Selecting the ideal fireplace for your home can be a nuanced decision. The perfect choice often hinges on several factors, including your home’s age, the available space, and, naturally, your personal aesthetic. There’s no universal fireplace that suits every room, only a series of design considerations to navigate.
Key Considerations for Fireplace Selection
First, consider the spatial dynamics. A generously sized fireplace can overwhelm a smaller room, while a more modest piece might get lost in a spacious area. Second, think about how the fireplace will interact with the rest of the room, especially doors and windows. Will it serve as the main focal point, drawing immediate attention, or will it be a supporting design element?
A fireplace is a definitive style statement, and its design speaks volumes about its surroundings. If you own a period home, you might want to seamlessly integrate the fireplace into your existing design scheme by selecting a piece from the same historical era. Alternatively, you could create a striking contrast between old and new by opting for a contemporary design.
Many of Chesney’s fireplaces are meticulously crafted replicas of original antique surrounds. This allows us to offer expert advice on the type of room they were historically found in and the overall effect they will create in your space.
Exploring Distinct Fireplace Designs
Victorian Fireplace Design
A surround like The Classic Victorian is an excellent match for an informal interior. Its clean lines and balanced proportions make it effortlessly adaptable for decorating. The simple yet elegant design means The Classic Victorian would complement any Victorian house, but it finds its perfect partner in the classic two-storey terraced London Victorian home. This piece looks particularly at home within relaxed interior styles such as shabby chic or eclectic, making it an ideal ‘entry-level’ fireplace.
For more information about Victorian fireplace design and our Victorian Fireplace Collection, you can explore further.
Classical Fireplace Design
The Soane Pattern VI, designed by Sir John Soane, can be admired at the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Soane, considered England’s first modern architect, created timelessly elegant designs that seamlessly fit into nearly any sophisticated interior. As one of the most influential and original English architects, Soane’s keen eye for clean architectural lines is evident in the design of many grand houses and state buildings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The design is precise and linear, relying on impeccable masonry for its construction. The inherent simplicity and quality of The Soane Pattern VI allow it to enhance any well-designed interior, whether as a traditional design element or as a delightfully unconventional nod to classical proportion and flawless execution. It is shown here with the Lincoln’s Inn half hob grate, but it pairs equally well with the mathematical elegance of the Fibonacci fire basket.
For more information about our exclusive Sir John Soane Collection and classical and architectural fireplace design, more details are available.
Timeless Fireplace Design
The Burlington is a classic design featuring clean lines and enduring appeal that looks equally stunning in any traditional interior design scheme, whether your home is period or modern. Although an older design, The Burlington remains a perennial favourite. Its detailed craftsmanship makes it a classic feature fireplace without being overly imposing, and it integrates beautifully into a modern formal setting. Pictured with contemporary steel slips and the Soho fire basket with Spherical Steel fire dogs, this surround is perfect for a modest library, an elegant sitting room, or a large master bedroom.
For more information on contemporary classical design and our diverse range of timeless styles, you can explore further.
Contemporary Fireplace Design
The Faulkner fireplace, shown with the Soho basket and coordinating Faulkner fire dogs, is a truly stylish modern design. Designer Tom Faulkner is renowned for his refined, mathematically precise, and industrially inspired furniture. The elegant, sweeping curves of the Faulkner are characteristic of his work. The Faulkner is a true statement piece, relying on impeccable craftsmanship for its distinct charm and sophistication. This fireplace evokes a sense of James Bond-esque allure, a touch of Studio 54 glamour, and an undeniable level of refinement.
To browse our collection of contemporary fireplaces, explore the range.
French Fireplace Design
The Marseilles in Bianco Avorio limestone is a grand French piece often selected to bring a softer touch to modern extensions of large family homes. Traditionally found in hallways, kitchens, and rustic living spaces, the Marseilles infuses a bit of French farmhouse charm into your home. It pairs wonderfully with a wood-burning stove, adding just the right amount of homely, rustic character to any interior design scheme. Its elevated height makes it a practical spot to keep cherished items out of reach of small hands and ensures it’s a truly standout piece. Overall, it’s a magnificent city inglenook, perfect for a spacious, comfortable London kitchen with a touch of French flair.