Cast iron fireplace surrounds first came into existence in the 18th century in the form of hob grates, then, during the Victorian era, cast iron fireplace inserts and combination fireplaces became very popular – the industrial revolution meant that such cast iron fire components could be mass produced and thus most families had a cast iron fireplace.
Surrounds made from cast iron were not as commonplace as the fireplace inserts and combination fireplaces, but some homes did have them. Cast Iron Fires are suppliers of Victorian and period cast iron fireplaces, and they sell a limited selection of quality reproduction cast iron mantels in various finishes such as highlighted, black, and polished.
Victorian Fireplaces specialise in the supply of JIG reproduction quality cast iron fireplace surrounds, and have an excellent selection from the Regency, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras. Decoration differed widely in these eras, and this is reflected in the reproduction ones on offer. For example, Regency and Georgian fireplaces featured restrained decoration, whilst Victorian mantels were much more ornate. Edwardian fireplaces featured geometric patterning and designing reminiscent of the Georgian period – click here to see the full range of cast iron surrounds on offer.
If you are looking for a period cast iron surround, Architectural Treasures have several reclaimed cast iron mantels for sale and one of these is a particularly impressive Victorian large mantel, richly decorated with swags, ribbons and flowers. This really is a beautiful surround that will create a stunning focal point in any home. Also on offer is a huge Victorian cast iron surround in the Greek revival style, adorned with egg and dart moulding, urns, fruits and swags. This fireplace really is the embodiment of Victorian excess.
Cast iron is an excellent choice if you are planning to buy a fireplace surround – such fireplaces are very strong, exquisitely decorated, and come in a range of attractive finishes. Cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat and thus radiates heat back into the room, and a fireplace made solely from cast iron looks very attractive indeed. Whether a cast iron fireplace surround is period or reproduction, it makes a beautiful focal point in any home.
