Cast iron fireplace surrounds have been around since the Victorian age. These extremely attractive fireplaces often featured beautiful and impressive embellishments, and are available to buy today, both original and reproduction. Original cast iron mantels are relatively easy to find, although these fell from favour with the introduction of the combination cast iron fireplace.

Wisdom Fireplaces of Manchester sell a good selection of authentic and reproduction cast iron fireplace mantels. There are several reclaimed cast iron mantels, and one of these is an imposing Victorian example, with ornate carvings and in excellent condition. Also on offer is a smaller, highly unusual Victorian surround depicting a mother and baby son. This is sure to provide an unusual and much-talked-about focal point for any home.

Wisdom also sells an excellent range of reproduction cast iron fireplace surrounds, in various styles. The Mayfair is an outstanding example of the most lavish of Victorian fireplaces, featuring intricate and detailed patterning. At the other end of the scale is the simple but elegant Edwardian cast iron fireplace mantel. This retails for half the price of the Mayfair, and comes in two finishes – black lead and full polish. – and will make a lovely focal point for any home.

Cast iron, although a traditional material, is very versatile, and a cast iron fireplace looks as good in the modern home as it does in the traditional abode. While most traditional cast iron fireplace surrounds are black leaded, modern manufactured versions come in a variety of finishes such as highly polished, meaning there is a cast iron fireplace mantel to suit every home. Cast iron is also a very hardwearing material and reflects heat from a fire back into the room, making it an excellent choice for a fireplace surround.

Cast iron bedroom fireplaces were popular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, before central heating was invented. In those days, each living room and bedroom had a fireplace for the purpose of keeping warm in winter. Bedroom fireplaces were usually much smaller than the living room fireplace, but they were very attractive and often featured ornate patterning. Cast iron bedroom fires were of the combination variety, which meant the fire was one unit of cast iron, featuring the insert, fireback, grate and bars.

Beautiful examples of cast iron bedroom fireplaces can still be seen today in many period homes – many families move home and are pleasantly surprised to discover lovely cast iron fireplaces hidden behind ply board or plaster. Such fires are in big demand today, and are usually used as a decorative feature in a bedroom, rather than a functional piece – fireplaces are no longer needed in homes with modern central heating.

These cast iron bedroom fires were extremely common and today they are very easy to get hold of. The Antique Fireplace Company, based in Shropshire, specialises in reclaimed Victorian and Edwardian fireplaces and fully restores them before selling. One on offer is a pretty Victorian bedroom fire, in excellent condition and featuring attractive decoration. Better still, this is one of a matching pair – perfect if you plan to put fireplaces in more than one bedroom. Also available is an Edwardian bedroom fireplace, with a stunning but simple decoration, also one of a pair.

As cast iron was mass manufactured in the Victorian era, combination bedroom fireplaces are widely available today. Expect to pay £300 upwards for a refurbished fire, but a good place to get one more cheaply is a salvage yard – cast iron bedroom fires needing restoration will be considerably cheaper than those sold in a restored condition. Most cast iron bedroom fires can be used with solid fuel, should the need arise – they may even be used with certain gas fires.

Cast iron bedroom fireplaces really do make a lovely feature in any bedroom, creating a homely, cosy atmosphere. Fill the grate with dried flowers for that cottage look, or fill with candles for a romantic ambience in the evenings – the choice is yours.