They Were Big In The '20s — Now It's The Thrift Store Find That Brings Vintage Glamour To A Fireplace

There are some inventions which are much less common today than they used to be. Fireplace screens, for example, are not needed in as many homes nowadays because of the widespread adoption of more modern heating systems and the environmental impact of burning wood. However, even if you don't use the fireplace you have, it may still be worth keeping an eye out for a vintage fireplace screen at your local thrift store or antique shop. They often come with heaps of charm, and are great for adding a historic touch to your space.

Vintage fireplace screens from the 1920s, in particular, are one of the fireplace accessories to always look for at the thrift store. This is because a leading art and design movement from the time was Art Deco, which involved beautifully symmetrical decoration utilizing geometric and floral shapes. So, quite a few fireplace screens which survive from the period feature those mesmerizing styles, which are great for adding elegant visual interest to modern day homes. In addition, many 1920s fireplace screens are made out of brass, a material which can usually be cleaned using simple ingredients until it has a sparkling, eye-catching sheen. One 1920s style can sometimes be found in antique malls or online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. It is a peacock-style screen, designed so that the feathers can be extended to either side to cover the fireplace or slid back into the middle when not in use. If you're interested in grabbing one of these peacock screens, or another 1920s one, let's take a look at how you can style it as glamorous home decor.

As mentioned, cleaning brass is a great way to make sure that it has that brilliant, like-new shine to it. So, before styling your 1920s fireplace screen, make sure to wipe it down using some water and a microfiber cloth to remove any surface-level dirt or grime. You can then either use special brass polish, or you could opt to grab some simple ketchup from your fridge instead. Yes, believe it or not, the acid in ketchup can be helpful for making tarnished brass look brand new. Simply spread the ketchup over the fireplace screen, let it sit for around an hour, then rinse it off using water and some gentle dish soap.

Once your 1920s screen is clean and dry, you can then begin styling! Many of the surviving fireplace screens from their era are wonderfully ornate, so it may be a good idea to place the screen in front of your fireplace without many other decorations around it to ensure that it remains the star of the show and doesn't look too busy. However, to maintain a sense of cohesion with the rest of the space, you could also consider pairing the screen with other brass details such as sconces, candlesticks, doorknobs, or cabinet hardware. Alternatively, you can look into how to mix metals in your home decor so that your new vintage brass piece works well with any steel, copper, or iron you may already have in the space.