If you live in a traditional period property or simply looking for a fireplace design that evokes the charm of a bygone era, Camelot Real Fires have the skills, experience and materials to design the perfect open fire for your requirements. Below are 5 main styles of period open fireplace to inspire you.
1. Louis Revival
Louis Revival, otherwise known simply as Louis fireplaces are recognisable by their highly elaborate and elegant style. They are so named for the succession of French kings bearing that name, who ruled until the French Revolution.
A typical Louis fireplace projects approximately 9 inches into the room and features a box style front. The rectangular opening is fairly wide in order to house the dog irons and fire grate or basket. The purpose of these is to raise the logs, thereby creating sufficient airflow beneath the fire.
2. Georgian
Inspired by Greek mythology, Georgian fireplaces are characterised by their ornate grandiosity and geometric designs. The first half of the Georgian period saw the emergence of strict rules governing architecture and design. The result is a style that reflects sumptuous decadence and makes the fireplace a central feature in stately rooms.
Conversely, the latter half of the century saw fireplace design become more streamlined and eclectic. Inlaid coloured marble, reeding and roundings became popular.
3. Regency
More subtle and classic than their Georgian counterparts, Regency fireplaces are more austere in design and often feature rectangular designs, flatter legs and Greek columns. The height of the fireplace lowered too and marble was the material of choice for the surround.
4. Victorian
Still heavily influenced by classical periods, as in the Georgian and Regency periods, fireplace design slowly began to change to a more elaborate style that saw a resurgence in the Louis Revival style.
The effects of industrialization made iron working easier and cheaper to perform. Therefore, fireplaces could be more cheaply manufactured and more widely available.
5. Arts and Crafts & Twentieth Century
The Arts and Crafts Movement, including art nouveau was inspired by medieval design. Fireplaces were commonly constructed in brick or stone and exhibited an inglewood appearance. Floral motifs and tiles also became popular.
The twentieth century saw a variety of different styles emerge, from neo-gothic to primarily functional art deco designs, that sacrificed decoration for modern practicality.