Grates for fireplaces are a wonderful invention from the 1600′s.  Like most inventions, fireplace grate were invented to solve a problem.  The problem was the floor of the fireplace.  Back then, stones were used.  When the stones got hot, they cracked or broke.  Grates were forged from iron, holding the wood a few inches from the stones.  This kept the stones from cracking.  Around this time Prince Rupert got to watching the fire.  He discovered he could control the fire by increasing the distance the wood was held from the floor.  The higher distance had two benefits:  it increased the intensity of the fire, making it burn hotter and brighter; and the smoke went straight up, making it more comfortable for people to be in the room.
For thousands and thousands of years, people had just started a fire in the center of their house or room.  It gave them both heat and light.  The roofs of the houses were constructed with an air hole to let the smoke leave.  However, this system was only partly effective.  Some smoke stayed, making people rub their eyes and cough.

Since the 1600′s there have been many changes to the fireplace grate.  The materials used have changed. Today you can still get iron, but you have a choice, solid steel, cast iron fireplace grates and other grates from other materials are available.  Designs have changed, some are functional only and some are very decorative and ornate.  Some even have screens at the bottom to stop ember from reaching the fireplace floor.  The most important feature of a fireplace grate is the size.  Smaller grates have smaller fires with less heat but with less firewood useage, also. To enhance the heat, get a fireplace blower.

To go fireplace grate shopping, start at your local hardware store.  For the most variety of styles and materials, surf the internet.  With a little research you can find a fireplace grate perfect for you.  It’s well worth the work when you bask in the warmth and sounds of the fire on a cool evening.