21 Apr 2020 Create beautiful period fireplaces with cast iron surrounds

If you are looking to create a stunning focal fireplace that complements an existing tiled Victorian fire surround, or you want to create a more modern-looking insert that incorporates a period style but harmonises with your modern living space, then our selection of cast iron fireplace surrounds will help you create the look you’re after.  We take a brief look at the fireplace styles fitting to the Victorian and Edwardian eras alongside some of our most popular cast iron fireplace surrounds.

Victorian Period Fireplaces

The Victorian Era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 – 1901. It was during this time that the UK began to really feel the effects of the industrial revolution as our large towns and cities saw a rapid rise in industrialisation and therefore, housing, as the population moved in search of work.  Many terraced houses were built, and the majority of homeowners would have a Victorian fireplace in the front room as their main focal feature.

The nineteenth century was the century of the cast iron fireplace.  At the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign black cast iron fireplaces became increasingly ornate with intricate designs typically boasting a more floral pattern to the casting.  A design that is often replicated in modern day reproduction fireplaces. By the end of the Victorian period, the elaborately decorated cast iron look started to take a back seat in favour of more geometric (less floral) that boasted a cleaner, more streamlined look.  Larger fireplaces would tend to have a Victorian fire surround of marble, stone, slate or cast iron.  Tiles also started to become a popular choice.

Edwardian Period Fireplaces

Fireplaces in the Edwardian Era (1900- 1920) were typically made from cast iron with most sporting tiled panels or inserts framing the fireplace opening.  Unlike the elaborate designs seen in the late Victorian period, Edwardian era fireplaces were often characterised by their simple design, and tiled fireplaces were commonly finished with tiles of a single colour.

As the period progressed fireplaces also became taller and slimmer.  Cast iron inserts with tiles became less popular and were often replaced with canopies on legs with large angled panels either side covering the space between the canopy and the fireplace surround.

As we headed into the twentieth century, large wooden surrounds started to become the trend particularly wooden surrounds that incorporated large mirrors.  However, at this time cast iron started to decrease in popularity due to the demand made by cast iron ammunition factories at the start of World War 1.

Our large selection of cast iron fire surround offer you the choice of decorative tiled inserts, combined cast iron fireplace surrounds, unfussy, slim-lined fascia’s and much more.  From the intricate Victorian look to the elegant, simplicity of Edwardian times, you will find your perfect cast iron fireplace surround with Fiveways Fires & Stoves to create a living space you dream of.