Sparking joy: the best fireside accessories

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I have recently restored my fireplace, and I’m looking for stylish and practical fireside accessories. Can you help?

I must begin this column by acknowledging that, yes, there are many concerns raised by open fires. Stoves and open fires can impact health and air pollution levels — an important consideration when you’re thinking of whether or not to keep your fireplace purely decorative. But, I also have to say: when in use they are glorious.

There are steps we can take to make open fires better for the environment, the community and our health. These include getting chimneys swept at least once a year by a professional chimney sweep, regularly cleaning out ash and burning the right fuels. In recent years, sales of the most polluting fuels — traditional house coal and wet wood — have been phased out in England in favour of cleaner alternatives, such as dry wood and manufactured solid fuels. These produce less smoke and pollution, as well as being cheaper and more efficient to burn.

I do love an old basket — they usually have much more charm than new ones

Now, to your question. Last week I noticed a photograph in the latest issue of Scenery magazine, which shows a particularly massive log basket at the foot of the back staircase of Houghton Hall, Norfolk. If I had the space for it, I’d go big, too: Arcadia Antiques is selling a lovely early 20th-century metal and wicker log basket on wheels for £695 that would see me right through winter, I’m sure.

Looking for something a little smaller? Mayfly Vintage stocks a good range of vintage baskets: I have my eye on a charming handmade wicker number (£225). It was once used to harvest grapes in Champagne; the markings on the side identify the grower and vineyard it belonged to. I do love an old basket — they usually have much more charm than new ones. That being said, I also like the idea of commissioning a log basket, allowing you to meet your home’s exact size requirements. The Willow Man is the brainchild of former Royal Ballet principal dancer Bruce Sansom, who began basket-making after taking a weaving course in Northumberland and now creates exquisite bespoke objects. Earlier this year I asked Bruce to make me a backpack based on a fishing creel — it’s now one of my favourite possessions.

Let’s talk about fireplace tools. I suggest researching local blacksmiths and buying hand-forged companion sets direct from a maker. I came across Old Wardour Forge earlier this year when visiting Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire. The forge takes commissions, but it’s also possible to buy direct from its website — the tools arrive at your door polished and beeswaxed. I like its fireside set, which includes a shovel, tongs, a brush and a rake. A choice of lengths and handles is available; my preference is for the elegant shepherd crook (prices start at £170). 

Fireplace safety is, of course, paramount, but that’s no reason to sacrifice style. As well as fireplaces and grates, London-based Jamb sells a range of fire guards. Its Chamber fire guard (£3,800 plus VAT), made from polished brass with a protective metal mesh, would make a handsome addition to a traditional fireplace. I’m also a fan of austere, mesh-only fire guards — see Annabel Astor’s fireplace at her bothy on the isle of Jura. A similar Victorian example is available via Hampshire’s Elmgarden for £695.

Fenders, far from simply being ornamental, can also be an interesting way to create additional seating. Beautiful antique versions can be found easily: Gloucestershire’s Lorfords currently has a 19th-century wrought-iron example with original paintwork and brown leather upholstery, priced at £2,250. But you may want to have a fender made bespoke.

Last but not least: matches. The smallest of fireplace accessories, they’re still some of the most pleasing. I like them long: Pentreath & Hall’s Long Luxury Matches (£9.50), with their geometric-patterned box and turquoise tips, suit me well. I also take particular delight in old matchboxes and matchbooks, and have a large collection. There’s a pleasure in seeing them on the mantelpiece — and the simple task of lighting a candle or fire is made that much more enjoyable when I strike a match against a particularly good box.

If you have a question for Luke about design and stylish living, email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @lukeedwardhall

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