Winter 2005 Newsletter: Fireplace Surrounds

Decorative fireplace surrounds date back to the Renaissance & Baroque periods of the 16th & 17th Century. During the Renaissance, fireplaces became more decorative, with grand marble or stone surrounds featuring intricate carvings, columns, and heraldic symbols.

Two styles prevailed during this early period:

• French Influence: In France, fireplaces featured lavishly carved limestone and marble surrounds with ornate detailing, often incorporating mythological or classical motifs.

• English Tudor Style: In England, the Tudor period saw timber-framed houses with large, simple stone fireplaces. The later Jacobean style introduced more intricate wood carvings.

Material–Stone, brick, and concrete, are examples of materials that are both heat resistant and also able to retain heat.

Design – Mantel shelf and leg size are key components when considering your surround. There are a variety of styles available to suit your taste—ranging from a minimalist design that uses no mantel at all (often just a stone or tile slab) to an ornately detailed mantel with decorative legs, and many options in between.

Style – A stylish fireplace surround can anchor a room. A fireplace offers obvious benefits when the temperature goes down, but it also is a chance to make a statement. Whether you decide on a sleek modern look, a traditional look, or something more ornate, fireplace surrounds can fit into any decor style.

Find it at PlaceMakers Inc:

• Italian Rosa Verona Marble Fireplace Surround
• Vintage Douglas Fir Fireplace Surround
• Eastlake Victorian Fireplace Surround
• Yellow Verona Marble Fireplace Surround
• Victorian Marble Fireplace Surround

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