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If you are building a new home or renovating and existing home with a fireplace, you might consider using an antique fireplace, which definitely adds elegance and charm. Although you have a huge selection of fireplace types, an antique fireplace is definitely special, unique, and loaded with original charm, something you simply cannot find with other styles. The interesting aspect of antique fireplaces is that they look stunning with any decorum, not just Victorian or Old World Charm.
In fact, we are now seeing a growing number of people with contemporary homes choosing an antique fireplace. The enhancement to the room is unrivaled. With this option, you could choose from a medieval, baroque, renaissance, neo-classical, Louis XV, gothic, arts and crafts, Art Nouveau, regency, Victorian, Rococo style, and more. Of course, in addition to era and design, you will also find the antique fireplace made from various materials although marble, stone, metal, and wood are among the favorite. We want to address the various styles associated with an antique fireplace. Renaissance style would include designs such as Jacobean and gothic from 1260 to 1600. While these fireplaces have detailing, they are more simplistic than the later antique fireplace. However, if you like the antique look but with some clean lines, the Renaissance period is a great one to consider. With many sizes and materials, you will surely find something you like. The antique fireplace from the Baroque period covers the years 1550 to 1750. Included in this era are mannerist, Italian baroque, English baroque, bolection, and Flemish. You would notice a little more detailing such as scrolls, griffins, and coat of armors. Marble and wood were the most popular materials. In addition to white marble, green marble and gorgeous Verona red marble were the most chosen, creating a look of drama, and declaring status for the homeowner. Then, the antique rococo style did not last long, beginning in 1740 and ending in 1780. Included in this category is English rococo, Louis XV, Italian rococo, etc. These beautiful styles brought a new look to the antique fireplace. Designs were quite sophisticated with gorgeous carvings. Take the George II English rococo antique fireplace as a perfect example. With a serpentine shelf, you would find a large scrolled cartouche, crosshatched panels, and floral decoration on the fireplace jambs. To complete the look, this antique fireplace features marble foot blocks and in-grounds. The neo-classical antique fireplace became the favorite choice around 1700 to 1820. In fact, today people still love this style, which is a little larger and more masculine but still with beautiful detailing. Next is the antique regency style of antique fireplace, popular from 1790 to 1820. For the most part, this era boasted more simplistic lines but beautiful features. Finally, the Victorian era started in 1820 and lasted through the 20th century. Arts and crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco are just a few of the famous styles. This type of antique fireplace was quite dramatic and punchy, giving homeowners something very different. |
