Six Famous Fireplaces [a picture guide]
Introduction
Fireplaces are pretty popular in homes.
60% of new homes have at least one fireplace. Only 36% of homes built in the 70s were built with a fireplace.
Somehow, with all of the fireplaces around some have emerged as the most famous fireplaces of all time.
We’ve compiled a list that includes both on-screen and, of course, real life.
#1 – The Smoking Room on the Titanic
The Smoking Room on the Titanic was a “late-night” lounge for first-class male passengers.
The men could congregate, socialize, smoke cigars, drink whiskey, and gamble.
The fireplace was located on the far back wall. It was also a coal-burning fireplace with white marble.
The smoking room’s fireplace was the only real fireplace on board. The others were installed with electric heaters.
#2 – Home Alone Chimney
Home Alone is my favorite Christmas movie.
I’m in my mid-twenties and still watch it several times every year around Christmas time.
The fireplace in the middle of their living room/family room is the stereotypical Christmas-decorated fireplace.
And it’s decorated in the most picturesque way. Definitely a fireplace worth mentioning.
#3 – The Rumford Fireplace
The Rumford fireplace was designed by Count Rumford.
It is one of the most classic designs that we can see.
Count Rumford studied heat and heat transmission. This study ultimately led to Rumford designing the Rumford fireplace.
He made the fireplace shallower and wider with bricks that added angles to the fireplace.
#4 – White House Fireplaces
The White House, regardless of your political beliefs, is one of the greatest symbols of democracy in the entire world.
It’s been a symbol of the US president’s executive authority since John Adams and his wife Abigail moved in more than 218 years ago.
The White House is a huge mansion. It has more than 55,000 square feet, 132 rooms, 6 levels in the residence.
And 28 fireplaces!
#5 – Sistine Chapel Fireplace
The Sistine Chapel, in the Vatican, has been around since 1508, when they finished construction.
Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling. The first set of frescoes was completed between 1508 and 1512.
Michelangelo was commissioned again in 1535, on commission from Pope Paul III, to paint The Last Judgement.
The Sistine Chapel also functions as the venue for the election of each pope.
When they are discussing the election of a new pope, a chimney is installed on the roof of the chapel. The smoke that comes out of the chimney is a signal.
White smoke means they’ve elected a new smoke. This is created by burning the ballots of the election.
Black smoke means they haven’t made a decision. This smoke is created by burning the ballots along with wet straw and chemical additives.
#6 – Biltmore Estate’s Fireplaces
I grew up in Asheville, where the Biltmore Estate is located.
If you didn’t know, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-owned house in the United States. It has 178,926 square feet.
It is one of the most prominent examples of the Gilded Age mansions.
It was built between 1889-1895. The Biltmore Estate had more than 125,000 acres, but through conservation and gifts, has a modest 8,000 acres.
The house has 65 fireplaces!
The biggest and, arguably, most impressive room in the house is the 70-foot high Banquet Hall that has a massive triple fireplace.
