| Reclaimed Victorian fireplaces are originally from the | | | | mimic the Gothic and Roman styles that came before |
| Victorian era in English history. This time period lasts | | | | them, as well as put their own spins on the overall |
| from 1837 to 1901 and follows the reign of Queen | | | | look. Because mass production became available, the |
| Victoria, who had the longest reign in the history of | | | | price of these masterpieces dropped significantly, so |
| this country. In architecture at this time, Gothic and | | | | even a less than upper class family could afford to |
| Classical styles were locked in battle, so reclaimed | | | | purchase a nice fireplace. |
| Victorian fireplaces tend to have either a Gothic look | | | | Reclaimed Victorian fireplaces may be extremely |
| or a Classical look, depending on the designer who | | | | pretty in your home, but they are hard to spot |
| originally created it. Later during this period, vernacular | | | | beside fakes and replicas, which are not worth nearly |
| architecture became very popular. | | | | as much money. However, because the Victorian era |
| If you are interested in reclaimed Victorian fireplaces | | | | was such a long time period, the styles range greatly. |
| with a Gothic feel, envision a style that is reminiscent | | | | There are a few key things to look for when you |
| of Notre Dame Cathedral, which is probably the most | | | | are searching for authentic reclaimed Victorian |
| famous Gothic building in Europe, of not in the entire | | | | fireplaces. |
| world. Gothic style reclaimed Victorian fireplaces | | | | First, remember that the Victorian ear may have |
| usually have ornate carvings and decorations along | | | | been very progressive, but the fireplace was still the |
| the mantel and sometimes even into the sides of the | | | | only form of heat for homes. A fireplace had to be |
| fireplace. They come in a range of colours, and once | | | | not only beautiful, but also functional. It had to |
| restored, the wood, marble, or other materials will | | | | project enough heat for an entire room, so if you |
| shine in their original glory. | | | | find very small fireplaces or ones that are gas or |
| On the other hand, you can also look for Classical | | | | electric, they are either replicas or they have been |
| style reclaimed Victorian fireplaces. These will have a | | | | converted from their original state. Also look at the |
| more structural look, and sometimes include columns. | | | | size of the mantel. During the Victorian era, people |
| Envision Greek or Roman ruins, and you'll have an | | | | had more money to spend on decorative items, so |
| idea of what a Classical reclaimed Victorian fireplace | | | | mantels were usually larger for displaying these |
| will look like. There are three classical orders--Doric, | | | | treasures. Marble, wood, and slate are the materials |
| Corinthian, and Ionic, and your fireplace could be one | | | | most commonly used, and you'll find ornate designs |
| of these orders or a mix of all three, as was often | | | | and figures carved into the material. Cornucopias |
| the case in revival work. | | | | were a popular carving. An expert can help point out |
| Reclaimed Victorian fireplaces are so beautiful | | | | real reclaimed Victorian fireplaces so that you can be |
| because this time period in England was a time of | | | | sure you are buying the real deal as a lovely addition |
| great industrial revolution. The artisans making these | | | | to your home. |
| pieces had better technology in order to perfectly | | | | |