th Century

$2,500 / set

Elegant Art Deco Chrome Andirons 1930s

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant Art Deco Neoclassical Style Chrome or Nickel Andirons, American, circa 1930s.

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Andirons

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Iron

Elegant Art Deco Chrome Andirons 1930s

$850 / set

French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Fire Fender

Located in Queens, NY

French Louis XV-style (19th Century) gilt bronze chenets & fire fender with scrolling foliate detail (chenets: 16¬º"w x 6"d x 16¬æ"h)

Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Fire Fender

$4,900

Pair of American Brass & Onyx Flame Finial Andirons with Acanthus Feet, C. 1850

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of American brass and onyx andirons with flanking flame finial Urns, Corinthian capitals, centered bulbous onyx columns, squared floral plinths, matching flame finial log stops,...

Category

1850s American American Empire Antique Andirons

Materials

Onyx, Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of American Brass & Onyx Flame Finial Andirons with Acanthus Feet, C. 1850

$12,800 / set

Fine French Bronze Fireplace Ormolu Fire Place Screen Flower Garland Roccoco

Located in Roslyn, NY

A wonderful French bronze fireplace ormolu fire place screen with flowers & garland in the manner of rococo.

Category

20th Century European Rococo Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Fine French Bronze Fireplace Ormolu Fire Place Screen Flower Garland Roccoco

$2,650

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Onyx, Ormolu and Wrought Iron andirons

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. Onyx, Ormolu and Wrought Iron andirons. Each stunning andiron is raised by two front scrolled Ormolu legs with t...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Andirons

Materials

Wrought Iron, Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Onyx, Ormolu and Wrought Iron andirons

$15,180

Pair of Louis XVI Bronze Cupid Andirons

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of French Louis XVI-style (19th Century) bronze dore flame top andirons with winged cupid. (PRICED AS Pair)

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Louis XVI Bronze Cupid Andirons

$12,000 / set

Antique and Vintage Andirons

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.