Mid-Century Fireplace Tools

Mid-Century Modern

• Mid-century modern is the name given to designs created in the late 1930s through the mid-1960s, by author Cara Greenberg. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's design principle, the era saw influential work from Scandinavian and Brazilian architects and designers. Mid-century homes favored post and beam construction with open floor plans and large windows. Residences built in this era were call California Modern. A recent return to mid-century nostalgia has been spurred on by the popular TV series, Mad Men, and has increased interest and value for items of the era.

Noted Designers

• The Mid-Century Modernist era is not without its stars. Among those who are known to have designed fireplace tools that can now be purchased as antique or vintage items include George Nelson, Donald Deskey, Arne Jacobsen and Luther Conover.

Where to Find

• Mid-century furnishings have never gone out of style and its influences can still be seen in Scandinavian designs. Most large cities in the United States will have at least one or more Danish furnishing stores that offer the best opportunity to find reproductions or modern homages to the mid-century style. A variety of fireplace tools can also be found online, but be prepared to pay handsomely as several of these sites offer designer tools priced in the range of $1,200 to $1,800. The intrepid shopper will find far more competitive rates on Internet auction sites with prices that are far more reasonable. The trade-off with the used items is wear and tear.

Design

• Mid-century accessories vary in style and design, but tend to showcase two important features, simplicity and natural shapes. Fireplace accessories from the era -- such as fireplace tools, andirons and fireplace screens -- are heavily influenced by Danish Design, a minimalist movement that's considered an important part of the Mid-Century Modernist era. Fireplace tools can be expected to have long, tapered features. Polished wood handles of teak or walnut will often complement brass or cast iron tool ends. Brass is a popular choice for all-metal fireplace tools, which tend to feature sleek, almost futuristic designs.

Reproductions

• Authentic mid-century fireplace tools can be found in antique shops and on the Internet, but age and use has greatly reduced the selection. Several contemporary designers have taken to manufacturing affordable reproductions. Teak handles and long tapered profiles are considered the most authentic elements when seeking out reproductions.