| France was one of the chief locations for artists and | | | | creating perfectly balanced pieces for the mantel and |
| other people embracing the Renaissance the style of | | | | the surround. |
| fireplaces during this time period heavily influenced | | | | The concept of a surround was actually created |
| those in England as well as around the world, so | | | | during the Italian Renaissance, and spread like wildfire |
| French style Renaissance fireplaces are in high | | | | throughout Europe. The surround is just like what its |
| demand. You can get a restored original or a | | | | name implies--it surrounds the fireplace. The mantel |
| reproduction--either would look wonderful in your | | | | sits on top of the surround. Because fires were a |
| home. When looking for French style Renaissance | | | | large concern, surrounds were best when made from |
| fireplaces, a few things set them apart. First, the | | | | marble and stone, but less wealthy family also used |
| mantel and surround are lower, and the fireplace may | | | | wood. Today, you can get replica Renaissance |
| be a bit wider to compensate. This was done so that | | | | fireplaces made from marble, stone, wood, slate, |
| a large mirror could be set above the fireplace, due | | | | ceramic tile, and a variety of other materials. For |
| to the popularity of mirrors used in the Rococo style | | | | those afraid of fire, it is possible to convert restored |
| of art and decoration. This kind of design all has a | | | | Renaissance fireplaces and modern piece alike from |
| mantel that does not overhang, but rather is flush | | | | wood, coal, and peat burning units to gas or electric |
| with the surround, which projects farther into the | | | | heat. This is not only safer for your house, children, |
| room. Scrolling and designs of shells, leaves, and other | | | | and pets, but it is also healthier for the environment |
| Corinthian flavoured carvings were popular in French | | | | and much less dirty for your home. In fact, in some |
| style Renaissance fireplaces as well. | | | | places, there are bans on wood and coal burning |
| Of course, France wasn't the only place where the | | | | fireplaces because of high pollution, so other forms of |
| Renaissance took place. Throughout Europe, there | | | | heat are preferred. You can also get the surround |
| was a love for the Classical styles of the Greeks and | | | | and mantel installed but not actually use the fireplace, |
| Romans, which is reflected in the great artwork done | | | | which is popular for homes already equipped with |
| during this time period. In the world of Renaissance | | | | central heating units. |
| fireplaces, these Classical origins shown though | | | | Renaissance fireplace in a variety of shapes, sizes, |
| because artists loved to use columns in the Ionic, | | | | and colours, so it is not difficult to find one that will |
| Doric, and Corinthian orders as well as ornate | | | | look wonderful in your house. If you want a real |
| carvings. Sleek, straight lines are found in many | | | | period piece, it is best to work with a professional |
| Renaissance fireplaces, and symmetry was highly | | | | who can help you spot the antiques from the replicas |
| value at the time, with artisans spending hours | | | | on the market. |