We wanted to help educate homeowners about the parts of their fireplace, both decorative and functional. The next time you need to replace or upgrade a particular part of your fireplace you’ll be able to appropriately name the piece and be able to make more educated decisions. Many thanks to the Buffalo Architectural Index for their excellent information!
Image Credit: Siemasko + Verbridge
Andiron: Also known as a Firedog. These metal pieces support the logs inside the fireplace.
Image Credit: Gelotte Hommas
Chimney Breast: the piece covering the flue that projects out into a room. Often made of stone or marble, sometimes carved.
Image Credit: Graciela Rutkowski
Dog Grate: A freestanding metal basket or holder that sits inside the fireplace opening. Designed to hold wood.
Entablature: This piece, which is usually found above the fireplace opening, includes the cornice (top), frieze (middle) and architrave (bottom). Often carved out of wood or stone and typically is found below the mantle.
Fender: A short and long piece of metal that sits on the hearth to protect the rug or floor from flying sparks.
Firescreen: The metal screen that sits in front of the fireplace opening to prevent sparks from flying onto the rug or flooring.
Hearth: The area on the floor just in front of the fireplace, usually made from bricks or stone.
Jamb: One of two vertical pieces that are found on either side of the fireplace opening. Similar to the pieces surrounding the sides of a window frame.
Image Credit: Siemasko + Verbridge
Mantle/Mantel: Refers to the framework around the fireplace, especially the piece above the entablature that protrudes out (mantelshelf, mantelpiece).
Image Credit: Schill Architecture
Overmantel: A decorative space above the mantle and on top of the chimney breast. Usually, a spot where a picture or mirror is displayed.
Slip: The tiles surrounding the fireplace opening that are inset into the fireplace surround.
Image Credit: CWB Architects
Summer Piece: A metal piece that fits over the fireplace opening. Used in the summer months or when the fireplace isn’t in use.
