Efficiency of firebacks
A cast iron fireback takes heat otherwise lost and radiates this heat into the room. A fireback thus works like a radiator and may increase the efficiency of the fire by as much as 50%. The thicker/heavier the fireplace back, the longer and softer this radiative effect will be.
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We deliver worldwide within 1-4 working days at competitive prices. We deliver for free to the EU for orders above €200. To the US and Canada we offer express shipping at very reasonable rates. You can get quotes for your order in your shopping cart. All the items shown on this site are in stock, can be ordered online, and will generally be delivered within 4 working days both in Europe and the US.
Expert advice
If you have any doubts about which fireplace accessories you need, read here: Which fireplace accessories do I need? In addition to that, we can advise you on the size, style and functionality of our fireplace accessories to create a beautiful, matching set. Read also our blog on How do I decorate my fireplace? Moreover, we can help you with improving the draft in your fireplace with our various fireplace accessories. And we love to send you pictures of desired combinations of a fireback with other fireplace accessories.
Pure and Noble
The oldest fireplace fireback dates back to 1460 and was used by French royalty. Originally, cast iron fire backs were luxury items to be used exclusively by the royalty and aristocracy. Thus the early fireplace firebacks show the crowns and coats of arms of royalty and aristocracy. Later the fireback received more decorative designs depicting classical stories, nature, and rural lives.
The fireback has always had two important functions:
1. It protects the backside of the fireplace against cracking and chipping.
2. The thick cast iron keeps the heat that would otherwise be lost and gives this heat back to the room. A cast iron fireback thus works like a radiator and may increase the efficiency of the fire by as much as 50%. The thicker or heavier the cast iron, the longer and softer this radiative effect.
A fireplace can never match the efficiency of a stove. However, burning wood is a low carbon option. The carbon dioxide produced when burning is approximately the same as the carbon dioxide absorbed by the tree during its lifetime. As long as the wood is not transported over long distances using fossil fuels, the CO2 emission of a fire is significantly lower than that of fossil fuels.
A fireplace provides warmth, security and style, even if the fireplace isn't usually the main source of heating anymore. An antique fireback reinforces this by the honesty of the material and its timelessness, beauty and historical significance.
Also, an antique fireback can be used in places other than the fireplace such as a backsplash for a stove or as an elegant decoration on the wall.