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Olde Good Things

Architectural and Altered Antiques

Palace of Dreams: Brooklyn’s Grand Prospect Hall

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Like all dreams with a storyline of gold, grandeur, and infamy that eventually must fade into memory, Brooklyn’s “Palace of Dreams” Grand Prospect Hall leaves behind just a sprinkling of treasures and over a century of glamor, play, and sentimentality for Brooklynites and other patrons.

Drawing of the Grand Prospect Hall

Following the death of its owner Michael Halkias, the Victorian-era entertainment venue sold after a long history of opulence and entertainment.

The building was originally envisioned in 1892 as a “temple of music and amusement” by German immigrant and real estate entrepreneur John Kolle.

Architect Ulrich J. Huberty, known for Prospect Park’s Boathouse, Tennis House, and Litchfield Villa, set to work creating Kolle’s vision. Prospect Hall featured ornate marble and granite, stained glass, opulent crystal chandeliers, a ballroom, and an opera house. The building also housed the first French birdcage elevator in Brooklyn.

In 1900, Prospect Hall was heavily damaged by fire. At the time, the venue included a saloon, bowling alley, and amusement resort. Kohl rebuilt the hall. Prospect Hall was a playground for the elite in this age, who enjoyed high-class vaudeville, masquerade balls, and motion pictures. Prospect Hall was also home to the Crescent Motion Picture Company.

The theater became one of the first production spaces, and Crescent Films produced and distributed short film reels, called nickelodeons. Crescent later morphed into the New York Motion Picture Company, a precursor to Universal Pictures.

The host eventually gave over operations to a son.  Kolle and his wife Bertha raised eight children at the site.

Al Capone visited the Prohibition-era speakeasy at Prospect Hall, allegedly the site of a fight that earned him the nickname “Scarface”. Capone also claimed a balcony box in the ballroom, being disposed toward opera. Other visitors included Mae West, Bob Hope, Sonja Henie, Ginger Rogers, and Fred Astaire.

The White Eagle Society, a Polish immigration association, bought Prospect Hall in 1940. The third and final owners, Michael Halkias and wife Alice, purchased the venue in 1981 and set about restorations. They called it “Grand Prospect Hall”.

Over the years, the hall was a production set for films such as “Prizzi’s Honor,” “The Cotton Club,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums”, photo shoots for Vogue and Macy’s, television shows, and music videos.

Later, an outdoor German Biergarten was added. The site hosted the Big Brooklyn Challah Bake, as well as the annual City of Gods Halloween party, an infamous Burning Man-style rave, and the Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, a Balkan festival that drew thousands.

The pandemic shut down this grand vision of an owner who sought to provide a lavish entertainment venue that embraced the blended American immigrant heritage. Property taxes were the final death knell. The family held an auction that was visited by prominent fans of the building’s legacy, as well as unknown persons who secretly spirited objects away, like the old nickelodeon reels, to private collections.

Olde Good Things brought precious treasures from the iconic palace of dreams to the inventory, to be shared with those who love the history and spirit of these entrepreneurial immigrants who had such big dreams.

Click here to view the treasures available from the Grand Prospect Hall.

New Creation: Handmade River Resin Wood Tables

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At OGT, one quality we have always valued is the ability to reimagine, to repurpose, to reinvent. After our architectural treasures are reclaimed, we use skill, craftsmanship, and imagination to create and to help our customers do the same.

 

With that idea in mind (and classic table legs back in stock!), we wanted to show off these reimagined, handcrafted river resin tables.

 

All Olde Good Things’ farmhouse tables/ industrial tables are crafted by hand from quality wood and paired with one of our styles of industrial table legs. They are a sleek addition to dining rooms, kitchens, workspaces, and living areas. Commercial clients love the way these tables add a rustic industrial edge to dining and entertainment venues and other contemporary commercial spaces.

Our river resin tables add a fun and stylish embellishment to a quality piece, such as walnut resin dining table in stock.

 

The live edge walnut blue resin river and green resin mahogany tables are contemporary and luxurious…

River resin tables are also available in these beautiful maple, ash, and walnut designs.

All tabletops and industrial cast iron legs are high quality salvaged wood and iron legs – durable, beautiful, and solid, crafted by artisans at OGT.

Let us help you reimagine your environment with one of these exquisite tables or any of our collection of altered antiques.

Shop all River Resin Tables

Murano Glass Luxury Fixtures and the Elite Trade of Murano

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Venice glass making was born of a tradition of craftsmanship brought from the Roman and Byzantine empires, married with skills learned through trade with the Orient. Venetian glass was a major industry as early as the sixth century.

A Glass makers Guild was created to ensure trade secrets. Part of the mission of the Guild was to prohibit glass imports and to employ only local glass makers.

Vintage Murano 5 Arm Clear Glass Brass Pole Chandelier

 

Most agree that the foundations of Murano glass were laid with the passage of a 1291 law that required all glass maker furnaces be moved from this central hub of Venice, ostensibly due to risk of fire, to the outlying Murano. The true motivation was to keep the glass secrets classified.

Glass artisans were considered a special kind of nobility. This concentration of craftsmen led to a flourishing of the craft and new discoveries in the processes of making fine glass.

During this crucial time in the glass manufacture trade, Cristallo Veneziano was discovered as the world’s first clear glass. Its processes were discovered by Angelo Barovier in the 15th century. Lattimo glass was made by Antonio de Pisa. It was Joseph Briati who created the Murano glass flowered chandelier. Murano glass masters continued developing techniques in the sculpting and decoration of glass until the 18th century.

Sodium oxide is used to slow solidification to allow the craftsman to mold the glass into artistic designs. Common techniques include acidato, avventurina, cristallo, double, filigrana, fenicio, foglia, fumato, ghiacciato, lattimo, mirrors, murrina, millefiori, opalino, rugiada, smalti, soffiato, sommerso, sabbiatura, and vetrofusione. These Murano processes and techniques combine chemistry and artistry to achieve the unique textures, colors, and designs of Murano glass.

When Europe began to trade with India, Africa, and the Americas, Murano beads were used as currency, or trade beads.

Hand Blown Modern 6 Arm Clear Murano Latticino Glass Chandelier

 

Delicate Murano seed beads were used in lavish jewelry, weaving, and embroidery. These beads were made by pulling molten glass.

The crowning design achievement of Murano was the Briati flowered glass chandelier and the rezzonico chandelier. These handmade chandeliers could be composed of thousands of pieces. The hand blown glass of Murano was kept competitive by the tradition of artistic sculpting and decoration.

The Murano tradition has been nourished in its renaissance by the dedication of skilled craftsman, with reimagining the Venetian mosaic tiles, experimenting throughout the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, and reinstating techniques of filagree, murrino, and lattiomo for functionality and minimalism. The famous chandeliers are considered luxury items to the present day.

Olde Good Things extensive collection of light fixtures includes the luxurious Murano chandeliers, along with Murano flush mount lights, pendant lighting, and wall sconces.  Inquire about OGT’s recent acquisition of over 50 Murano glass vintage chandeliers now being inventoried and added to our vast collection of designer lighting. As mall portion can be seen above.

Contact our antique and vintage reclaim experts at OGT for ideas on your project using Murano glass lighting.

 

Olde Good Things Reclaimed Light Fixture Restoration for Enhanced Radiance, Classic Preservation

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The value of light as it is used in a space cannot be underestimated. Lighting is used to arrange a space – to create atmosphere, a perfect balance of light and shadow, or to make the best use of the dispersion of light for projects, office work, galleries, or dining.

Shoppers at OGT online or visitors to any of our Olde Good Things locations find themselves in a wonderland of light fixtures for every purpose. From atmospheric lighting for the home, commercial space, or restaurant, to industrial light fixtures invented to maximize light concentration and minimize glare, OGT offers such a wide selection of antique and modern lighting… it is an adventure in discovering the ways light can be used.

Consider the unique types of housing that encapsulate light. The variety of shades, globes, lanterns – all homes for light are a component in the overall experience of beauty and functionality when hunting down your unique lighting design.

OGT’s antique and modern light fixture selection is reclaimed from classic homes and historic buildings. Our collection includes chandeliers, sconces, industrial light fixtures, flush and semi flush mounts, nautical lighting, lamps, pendant lighting, and more.

 

OGT has collected, restored, and sold antique original fixtures since 1995. Reclaimed light fixtures from such historic venues as The Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel wait to inspire. Customers can also find commercial lighting from historic NYC banks, skyscrapers, and entertainment venues, like Brooklyn’s Prospect Hall, along with a surprising variety of 1940s Art Deco theater chandeliers, many from the famous Rialto Theater. Other pieces include single socket flush mount fixtures from 1910 to Baccarat crystal chandeliers reclaimed from governors’ mansions. One of our latest historic salvages includes authentic vintage Murano glass chandeliers from a private collection.

Many of these historic structures are in the process of demolition or complete renovation. Some of the most classic pieces are diamonds in the rough.

Restoring light fixtures can be a project many would prefer to leave to the experts. Rewiring and cleaning of antique light fixtures can be a delicate art.  Olde Good Things restoration experts lovingly restore at our special lighting restoration shop. This allows our light-smiths to ensure the functionality, safety, and beauty of your chosen lighting. For those who purchase a light from us, services include rewiring, socketing, compiling, chaining, and custom design.

With several acres of lighting inventory to be restored, OGT offers lighting restoration service only for lights purchased at OGT. Visit us online or in our Scranton, PA warehouse to learn more about our lighting restoration workshop services, or contact one of our helpful OGT reclaim specialists for more information.

 

 

Grand Estate Turned Convent Gives Up Some of its Well-Preserved Treasures

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A pair of 1940s hand carved marble statues of ministering angels were rescued by Olde Good Things from a massive sugar baron’s estate with a vibrant history. These angels are in excellent condition and were recovered from the sanctuary of a mansion that wears multiple faces – manor house, Divine Order, orphanage, and school.

 

The story of the estate begins in 1906 with wealthy sugar importer George R Mosle. The sugar baron’s company, Mosle Brothers, was an agent and banker for Cuban sugar plantations prior to the Spanish-Cuban and Spanish-American wars. Mosle brought sugar-cane growers and their families to the US and paid to build up their plantations in a new country.

Mosle built an estate named Hillandale near the captains of industry in Far Hills, New Jersey. The sugar empire sprawled across 32 acres. A mansion fit for a sugar baron was invoked. Mosle’s mansion was designed by estate architect Grosvenor Atterbury.

View online – Pair of 1940s Gray Statuary Hand Carved Marble Statues of Angels

Atterbury was a noted regional architect, and his legacy is a bit offbeat. He designed both estates and urban buildings. Atterbury’s ongoing interest in urban design, housing, and social issues was a signature of his work. The architect continued to use the same luxury design on estates and structures for the working poor of New York City; he experimented with lowering the cost of materials by various means throughout his life.

The manor at Hillendale was 18,000 square feet of stone and brick, with soaring windows, fireplaces, wood, and terracotta tile. Original details of the mansion, which is on the market, include a wood-lined butler’s pantry and a grand stone patio.

According to the Historical Society of Somerset Hills, German submarines torpedoed many of Mosley’s ships during World War I. He was refused post-war retribution payment, forcing him into bankruptcy.

The grand estate was put up for auction and purchased by Sisters of St. John the Baptist in 1926. New use demanded new additions for the Mount Saint John Convent, which converted the estate into an orphanage.

 

An Abbreviated History of Stained Glass Windows

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Stained glass dates back to at least the Roman Empire when craftsmen peddled wares including stained glass. The history of stained glass takes on legendary elements as the mixture of craftsmanship, science, art, and religion all blend into a divine tale of trial and error. It is metallic oxides that influence the creation of many hues during the manufacturing of stained glass.

Gothic stained glass – stock photo

The Lycurgus Cup, one of the most mysterious and famous relics of stained glass, seems to have formed by accident during its making. The cup is composed of dichroic glass, which changes color depending on the light. Lit from inside, the cup glows red, while outside light reveals an opaque green-colored hue. There are no other existing examples of such pieces from the Roman period. Scientists say it is the development of nanoparticles in the glass that is responsible for the drastic color change, and that a lack of control of the coloring process caused its development. Today it is housed in the British Museum.

Click here to see The Lycurgus Cup, 4th century CE

Stained glass windows were adopted into the atmosphere of medieval monasteries in the 7th century. Soon they could be found in cathedrals across Europe. The original designs were small, simple, and Romanesque. But by the 12th century, Gothic architecture replaced the predominant style with soaring spires and towering stained glass windows that bathed the interior in light. The near-Parisian Abbey of Saint-Denis personifies this gliding style; Abbot Suger rebuilt the abbey following the mystical principles of light.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris – stock photo

Stained glass adorned Islamic mosques and palaces across the Middle East by the 8th century reflecting the rich ornate styles of Islamic architecture. The Book of the Hidden Pearl, written by Persian chemist Jābir ibn Ḥayyān, is a colored glass recipe book written about the craft.

The Renaissance and Reformation eras saw a shift in both technique and subject in stained glass windows, a transformation that helps to date pieces salvaged from bygone days. The mosaic style bound by thick lead casings vanished. Also, artists painted enamel directly on the glass before it was fired. Stained glass windows became more common in secular buildings and the homes of nobles, and featured more humanlike and earthy scenes than the previous divine and biblical renderings.

The fall in popularity of stained glass up to the 19th century was mostly due to Protestant Reformation and Counter-reformation, movements allergic to elaborate decoration. Glass workshops centered in the Lorraine region of Europe vanished after many palaces and castles were razed to the ground during the war.

Stained glass windows came back into popularity in America during the Gothic Revival when church congregations called for a return of the leaded art form. The revival occurred in designs for churches across Europe, as well, and stained glass windows were often incorporated into designs to replace glass destroyed during World War II. A sort of new renaissance was born.

Gothic stained glass – stock photo

Stained glass artists also reimagined technique and design in less cosmopolitan parts of the world. In Australia and New Zealand, those wealthy enough began importing stained glass from England. A feature of stained glass made by natives was the native plants and wildlife used in the design, but the 1930s Depression brought destitution to the native studios.

In South Africa, artist Paul Blomkamp used resin bonding and thin glass due to the impracticality of obtaining the lead. Italian Swiss craftsman Claudio Pellandi set up a studio in Mexico for leaded glass, etching, beveling, and silvering mirrors. Famous artist Marc Chagall designed stained glass for the chapel of the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem.

By the 1960s, small craftsmen could make stained glass due to the invention of a small furnace for craftspeople. Hot glass became a course in colleges and universities. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie Style” philosophy of architecture incorporated stained glass windows featuring geometric designs and abstract shots of color juxtaposed into clear glass.

Modern stained glass – stock photo

Ever an art form, whether imbibed with symbolism or not, stained glass retains its beauty and collectibility throughout the centuries, even as new forms and techniques of expression transform this medium of expression.

Olde Good Things houses a number of fine stained glass windows reclaimed from historic places such as the Waldorf Astoria NYC, as well as altered antiques composed of the glass from the famous Robert Sowers window at JFK Airport.

 

Works Cited

“History of Stained Glass.” The Stained Glass Association of America, https://stainedglass.org/resources/history-of-stained-glass/. Accessed 27 July 2022.

LaChiusa, Chuck. “Reformation Stained Glass Windows.” Buffalo Architecture and History, https://buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/stained/renais.html. Accessed 27 July 2022.

Richman, Kelly. “Stained Glass History, from Ancient Art to Contemporary Installations.” My Modern Met, 28 April 2019, https://mymodernmet.com/stained-glass-history/. Accessed 27 July 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Custom Family Home on a Creative Budget in California’s Central Valley

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This family built an entire home around the “special” pieces they found at Olde Good Things. The storefront doors that open into the entryway courtyard and a set of antique mirrors that flank the fireplace and mantle set the tone for a Visalia, California home built on a creative budget plus persistence.

Chelsea and Chris Cumiford were born and raised in the Central Valley and wanted to return after college to raise children there. They purchased a building lot in 2014. It took four years to begin the actual build process because the couple decided to pay off graduate school loans and the loans on the lot before beginning the custom home.

Chris Cumiford works as a high school science teacher and college professor. Chelsea works part-time as a school psychologist and stays at home to spend time with the children, 5-year-old Rogue, and 2-year-old Canon, a few days each week.

Construction of the home began in 2018. The couple wanted to build a custom home that reflected the family and their style, Chelsea says. They were looking for an open interior with spaces that retained their character.

“…having to adhere to a tight budget can actually force you to make creative decisions that you might not have made otherwise,”  she adds.

The creativity was reflected in exposed concrete floors, exposed joists in bar and kitchen areas, and railings composed of rebar metal spindles. Vinyl doors replaced the use of steel. Budgeting turned the home design into the custom industrial glam the couple was hoping for.

Salvaged materials also fit nicely into the overall budget and design scheme. The OGT storefront doors were painted black, with hardware added to match the French doors on the home. Hundred-year-old wooden doors were purchased for the front of the home.

The bar is designed from a 1950s-era department store counter acquired from a friend. The couple purchased a local antique mantle for the library side of the double-sided fireplace.

It’s a vision that gets built on bit by bit. Future projects for the home vision include a library book wall with an antique ladder, pantry renovation, a finished powder bathroom, and a dock that extends the backyard space out into the water, Chelsea says. Other projects include an above-ground spa for the backyard, and adding finishing touches to the kid’s bedrooms and play loft.

“The home was brought together by elements of modern industrial design, with elements of historic time periods that made sense.,” Chelsea explains. ”The whole house is really this combination of modern, and historic elements of design combined. The outside of the house is a Mediterranean elevation with major Spanish and Italian design elements. There is a major nod to California’s historic missions with the Western White exterior, large tower entry, arched doorways and windows, tiled roof, and large wooden door.

Inside, the house has a very open modern industrial feel, combined with a mix of vintage-era furniture and light fixtures. Black Steel I-beams and concrete floors share the main room space with chandeliers and vintage rugs. Industrial pipe floor-to-ceiling bookshelves frame the French Revolution era-inspired fireplace. Exposed ceiling joists and metal visible conduit, are softened by white marble countertops.”

The process inspired Chelsea Cumiford to chronicle this part of the family’s journey on her Instagram, which in turn inspired a decision to work with her own design clients.

Follow Chelsea and her family on Instagram @chelsgc

Everything and the Kitchen Sink – Incorporating Classic Bathtubs and Sinks Into Contemporary Settings

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Lovers of reclaimed architectural salvage appreciate the juxtaposition of old and new. It’s not just about the inherent green lifestyle of saving great pieces from the landfill for reuse. High-end salvage aficionados savor the value of preserved pieces made with classic craftsmanship for their beauty and durability.

At Olde Good Things, we love bringing classic sinks and bathtubs into the shop so our customers can find that perfect soaking tub or vintage industrial sink.

Imagine what you could do with this unique vintage 6-unit school sink with cast iron legs. Use for a gardening tub, in barn stalls, or as a classic industrial-farmhouse piece anywhere. Or take home one of these much beloved extra deep sinks, like this reclaimed industrial steel double sink.

Many OGT vintage plumbing pieces are incorporated successfully in contemporary settings like homes, restaurants, retail, and offices. It is exciting to have a classic piece with a story behind it. A Modern Kohler black granite and walnut veneer bathroom vanity with sink blends seamlessly into modern designs, while a more vintage oval pedestal sink with crackled finish can provide that stark contrast of old and new that lends an edge to your design.

You can visit some of the articles in our Customer Showcase to see how contemporary business owners and designers have welcomed vintage industrial plumbing elements into their designs.

Whether you are looking for a vintage retro Hollywood tub to soak in like this 1950s light blue bathtub, or a more Victorian-industrial glam with a 1900s white earthenware corner bathtub or standard cast iron clawfoot bathtub, so popular in old houses-turned-apartments or classic vintage apartment buildings, a reclaimed bathtub brings an air of glamor and mystery.

Designers, restaurant and retail business owners, set designers, prop procurers, and homeowners alike are welcome to browse our vintage plumbing components or ask questions about incorporating our classic reclaimed pieces into your set or space. Contact one of our architectural salvage experts today for your sink or bathtub.

3 DIY Videos to Help You Strip A Door

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Reclaimed doors are a treasure, but sometimes treasure needs a little polishing. Whether you want to take your vintage architectural salvage doors down to the bare wood, preserve original varnish, or just repaint anew on a smooth surface, you may appreciate some ideas on the easiest way to tackle this tough project.

Stripping old paint off doors is one of those exciting projects that sounds great in the beginning, but can easily turn into a complex chore. A multitude of visual instruction videos on stripping old doors is available, and here are some favorites.

Number 1

How to Strip a Door (or any other surface)

Brittany at Prettyhandygirl.com has this helpful video on what products and tools to use, cleanup, and stripping a door to a fresh tabula rasa.

Number 2

The EASY WAY to Refinish a Door!

The Wood Whisperer offers tips on refinishing a door while it is still on its hinges – practical when it is already on your house or building and you don’t want to leave the interior open to the elements while waiting for stripping agents to soak in or wood to dry.

Number 3

How to Safely Strip Paint from Woodwork | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House consults the experts on removing paint from classic old wood without destroying the original varnish beneath, and what to avoid by learning from others’ mistakes.

 

Supplies:

Various hand tools for removing hardware and hooks from door

Paint/varnish liquid stripper

Mineral spirits

Wood filler/epoxy

Paintbrush

Various handheld strippers (flat and chisel edged)

Wire brush

Steel Wool

Sandpaper

Power sander plus ear protection

Gloves

Safety glasses

Respirator

Lead test kit

Adequate ventilation

Extras:

Shop-vac

Plastic (for the mess)

Rag or cloth

Pencil

Toothpicks

Baby gate?

 

For additional tips and tricks from experts on transforming your architecture salvage treasures, contact our experienced craftsman at Olde Good Things.

How to Measure for Fireplace Installation

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When dreaming of installing a fireplace, the aesthetics of how beautiful it will look in your space – distribution of flickering light, the warmth of a toasty fire on cold evenings – is the first thing that comes to mind. This is how ideas are born, but it will take actual practical construction principles to frame the idea into the reality of a fireplace setup.

Several elements are taken into consideration when planning a fireplace installation. Your design-build plan incorporates the size of the room and its dimensions, the style of fireplace and type of fuel, heating efficiency, and the chosen location of installation.

Fireplace area, flue size, and chimney height are subject to local building codes and standard functional considerations. A helpful article from Concrete Construction discusses these considerations.

For starters, here are a few common types of fireplaces and their characteristics.

Masonry

Masonry fireplaces include constructions of stone, brick, or mortar. This type of fireplace is common in historical buildings or rustic design schemes, which makes masonry slightly tricky as new construction because they were historically part of the original home design. The standard masonry fireplace will have a 24 – 48 in. dimension, with variations for the height of the walls. Hearth to mantle measurements is around 54 – 73 in.

Gas

Gas fireplaces are a choice in many contemporary spaces for beauty, safety, and energy efficiency. There is more room to play with shape and dimension with a gas fireplace. They are also a less awkward alternative to install in alternate rooms, such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Standard dimensions are about 24 – 48 in. W, 36 in. + H, with a 24 in. opening and firebox height of 14 in.

Electric

Electric fireplaces are heaters that look like a fireplace without the need for chimney, flue, or vents. Common dimensions are 44 in. W, 31 in. H, and 13 in. depth.

Fireplace Inserts

Fireplace inserts, like fireplaces, offer the options of wood, gas, or propane. They are more energy-efficient than the traditional fireplace. Inserts are made of steel or cast iron and may include fans for optimal heat distribution along with wall thermostats or remote controls. They are available in small (26 in. W, 17 in. H, 14 in. D), medium (29 in. W, 20 in. H, 14 in. D), and large (32 in. W, 24 in. H, 16 in. D).

Double-sided Fireplace

Double-sided fireplaces are suitable for heating multiple rooms. They are usually gas or electric and require less maintenance than a wood-burning fireplace. Standard dimensions are 52 in. W, 44 in. H, with a greater depth than standard.

Fireplace Installation Design

First, the fireplace enthusiast must decide on the placement of the fireplace according to room dimensions, aesthetics, heat distribution, and other practical considerations like the location of main structural elements, plumbing, or wiring in the walls. Even corner fireplaces are a possibility.

This is where it is wise to start working with a design or installation professional unless you have your heart set on a DIY project or are experienced with design and construction. Still, you can begin measuring for the fireplace on your own before you select your perfect fireplace.

Measuring for Fireplace Installation

You will need to record the height, width, and depth of an existing fireplace to shop for fireplace inserts, vintage fireplaces, mantels, and surrounds. Record each dimension at different points.

Height is the measurement from your fireplace hearth to the top of the opening. The width is from one side of the opening to the other. Depth is from the center opening to the back.

Recording the correct dimensions requires accurate measurement of the interior of the firebox. Not all cavities are square inside and maybe angled. Use a measuring tape and record the width and height at the fireplace opening, the rear, the lintel, and any angled sidewalls or different-sized areas within the firebox. Arched openings require dimensions from the highest and lowest points. Add ⅛ in. space of clearance if a lintel is present.

If you have chosen to install an insert, it should be airtight without having to be forced into the space using approved insulating materials.

Terms:

Firebox, Fireplace Opening, Cavity: Terms for the interior of the fireplace.

Fireplace Insert: A box used to replace the traditional fireplace (inserted).

Lintel: Iron rod that is placed from front to back across the ceiling of a fireplace opening to provide structural support. Sometimes exposed, sometimes not, it is often embedded in the cavity and must be accounted for when measuring the interior fireplace.

Depth: Distance from the face of the firebox to the back wall. Measured from the center.

Venting: Fireplace ventilation through a chimney, direct vent, or vent-free, depending on fuel.

Chimney Liner: Required in many cases in the venting.

Surround: Collective components of the mantel, legs, and hearth that compose the face around the firebox.

For assistance with your design, and selection, contact our experts at Olde Good Things.

 

Olde Good Things