Stunning Fireplaces: The sparkling focal points of historic homes
Fireplaces were a necessity in western countries because of the chilly weather. Not just because of the festivities, fireplaces also served as the hub of the house by providing heat for resting or gatherings. In the early 1600s and 1700s, fireplaces acted as the nucleus of the family. Back then fireplaces were just about utility with the briefest semblance of a mantel or no mantel at all. Before the inception of the elegant marble mantels or the Bolection Fireplace surrounds, these fireplaces were popular in the homes of Dutch settlers.
The British Fireplaces
The fireplaces with no mantels were for the general
public while for the aristocrats in the British society or in the colonial
homes in New England, the fireplaces had mantels for decorative purposes. These
sorts of fireplaces had central chimneys with multiple flues to retain heat and
keep the house warm. The mantels still hadn’t much of an image then, but they
were beautiful and ornately carved featuring inset panels, pilasters, and
dentils.
The inception of true mantels
The cast stone fireplace and marble fireplaces
that we see today have quite a long-lost history. The true mantels were rare
before the 1800s. However, by the second quarter of the 18th century,
fireplaces had become the centerpiece of the main gathering rooms. Georgian
styles were book-matched on the either-side of the openings and decorative
paneling along with other accents were included to bring that dramatic touch in
the ambiance.
The emergence of marble fireplaces
Then came the large marble fireplaces that become
the showstopper of the 19th century. It might seem absurd, but these fireplaces
were large enough to stable a cow. The pioneer was Benjamin Thompson who kept
fiddling with the design of the firebox. His innovations led to the development
of open fireplaces as we see them today. The ingenious designs developed by him
are used till date to throw more radiant heat into the room.
This was the eon where marble fireplaces became
widely popular. The Victorian and French architecture gained pace and polished
fireplaces became the talk of the town. People became using fireplaces in all
their grandeur unless one day people started perceiving fireplaces to be
old-fashioned.
The huge comeback
Fortunately, in the 21st century, fireplaces have
made a massive comeback. The limestone fireplace and opulent marble
mantel ideas have become the eye candy of interior designers because of their
classy and timeless appeal. Fireless is no longer just a place to get warmth
during the winters. Now, they have again morphed into a visual attraction where
conversations linger and gatherings happen.
Conclusion
Whether simple-rustic or highly ornate, a fireplace
continues to be a source of comfort and warmth in the home. Even today, it is
still one of the most desired elements. Starting from the Carrara marble fireplace surrounds to the limestone
mantels, fireplaces can evoke awe and create a spectacular sight in your homes.
So, honor the history of fireplaces and create history in your décor with
beautiful marble fireplace ideas.
Blog Source: https://shopstonefireplaces.com/blog/
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