Mantel Sculpture

This stone fireplace (Sarlat, France) has a curious mantel which is taken up entirely by a single sculpted hunting scene. You'll be surprised to find out that the sculptures are actually life-size. No more nicknacks!

Three fireplaces under a single mantle?

This fireplace design is perhaps more of a curiosity. Three separate fireplaces, each with a separate flue, are sharing the same enormous mantle. The fireplace was built for the Grand Hall of the Poitiers Palace.

Gothic fireplace

This is a Gothic fireplace from the palace of the Dukes of Burgundy in Dijou, France. Built in 15th century, this decorative piece clearly resembles a Gothic cathedral. It is designed to impress with its height. Visually, it seems to be directed upwards. In order to appreciate the size of this fireplace, look at the pieces of wood that have been placed inside it. Gothic fireplaces were usually fed with cut up trunks of trees and big branches.

Fireplace in a large room

This image serves as a great example of how a very vast space can be defined through a massive fireplace. The location is Morlaix, Bretagne (France). It also appears that this fireplace is adequate for heating this large room.

Fireplace at the Bishop's palace at Beauvais, France

This majestic fireplace from a bishop's palace is richly decorated with the owner's arms - you can see a typical eclesiastical crest. Note the crosses on either side of the fireplace.