Author: J Taha
Winter 2005 Newsletter: Fireplace Surrounds
Winter: February 2025
Frame for the Flame: 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:
PlaceMakers Inc. Turns 30!
We have loved serving the antique and architectural salvage community for the last 30 years. We enjoy seeing our wonderful customers! Many of you have frequented our showroom multiple times throughout the years looking for the perfect hanging light or piece of salvaged wood.
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Introducing our new Online Showroom
Browse our great selection of vintage lighting, doors, windows, plumbing supplies and other home furnishings any time of day through our new Online Showroom. If you have a question about any product, there is also a way to email the staff at PlaceMakers and we will email you back at our earliest convenience. Check our Online Showroom Here >>
Capture the History & Charm of Hanging Vintage Lights
Why Vintage Hanging Lights Are a Must-Have
- Elegance
Vintage lighting takes you back in time, blending antique charm with modern utility. From industrial-inspired pendants to ornate chandeliers, these lights offer unmatched character for any room. - Versatility
Perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, or entryways, vintage hanging lights come in various shapes and finishes—think brushed brass, aged copper, or rustic wood accents. - Sustainability
By choosing vintage or vintage-style lights, you’re embracing sustainable design, repurposing beauty from the past, and reducing waste.
Popular Styles to Consider
- Industrial Design
Inspired by factory lighting, and celebrated through the current-day stores such as Restoration Hardware, Industrial design combines art, engineering, and usability. Early industrial design was largely functional, emphasizing durability and manufacturability over aesthetics. - Spanish Revival Design
Spanish Revival design is inspired by Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas, especially during the early 20th century in California and Florida. This style is often connected with Mediterranean Design and its elements include Intricate, detailed ironwork creating a rustic and dramatic mood. - French Empire Design
French Empire design dates back to the early 19th century (1804–1815, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign in France). It was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture and design. It’s ornamentation is symmetrical and refined, with bold geometric shapes and decorative motifs. French Empire is often mistaken for Victorian design style, as they are both visually regal and ornate in nature. The materials used for the French Empire Style are gilded bronze, crystal, mahogany.
Own an Original
One of the best reasons to choose a vintage hanging light over a cheap reproduction is that you’re acquiring a piece of history—something you can research and proudly share the story of at your next dinner party.
How to Style Your Vintage Lights
- Kitchen Islands: Install a row of industrial pendants for a functional yet fashionable touch.
- Dining Rooms: Opt for a grand chandelier to serve as a centerpiece.
- Living Rooms: Create a cozy reading nook with a soft-glow vintage hanging lamp.
- Hallways: Use smaller hanging lights to illuminate and elongate narrow spaces.
Where to Find the Best Vintage Hanging Lights
- Thrift Stores and Flea Markets: Hunt for authentic vintage pieces with stories to tell.
- Online Marketplaces: PlaceMakers Inc’s Online Showroom, Chairish or eBay for one-of-a-kind finds.
- Specialty Stores: Stores which specialize in architectural salvage, such as San Francisco Bay Area based PlaceMakers Inc. in-store and online showroom.