It was the Greeks and Romans who gave us the earliest fireplace deigns, utilising elaborate classical styles. Marble surrounds and mantels were used incorporating carved or moulded figures, fluted columns, decorative ceramic tiles and delicate mosaics. Elaborate marble fireplace designs such as these were obviously high status statements and very much the exception to the norm.
Not until the classical revival of the eighteenth century did cultured fireplace design become fashionable. Once again classic columns and mantels of marble were incorporated in grand country houses as well as elaborate brick fireplace designs utilising wrought iron fire baskets and grates. Once again fireplace design was the preserve of the wealthy minority.
The Victorians were the first to see fireplaces as pieces of furniture, and the nineteenth century saw their fireplace designs spread throughout the British Empire and America . Fireplace design in this period saw fireplace mantel designs and fireplace surround designs to go with all of the revivalist styles i.e. - Tudor, Gothic, Georgian and Queen Anne - and wherever there was an opportunity for decoration they used it. Masonry fireplace designs and brick fireplace designs became more widespread and decorative whilst factories mass-produced cast-iron fireplace surrounds, fireplace ceramic tile designs, fancy mirrored fireplace mantels and a plethora of brass accessories to match.
As marble, the stone of choice, became too expensive manufacturers imitated it using slate, painting on the necessary veins. In the same way at the of the nineteenth century as dressed stone rose in price, concrete (originally used by the Romans!) was used to produce cast stone fireplace designs. Also at the end of the nineteenth century fireplace design was embraced by the Arts and Crafts movement inspired by the design genius of William Morris. Utilising the country artisan skills they reintroduced the Inglenook fireplace design. This old country fireplace design incorporated the whole chimney breast and hearth, and provided seating on either side of the fire. However, the Arts and Crafts movement was too idealistic in its simplicity and ultimately to costly for the mass market.
Art Nouveau was more popular for affordable fireplace designs and Edwardian houses were often fitted with ornate wooden mantels, brass and copper fire hoods and fancy ceramic tiled surrounds. There was also another classical revival at the beginning of the twentieth century making full use of new materials such as cast concrete and fire resistant plasters. By the 1930's however tastes had changed again, and simple marble, brick or plainly tiled mantels and surrounds had become the rage.
Period fireplace design is now big business with those many period fireplaces, stripped out to make way for central heating or modernized décor, being reinstated to bring back the character of the interior. There are now many designs for fireplace surrounds, with custom fireplace designs available from such manufacturers as Rock fireplace designs or Southwestern fireplace designs. Many fireplace designs are available in do-it-yourself kits utilising the best of man-made materials reproducing the best ornamental effects. In addition there are many outdoor fireplace designs and outdoor brick fireplace designs that incorporate the best BBQ ideas.
