Star Andirons
Mid-20th Century American Federal Andirons
Brass
Antique 1840s American American Empire Andirons
Iron
Antique 18th Century French Gothic Andirons
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century Italian Andirons
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Andirons
Steel
Antique 19th Century American American Empire Fireplaces and Mantels
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Gothic Revival Table Lamps
Brass, Bronze
Antique 18th Century European Architectural Elements
Iron
Mid-20th Century Turkish Industrial Turkish Rugs
Wool
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels
Brass, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Wrought Iron
Antique 18th Century Dutch Louis XV Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Rattan
Antique 19th Century American More Furniture and Collectibles
Iron
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Mantel Clocks
Metal, Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique 1880s American Folk Art Painted Furniture
Brass, Iron, Tin
Antique 1870s American American Empire Andirons
Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Andirons
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century German Gothic Revival Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass, Iron
Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Vases
Pottery
Early 20th Century French Baroque Console Tables
Metal, Iron
Early 20th Century European Hat Racks and Stands
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Iron
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Andirons
Wrought Iron, Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1930s American Andirons
Aluminum
Vintage 1940s French Andirons
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Andirons
Early 20th Century American Andirons
Antique Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Andirons
Bronze, Iron
Antique 19th Century Andirons
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Antique 1840s American American Classical Andirons
Iron
Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Bronze
Antique 1760s English George III Andirons
Brass, Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplace Tools and Chimney...
Wrought Iron, Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplace Tools and Chimney...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century French Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Copper, Wrought Iron
Vintage 1980s French Andirons
Bronze
20th Century American Neoclassical Andirons
Wrought Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Federal Andirons
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century American American Empire Andirons
Iron
20th Century American Andirons
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Andirons
Vintage 1940s American Andirons
Bronze
Vintage 1940s American Andirons
Bronze, Iron
Early 20th Century American Restauration Andirons
Brass, 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.
Read More
This Lavish 18th-Century Chimneypiece Comes from a Historic Scottish Estate
The exceptionally crafted mantel was saved despite the home’s regrettable demise.
A Pair of Monumental Stone Tigers Protect and Guide Wandering Souls
The Qing dynasty beasts honored the dead and warned off malicious spirits.
Andrés Monnier’s Stone Tub Makes Bathing a Rite of Renewal
The dramatic piece transforms a daily scrub into an act of communion with the elements.
Meet the Siblings behind the Exquisite Outdoor Furniture of McKinnon and Harris
Anne and Will Massie apply the lessons of the past to create alfresco pieces as timeless as the traditions that inspire them.
35 Wondrous Outdoor Dining Spaces
Eating meals alfresco is one of the great pleasures of warm weather, and a beautifully appointed space only heightens the experience. Get inspired by these delectable dining areas as you think about creating your own outdoor oasis.
In These Chic Homes, Indoors and Outdoors Freely Mingle
Through potted plants, garden furniture, nature-inspired art and architectural apertures, designers are bringing the outside in.
24 Perfect Patios with Fire Pits and Fireplaces
In these stylish spaces, the outdoor season extends year round.
40 Spectacular Spaces Warmed by Fireplaces
As the days grow colder, the desire to gather around the fire grows stronger. Take a peek at these well-appointed rooms featuring extraordinary sculptural and historic fireplaces.