For many period property owners, a working fireplace is one of many perks. Bringing warmth and character to a space, they’re the heart of a room but need to be properly cared for. In some Victorian homes, due to ageing, your fireplace may even need to be restored before you can fully enjoy it.

Fireplace restoration may appear daunting at first but it doesn’t have to be. There are simple steps you can take to preserve yours so, in this blog, we’re running through each one to help you get your fireplace back to working order.

The history of Victorian fireplaces

As prosperity in the era rose, Victorians began to embrace distinctive architecture – and nothing represented that ornamentation more than the fireplace. Despite their practical use, they were seen as more of a status symbol by middle and upper-class Victorians, with many featuring unique design features that are easily noticeable today. 

For functionality and style, the era welcomed elegant, streamlined fireplaces with sleek lines, geometric designs and elevated shapes. They came in darker colours, reflecting the gothic trend of the time and solidifying them as a practical piece for the home, not just a decorative feature. 

Staples of fireplaces from the time included medieval or gothic motifs, intricately designed tiles and carvings, cast iron surrounds, marble fireplace hearths, and grand mantelpieces. The exteriors were typically made from marble, wood, or stone with a cast iron or tiled insert. 

Victorian England was a time of industry and innovation and we as a country were proud of this. Because of that, many fireplace designs would feature imagery of factories and trains. This need for domestic evolution would also lead to the invention of the coal grate, which was designed to allow the controlled burning of fuel when using a fireplace.

Victorian fireplaces showed off craftsmanship and having a working one in your home today is quite special. 

Restoring a working Victorian fireplace 

Uncover the fireplace if it’s boarded up

As interior trends have changed over the years, many Victorian fireplaces have unfortunately been painted, plastered or boarded over. If this is the case in your home, you can still take steps to uncover the original. 

Before you do so, make sure your space is well-ventilated, you wear the right protective gear, and your floors are safeguarded with old sheets. 

If it’s a cast iron fireplace and painted over, especially with lead paint, you can use a specialised paint stripper. Apply it and let it dry for as long as possible, but don’t let it fully dry before you use a stripping knife or wire brush to remove it (wipe off any residue once done). Don’t use water to clean afterwards, stick to white spirit or a specialised cleaning solution. You can then use a protective metal primer, especially if you plan on repainting.

For stone fireplaces, there are pastes that emulsify the paint which will make it easier to peel off. Paint will cling to every crevice of the stone so, you may need to use a scrubbing brush or scraper to remove the rest. You can then clean the stone with an acid gel to finish it off.

A gel-like paint stripper is the best place to start with a wood fireplace. After this, you can use sandpaper and vinegar on a cloth to remove any leftover paint. 

If your fireplace is covered by plaster, you can actually use a hammer and masonry chisel to remove it, just be careful. A pry bar can help to remove larger chunks of plaster but make sure you don’t go too deep. 

Repair any damage

With age sometimes comes small bits of superficial damage but these are easily repaired with the right tools. For health and safety, if the damage is more substantial, you may need to call in a professional. 

Cracks can be fixed by using refractory caulk (there are some rated for fireplaces). Just ensure the area is completely clean beforehand. Small cracks don’t stay small for long so make sure that you act quickly.

If any of the tiles are broken, it can be tempting to use an adhesive as a quick fix but we would recommend replacing them. You can either search for a matching original or a replica. If your fireplace doesn’t have tiles, it may be possible to add some – this could bring some life to the area and make it a focal point in the room.

Rust isn’t uncommon with cast iron fireplaces and can contribute to further damage. If it’s minor rust, you can use a chemical-free solution made from ingredients in your kitchen and a wire brush to remove it. Rock salt and lemon juice or baking soda with a splash of water would work well. For more intense rust, you can use a specialised rust remover. Whatever cleaner you use, make sure you buff in a circular motion and wipe away the residue. 

Clean your fireplace

A key part of the restoration process is cleaning your fireplace before and during regular use. You’ll know your fireplace really needs a clean if your fires aren’t burning as well as usual, there’s a lot of smoke coming from it or there is an intense smell. 

Always make sure your fireplace is completely cooled down and any debris is removed with a fireplace shovel before you attempt to clean it. 

To then start cleaning, remove any grates and irons to clean separately. You should sweep and vacuum away dust from them and then clean them with methylated spirit and a cloth, wiping gently. You can then use iron paste or grate polish to get a shiny finish. 

All types of fireplaces need sweeping regularly, removing soot and ash ideally after each use. You should try to give it a thorough clean weekly while it’s being used a lot in the winter using a soft scrub brush and cleaning solution (dish soap and water will also do the trick). If your fireplace has any glass, you can also use a glass cleaner. 

For the exterior, you may want to use a specialist multi-metal or cast iron polish. Wear protective gloves and clothing and then use a soft cloth to apply the polish. Choose a graphite finish for a more subtle look but, if you want a more intense shine, a black polish may be better. 

Another part of keeping your fireplace clean is booking a chimney sweep each year. It’s best to get a sweep in just before regular use in the winter or if it hasn’t been used in a long time. 

You may also want to ensure you’re burning the right materials to prevent unnecessary soot and smoke build-up. Dry logs and smokeless coal are the best options.

Add your adornments 

Looking to truly elevate your fireplace? Adding a finishing touch like a fire grate, mantelpiece or fender seat could create that luxe feel while staying faithful to your Victorian space. 

Fire grates keep intense heat off the chimney floor and fender seats surround the fireplace hearth to protect it from logs and coal rolling. Both of these are practical elements that create the traditional aesthetic that many period property owners want.

Mantelpieces were originally created to catch rising smoke but they became a decorative staple, especially in the Victorian era. If you don’t have one, we’d recommend including one in your space after you have finished restoring the rest of your fireplace. 

Insuring your Victorian Home

As you put in the work to restore your fireplace, you may be considering what insurance will work for your home. Adrian Flux is an insurance broker who understands this and will help you find home insurance to suit you.
Call 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that works for you.