When Grayden made our new mantel for the living room we realized we needed to do something about the fireplace screen.
It is probably as old as our home of 44 years. It was the best we could afford at the time and has served us well. The brass on the front had begun to wear off. I know brass is not as popular as it was back then, but honestly I still have a lot of brass in our home. The pendulum is swinging back to its favor and and I'm glad. We have brass lamps and a lot of brass fixtures in our home. We're not ones to keep up with current trends.
It is probably as old as our home of 44 years. It was the best we could afford at the time and has served us well. The brass on the front had begun to wear off. I know brass is not as popular as it was back then, but honestly I still have a lot of brass in our home. The pendulum is swinging back to its favor and and I'm glad. We have brass lamps and a lot of brass fixtures in our home. We're not ones to keep up with current trends.
Grayden also cut the screen down so it fit the opening better. As you can see in the first photo, the screen is too tall. After he finished that I painted the screen black.
It took several coats of spray satin black paint to cover.
We left the brass on the feet and the andirons. I like the contrast.
Of course I had to wash the screen before I painted it---It's kind of shocking how dirty it was! I don't know about you, but I've never taken it outside to wash! Vacuuming it occasionally is all it got.
It took several coats of spray satin black paint to cover.
We left the brass on the feet and the andirons. I like the contrast.
Of course I had to wash the screen before I painted it---It's kind of shocking how dirty it was! I don't know about you, but I've never taken it outside to wash! Vacuuming it occasionally is all it got.
"Housework can kill you if done correctly."
Erma Bombeck
Little projects accomplished make me happy. How about you? Do you have any little projects brewing?
I can imagine the fireplace screen was filthy. And I'm sure mine is as well. I really like what you've done. Keeping the brass accents was just the thing to make it look elegant but updated. Love it. And yes I love little projects that aren't too hard but provide a sense of accomplishment!!
ReplyDeleteYes, burning a wood fireplace is dirty business. The water was black! ♥
DeleteThe screen looks great! I spent a recent Saturday scrubbing my front porch floor, woodwork, and furniture and laundering the couch cover and porch cushion. Then touched up painted the furniture. It felt good to accomplish something that badly needed to be done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy. I really didn't realize how badly that fireplace screen was until I tackled this project. I bet you will enjoy your porch even more after all of your work. ♥
DeleteThat was a big project in my book and it sure turned out beautifully. I still like brass and have quite a bit of it, too. My home is very eclectic. Graydon did a terrific job making it fit...couldn't be more perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhen we took a good look at this fireplace screen Grayden said he could fix the size. It only took us 44 years to do it! ♥
DeleteI was going to suggest painting it but I was not sure how well it would hold up over time. Glad you took my advice even though you did not know what my suggestion was going to be....haha
ReplyDeletePam, the finished job seems quite durable. If not, we will have to buy a new one, which is what we were trying to avoid. ♥
DeleteI am loving this post for several reasons!
ReplyDelete1) You both did a fabulous job sprucing up your fireplace screen. It looks great!
2) Painting our fireplace screen is one of the projects on my own summer list! And I am very happy to see how you did it. I followed a link on Pinterest and found one blogger who actually taped everything off and put paper up everywhere and then she made a plastic tent for herself and sealed herself in as she spray painted. I decided right then and there that I'd just brush my paint on. How sensible of you to just take it out! (I do not always think logically. Good grief.)
3) The quote by Erma Bombeck made me laugh out loud! :D
Cheryl, Grayden did take off the brass feet and we taped the pulls behind the screen. Also to avoid runs I suggest you paint the screen as it lays flat. It's a relatively easy project. ♥
DeleteI also meant to add:
Delete4) I love your wing chair and your rug makes me swoon.
The Erma Bombeck quotation made me laugh! I'm certainly not going to put it to the test! The fireplace screen looks nice. And I have always liked brass.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy. Erma Bombeck was a funny gal. Glad you're not going to put it to the test! ♥
DeleteOh Martha Ellen, your fireplace screen looks so nice. You did a great job on it. I like the black paint, it goes well with the brick. Yes, I think it looks better all black. What a charming fireplace that is. Your little comfy chair next to it is so cute too. And I love the fact that you don't keep up with the latest trends. You have great taste and style, Martha Ellen, and with all your personal touches, that's what makes your home so welcoming.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thank you, sweet Sheri. It was a nice project to have accomplished this year. Have a nice evening, my friend. ♥
DeleteIt Looks Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing job...
So cozy!
A little effort and a coat of paint has transformed it to a new glory which will hopefully last another 44 years.
ReplyDeleteSo many little projects here that it's a great big cauldron full of which to start first!
Have a good weekend {hope you don't need to light the fire!} Deb xoxo
Deb, there is always, always something to do around our homes. There is little chance we need a fire anytime soon! Heat and humidity have returned. Ugh! Enjoy your day, my friend. xoxo ♥
DeleteThe fire screen looks amazing, a great job. I am a fan of brass too it looks wonderful in contrast to the black. We are working on lots of projects having just recently moved house.
ReplyDeleteThank you. We haven't moved in 44 years. I'm enjoying seeing all the projects you have tackled. Have a restful weekend. ♥
DeleteLooks beautiful. Isn't it always the way - one project leads to another...
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia that is so true. Once we had the whole house painted last year, it was obvious other projects needed doing. Have a great weekend. xo ♥
DeleteYou did a great job with the fireplace screen! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pilar. Enjoy your weekend. ♥
DeleteThat looks great! I've been trying to get Dan to paint the brass pieces on our fireplace surround. I will be sharing this with him :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz. It was an easy project that we're happy to have done. It's the little things that really make a difference. Paint can cover many issues. Have a great day! ♥
DeleteI want to spray my butterfly chair purple to set on the front landing area. I need to get the painting done in the grand girls bedroom too. I don't move as fast as I used to. I will get it done.
ReplyDeleteYour fireplace screen looks wonderful. A good idea to paint it and something I need to keep in mind to do also.
betsy
Betsy, I'm slower to get projects done as well. It sounds like you have quite a few projects in the wings. After doing this screen I need to do another one that's in our basement family room. It's in really bad shape, but I'm sure a little paint will improve its looks. ♥
DeleteLove the new look. It does look complete now and so elegant. It is amazing how dirty those screens get. Wonderful look for your pretty room. Happy summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. It's really interesting what a little paint can do. Of course a little soap and water as well! Have a great weekend. ♥
DeleteLove the look and the mantel is gorgeous! I have so many indoor projects to do, it makes my head spin. Most days, I'm in my studio designing or in the garden--looking forward to Fall cleaning:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan. It's always something to do, isn't it? I find if I make a list of just a few things to get done I'll manage to get to them. Prioritizing them makes a big difference for me. Have a great weekend. XOXO ♥
DeleteTHAT is gorgeous!!!! The entire picture looks like it should be in a magazine! I'm in love :^)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!
Blessings,
J
Well, thank you J. It was a fun a great project to get done. Thank you for stopping by. ♥
DeleteGood job well done.
ReplyDeleteIt really looks nice.
I think it's fun to have and enjoy little projects. When they are done they look good and give you a very good feeling of accomplishment.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. We enjoyed checking this project off our list. It looks so much better than it did and cost very little money. Just time. ♥
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