I had a fascinating consultation yesterday with a couple who were restoring a beautiful townhouse in London. They arrived with a folder full of magazine clippings and a particular worry. They knew they wanted a period fireplace to match the heritage of their property, but they were completely stuck on the era. The husband was convinced the house needed the grandeur of a Georgian design, while the wife had her heart set on the decorative detail of a Victorian model.
It is a debate I hear often in the showroom. Clients frequently worry about historical accuracy to the point of paralysis. I reassured them that while history is essential, the decision actually relies on proportion and the feeling you want to create in the room.
We started by walking over to the Georgian section of the showroom to discuss their first option.
I explained that the Georgian era was defined by a love affair with the Classical orders of architecture. I showed them a statuary marble surround with strict, clean lines and a generous opening. The Georgian aesthetic is all about symmetry and the Golden Ratio. It is elegant and restrained. I told them that if their rooms had high ceilings and they wanted a sense of calm authority and space, a Georgian fireplace was likely the correct path. It commands a room without shouting for attention.
Then we moved to the Victorian fireplace displays. The mood changed immediately.
The Victorian era brought with it the Industrial Revolution and an explosion of eclectic tastes. I pointed out the difference in materials. While the Georgian style favours pure carved marble, the Victorian fireplace often features cast-iron inserts and colourful tiling. I showed them a model with intricate floral carving and a smaller, more focused grate.
I explained that Victorian design is often busier and more ornamental. It feels cosier and more domestic. If they wanted the fireplace to be a decorative piece of furniture that draws the eye with pattern and detail, the Victorian style is the winner.
The couple looked at each other, still torn. Their home was technically late Georgian, but they loved the vibrancy of the Victorian designs.
This was the moment I offered the most critical piece of advice….
I told them that rules are made to be broken.
A simple Georgian surround can look stunning in a Victorian home, providing a clean break from busy wallpapers. Conversely, a Victorian style can add much-needed character to a plain modern room.
In the end, it came down to the atmosphere they wanted to live with every day. Did they enjoy the architectural serenity of the Georgian era or the decorative warmth of the Victorian age?
They stood in front of a Regency-period Bullseye marble surround, which bridges the gap between the two styles. It had the clean lines of the Georgian but with a touch of the detail found in later years. It was the perfect compromise.
Choosing between a Victorian and Georgian fireplace is rarely just about dates. It is about understanding the volume of your room and the story you want it to tell. Whether you choose the restraint of the 18th century or the embellishment of the 19th, my goal is to ensure the fire looks like it has always belonged there.