Neoclassical Fireplaces

Georgian

• The Georgian style of architecture dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, during the reigns of England's King George I, George II, George III and George IV. Georgian-style fireplaces and homes are usually found in countries whose official language was English during the Georgian period. Both ends of a Georgian fireplace's top mantel extend past the fireplace's opening by 4 to 6 inches. Georgian fireplaces are usually made from hardwoods, including oak and birch.

Adam Style

• Scottish brothers Robert and James Adam were responsible for establishing the Adam style of architecture during Europe's neoclassical movement. Another term for Adam-style architecture is Adamesque. Adamesque fireplaces were made from wood or marble and featured decorative, Roman-style engravings on their frames. These fireplaces were meant to complement a room's Adamesque decor, which would feature flat-paneled walls and Roman-style motifs such as vases and medallions. In the United States, Adamesque fireplaces became known as Federalist-style fireplaces.

Palladian

• Palladian architecture originated from the designs of Andrea Palladio, a Venetian architect who lived in the 15th century. This architectural style fell out of fashion during the 15th century but regained popularity in Europe during the neoclassical movement, since Palladian architecture was an ode to ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Palladian fireplaces are usually made from marble and feature floral friezes on the mantel's framework. The side frames of Palladian fireplace mantels resemble columns.

Greek Revival

• Greek Revival architecture was a tribute to the temples and monuments of ancient Greece. The use of columns and square windows was prevalent in Greek Revival architecture. One attribute that separates Greek Revival fireplace mantels from other neoclassical styles is the aedicule opening. Aedicule openings featured a column on both sides of Greek Revival mantels to support entablatures -- a series of horizontal moldings -- and the mantels' top shelves. However, Greek Revival columns were square, unlike the round columns of ancient Greek temples.