As the nights draw in, the excitement of summer is ending, and the temperature are starting to drop. But in the coming seasons, there’s so much to look forward to – the autumnal colours, crisp walks in the country, cooking hearty and warming foods, and settling down in front of a warm fire. Whether the fire itself in your home is gas, electric, or a traditional log burner, there’s definitely something classy and cosy about an antique or period fireplace. Whether you already have a period fireplace in your home or are looking to install one, here are some styling ideas that you will love.
Keep it Light
Many antique fireplace options are quite dark in colour. If your fireplace is black and made from cast iron, for example, or is a dark wood, then keeping the paint colours around it light and airy will help to balance out the dark fireplace, especially in smaller rooms. If you have a traditional chimney breast and alcoves, you can try balancing it out by painting the chimney breast a lighter colour while going slightly darker with each alcove.
Accent Tiles
Many period fireplaces such as Victorian fireplaces feature vibrant tiles in jewel colours. While they often look stunning, they might demand some extra consideration when it comes to putting your design scheme together. A good idea is to use the tiles for an accent colour, adding touches of the same or a similar shade throughout the room to bring it all together.
Symmetry
Symmetrical styling works amazingly when it comes to any kind of fireplace, and period and antique fireplaces are no different. For example, you can hang the same size artwork in each alcove or build matching cabinets on each side to ensure that the focus remains on the fire as the main focal point of the room.
Mix and Match Furniture
Just because you have a fireplace that is from a different era, doesn’t mean that all your furniture has to match. In fact, antique fireplaces often look amazing when paired with furniture from different eras for a layered look. Match them with more modern soft furnishings, rugs, artwork, or dining tables and chairs to create a sense of interest.
Keep it Simple
Don’t be afraid to keep things simple and let your fireplace become the star of the show in your room. Antique fireplaces are often quite ornate and decorative on their own, so you might find that you don’t need to add any artwork or a mirror above the fireplace for it to make a huge difference to the room.
Match the Paint
If you have an antique fireplace with a wooden fire surround, then one trendy option that you might want to consider is to match the wall paint colour and the fire surround colour. This is a design idea that looks particularly stunning with antique and period fireplaces, especially if you are using a rich colour that suits the time period, such as a jewel blue or green.
Use Bookshelves
Alcove bookshelves that are crammed full of books are the perfect pairing for your period fireplace and will turn any room into a cosy library in your home. If you love reading, or have family members that do, then turn your books into a functional and stylish part of the home décor.
Use Colour and Depth
There are lots of period fireplace options that work amazingly in any setting, including stone fireplaces. These are soft with a sandy colour that looks beautiful whether paired with traditional or contemporary décor. Thanks to this neutrality, you really can take advantage and go wild when it comes to the depth and colour you add to the room, whether that’s with bright artwork or interesting colour blocking with paint.
Skip the Hearth
If your fireplace is unused and mainly there for decorative purposes rather than to actually house a fire, then, you might want to consider skipping the hearth and taking your flooring right over the area instead. Not only will this provide you with more space in the room but is also an option that can look great if done right. If you are going for a relaxed and cosy vibe, choose natural flooring options like jute, sisal or seagrass for an organic effect. Try out several samples to get one that works well for you, as some are softer underfoot compared to others.
Make the Fireplace the Focus
While it can be tempting to arrange your furniture so that everybody can easily watch TV, this takes away from the fireplace as the main focal point. Spend some time arranging your furniture so that you can all sit comfortably, but nothing takes away from your fire.
Antique and period fireplaces can look amazing in any room, and there are lots of things that you can do to style one stunningly.
