You can make an attractive grille from woven wire mesh, see this for examples of options available; http://www.twpinc.com/twpinc/control...y_id=TWPCAT_12

It's available in plain steel as well as the stainless, I'd go stainless even if painted because of potential for rust at each of the overlaps later on. Paint or polish, it will have a period look. You can find it at local steel suppliers, but you may have to shop some to find one that will sell less than full sheet.