19th-Century Fireplace Designs

Shelf Mantels

• The "Winchester knife" shelf look was commonly used on fireplace mantels in the Shenandoah Valley region of northern Virginia in the 19th century. The design creates a unique molding that stretches up to the ceiling in a series of stacked edges that get bigger in size as they ascend. Wooden mantels, made of commonly available trees of the region such as pine, were often painted to resemble marble.

Arts and Crafts

• The Arts and Crafts style of architecture began in the late 19th century, introducing a brand-new look for fireplaces. Ceramic tiles, left in their natural color, were applied to the hearth and sometimes the entire mantel. At other times, the ceramic tiles were hand-painted with colorful designs and murals.

Gothic Revival

• Gothic styles became popular again in the 19th century, which led to the creation of elaborate, intricately carved, wooden fireplaces that were gilded to look like bright, polished gold. The tall, pointed arch shape so popular in Gothic architecture was sometimes incorporated into the fireplace design.

French

• French fireplace styles of the 19th century were very ornate, finished with shiny veneers and curving side panels. Many palaces constructed during the 19th century, even outside of France, featured French-style fireplaces made with veined marble and bronze or gold accents. Lions and other stylized animals were carved into chimney pieces to add more detail.

Overmantels

• In more elaborate 19th century fireplace designs, overmantels were added. Overmantels are large, flat panels that complement the fireplace and extend the length of the mantel. The large overmantels were made with the same wood or marble as the hearth and mantel of the fireplace, often reaching as high as the ceiling.