The Cast Iron Fireplace Insert

The cast iron fireplace insert forms an important part of the fireplace, and is often beautifully decorated. At the start of the Victorian era, fireplace inserts were initially square, but they were gradually replaced by the more popular arched version. The Victorian age was referred to as ‘the battle of the styles’, due to the many decorative styles on offer at the time, and thus there are lots of different fireplace inserts available today – whether you are looking for Art Nouveau, Victorian or Edwardian, tiled or plain, there is a fireplace insert to suit.

Original period fireplace inserts made from cast iron are available at certain fireplace specialists or reclamation and salvage yards, and these are usually restored prior to sale. Alternatively, most fireplace retailers sell a good range of reproduction cast iron fireplace inserts, in both traditional and contemporary designs, and in a range of sizes.

Pevex Enterprises Ltd has in excess of 10 fireplace inserts to choose from. One of these is a very attractive, contemporary looking fully polished arched insert, and another is black leaded cast iron, but the eye-catching decorative arch is highly polished to an attractive silver colour. Most cast iron inserts offered by Pevex are arched, but there are a couple of square inserts, and both of these are in smart contemporary styles and have a modern polished finish. To see the full range of Pevex fireplace inserts, visit their website.

The Antique Fireplace Company sells several fine examples of antique fireplace inserts. One of these is a beautiful Art Nouveau cast iron insert, with tiles at either side of the fireplace opening – original Art Nouveau tiles featuring colourful yellow flowers, which will brighten up any room. Visit the Antique Fireplace Company website to see their full range of cast iron inserts.

Cast iron fireplace inserts may be used with either solid fuel fires or gas and electric fires, and really add a beautiful decorative touch to all fireplaces.