Mid-18th Century French Régence Fireplace Mantel in Burgundy Stone – Sculpted Antique Corner Fireplace, 155.5 cm Wide

An exceptional mid-18th century French Régence fireplace mantel, carved from richly coloured Burgundy stone and originally installed as a corner fireplace. Its flowing architectural lines, sculpted jambs and extraordinary natural palette give this antique chimney piece a character that is unmistakably French yet remarkably easy to integrate into contemporary interiors.

The design captures the elegance of the Régence tradition through movement rather than excessive ornament. A gently curved fire opening rises towards the centre of the frieze, where a deeply carved composition of scrolling foliage, acanthus and rocaille-inspired ornament creates the visual focus. The surrounding mouldings follow the curve of the opening, giving the façade a soft rhythm and refined sense of movement.

The upper corners are treated as small architectural panels with restrained scrolling decoration. From these, the design flows naturally into the jambs, whose sculpted profiles are particularly distinctive. Their upper sections project and curve outward before narrowing towards the lower supports, giving the mantel considerable visual depth and a graceful transition from horizontal to vertical.

The side views reveal just how sculptural the construction is. With tablet measuring 30 cm deep, this is not a flat surround but a substantial architectural object that projects confidently into the room. Its original installation in a corner adds another layer of history and explains the unusual depth and shaping visible on the rear and side sections.

The Burgundy stone is equally remarkable. Its colour moves through warm salmon pink, faded terracotta, soft apricot, honey, pale ochre and creamy beige. Across the polished surfaces, these tones form irregular mineral clouds, broken veins and naturally mottled areas, producing a lively but harmonious appearance.

Some parts of the stone appear more intensely coral or rose, while others are lighter and almost golden-cream. This variation gives the mantel extraordinary depth and prevents the colour from ever appearing uniform or artificial.

In natural daylight the pale cream and honey tones become more visible. Under warmer evening light or beside an open fire, the salmon, rose and terracotta shades become richer and more atmospheric. This changing interaction with light is one of the qualities that makes coloured Burgundy stone so effective in refined interiors.

Despite its decorative pedigree, the mantel does not need a traditional setting. Against lime plaster, old oak, reclaimed stone or terracotta, it immediately creates a relaxed French living atmosphere. Combined with polished concrete, minimalist furniture, contemporary sculpture or important modern art, it becomes an unexpected historical counterpoint that gives a room individuality and depth.

The combination is particularly successful in eclectic interiors, Alpine residences, Mediterranean villas, French country houses and contemporary homes where historic materials are used deliberately rather than nostalgically.

At 155.5 cm wide, the mantel has a generous architectural presence. The broad opening and relatively low curved frieze keep the composition elegant and open, while the sculpted jambs prevent it from feeling flat or overly formal.

For collectors, architects and interior designers, this is precisely the type of antique fireplace that can define a bespoke interior: authentic enough to bring history into the room, yet sufficiently restrained to dialogue effortlessly with contemporary design and art.

The generous fire opening can surround a traditional open fireplace or be incorporated around a carefully designed contemporary firebox. An appropriately dimensioned Isokern-type firebox, for example, may be integrated behind the antique surround, subject to all required technical installation clearances.

More than a fireplace mantel, it is a genuine piece of French architectural decoration: sculptural, warm, elegant and deeply individual.

Condition:

Wear and condition consistent with age and use.
Originally installed in a corner.
Ready for installation.
Small restorations.

Dimensions:

155,5 cm Exterior Width 61.22 Inch
115 cm Exterior Height 45.28 Inch
124,5 cm Interior Width 49.02 Inch
89 cm Interior Height 35.04 Inch
97,5 cm Interior Height+ 38.39 Inch
30 cm Depth Tablet 11.81 Inch
37 cm Depth Jambs 14.57 Inch
354 Kg

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