My partner and I have recently moved from a dinky one-bedroom garden flat to a large Victorian townhouse, still bound by the space limitations that come with London life, but the tenor of our life has changed massively with the move. Capacious as it is (compared to our old flat), it has meant we have been enjoying many weekends at antique markets and shopping for our favourite brands for new furniture to adorn our new home. I wanted to share with you over the coming weeks and months those buys I am genuinely saving or splurging on as I decorate, adorn, and make this our new abode.
One of the best bits of our new pad? We have a real fire (yes, really), we are as surprised as you, since this is such a rarity in central London. After a series of housewarming supper parties, there was one buy that seemed to receive more compliments than any other. It was perhaps the best purchase we have made all year, and is a perfect example of utilizing traditional fireplace ideas (since fire fenders have been a staple of English hearths for centuries, yet still scratching our itch for the layered and eclectic look central to heritage maximalist design. I am, of course, talking about the Oka Berenson Goat Hair Fire Fenders Pair in Cheetah.
When I first clapped eyes on them, I almost spun around on the spot; these are simply to die for.
Proving that practical pieces can be decorative too, the Berenson Fire Fenders are endowed with full Art Deco appeal. Taking their name from an American art historian who aided art dealers and collectors during the 1920s and 1930s, the bronze-finished iron frame and cheetah-print goat-hair upholstery complement both traditional and contemporary schemes.
When it comes to decorating with animal prints, it can make some a little nervous, but if you want a truly layered, colourful, comfortable, and bohemian look, then a little animal print is pretty essential.
A fender adds real character to your fireplace ideas and some handy extra seating when friends come round. It really is the best place to perch on a cold night.
At a practical level, they protect your floors and rugs from stray sparks and ash, keeping your space clean and safe. But the best ones, like the Berenson Goat Hair Fire Fenders in Cheetah, are statement pieces in their own right. They bring texture, pattern, and a touch of personality to the hearth, turning a traditional fireplace into a focal point
There were a few different fire fenders that also made my shortlist before I committed to my Oka purchase, which I've shared below.
From Classic to Maximalist: Other Fire Fenders We Love
These are beautifully upholstered and are a more affordable option compared to other iterations on the market at the moment. I love the eye-catching rug fabric-inspired design.
When deciding which fire fenders to invest in, it was a close call; this colourful design from Susie Watson can bring beautiful colour, character, and added warmth to a fireplace.
These look better as they age and the leather wrinkles and wears. If the cheetah fur is a little too maximalist for your tastes, these would be a more restrained, calming option.
With winter drawing in and the fire crackling away, these fire fenders have enriched our fireplace with a unique, playful, and cozy character – I can't stop looking at them!
I'm also a big fan of Oka's Sash Window Wall Mirror – I explore how it can elegantly elevate any fireplace in my separate piece.
