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Glass Doors for Historic Home Fireplace - Project #10240

Customer Comments: I have two fireplaces in a historic house (built in 1893). I am looking to start the process towards a quote for custom built glass doors for both fireplaces that would seal the fireplace when closed but can be positioned in a way as to let air flow into the fireplaces when having a fire going in them. The measurements of the opening of the one in the living room is: Height: 29 1/2 inches as measured along both the left and right boundary. Width: 28 1/4 inches at the top of the opening and 28 3/16 at the bottom of the opening. There is an indent of a depth of one inch at the top. I was looking at two options: the Stiletto and the Phoenix. I have yet to research the differences between the two, but it sure looks like I would want to go with one of these two options. I would want the same for both fireplaces. Since we are talking potentially about two fireplaces, I want to keep an eye on the cost.

Our Comments: We noticed that the hearth inside the fireplace is raised about 1" above the hearth outside, which gives some concern to which doors will look best and the appropriate way to have them made. The Stiletto is a very boxy frame that projects out 1 5/8" from the face of the fireplace unless the cutback frame option is selected (see figure 1 below). The cutback frame only allows for a 1/2" overlap on each side, so there is little room for error or variance in the bricks, so we will need to be very careful about the measurements if we choose that door. Based on your initial measurements, that may be appropriate so we have created the mockup. The phoenix can be made to overlap the 1" raised hearth by using a 4 sided frame or it can be made with a 3 sided frame that does not overlap. We have created both examples. We have also added a couple steel doors, the Craftsman and the Legend, that are heavier duty and more reminiscent of the period your home was built.

Fireplace Opening: 28 3/16" W x 29 1/2" H

Before
Before
Craftsman
Craftsman Glass Door Option #1: Craftsman Steel Fireplace Door in Forged Iron. Shown overlapping bottom.
Legend
Legend Glass Door Option #2: Legend Steel Fireplace Door in Rustic Black. Shown overlapping bottom.
Stiletto
Stiletto Glass Door Option #3: Stiletto Aluminum Fireplace Door in Rustic Black. Shown with 4 sided frame overlapping bottom but not covering entire row of bottom bricks.
Phoenix
Phoenix Glass Door Option #4: Phoenix Aluminum Fireplace Door in Rustic Black. Shown with 3 sided frame - does not overlap bottom at all
Phoenix
Phoenix Glass Door Option #5: Phoenix Aluminum Fireplace Door in Rustic Black. Shown with 4 sided frame overlapping bottom.

Other Pictures

Fig #1 - Stiletto Profile
Fig #2 - Closeup
Fig #3 - Top Left
Fig #4 - Bottom Left

Scale & Finish Disclaimer: These mock-ups are not necessarily to scale and are meant to help you choose the style of your screen or door. The appearance of finishes represented may vary between digital monitors and screens. I do my best to recommend finishes that I believe will blend with your decor and flatter your fireplace. You can view finish options here:

Hearth Creations Finishes
Design Specialties Finishes
Stone Manufacturings Trims & Finishes

Samples for some finishes are available upon request.

Message From Greg

"I have a passion for designing custom fireplace treatments, and have been doing so for over 35 years. The designs I create are not only tailored to fit perfectly, but fashioned to compliment your room decor and turn your fireplace into a tastefully finished focal point. Take advantage of my Free Design Service and let me show you the possibilities." Here are just a few reasons why you might consider buying from me:

Greg Tillotson (Owner/Designer)

FREE Fireplace Design Service

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