How to Design a Colonial Fireplace
The Colonial era lasted until the mid-1700s. Fireplaces at the beginning of the Colonial period were large, open spaces that were used for cooking and heating in one-room homes. As the era progressed and houses became larger, fireplaces became more refined and took on a less functional, more decorative role. Colonial fireplaces traditionally are framed in wood with a wood mantel, though some wealthy homeowners used marble mantelpieces. A single raised decoration was placed below the mantel. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place columns on both sides of the fireplace opening that are the height of your fireplace surround, plus the height of the frieze and mantel. Keep the design simple; rectangles or a curved Doric half-column are both true to Colonial style.
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2
Construct a frieze that's flush with the tops of the columns and the upper part of the firebox. Place a raised decorative device in the center of the frieze. Usually the device is an eagle, a basket of flowers, a silhouette or a garland.
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3
Frame the mantelpiece with molding. Sand it and fill any cracks and nail heads with caulk. Colonial mantelpieces are typically shallow, because the mantel itself is supposed to be decorative, not a shelf.
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4
Attach the mantel to the columns and the frieze. Caulk any seams or cracks and sand them smooth.
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5
Put a cast iron fireback at the rear of the fire box. A fireback protects the masonry and reflects heat into the room. Firebacks were frequently decorated in the same manner as a Colonial frieze.
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6
Paint the columns, mantel and frieze white. Add a Colonial-style fireplace set and screen.
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