Homes

Throwback Thursday: Fireplace Fashions from 1979

We resurrect the best fireplaces of the late-70s.

By Patrick Easton /

We resurrect the best fireplaces of the late-70s.

In September 1979, Western Living was fixated on fireplaces. We ran a feature showcasing trends, an article about burning efficiently, and an excerpt from a letter we received from the U.S. Fireplace Institute, refuting claims fireplaces contribute to pollution (no doubt an unbiased opinion). For Throwback Thursday, we put together a slideshow on how to burn in style. Start the slideshow by clicking the picture below, and view more throwbacks here.

A fireplace can connect indoors and outdoors. Half of this brass-hooded fireplace is outside behind the circular window, acting as a barbecue.

In 1979, a “vibrant mood” meant a recessed fireplace with heavy oak beams and an ultra-huge wraparound couch.

Practically a room of its own, “this gigantic funnel was modelled after the traditional Italian farmhouse fireplaces.” This concrete fireplace is “ideal for cooking meat on a spit,” and when the Edmonton homeowners hosted parties, musicians would get inside to play.

This fireplace takes us back to the glory days of brick and home bars in family rooms.

This brushed aluminum Formica fireplace features a black slate medallion “to tastefully accent the Oriental theme of a West Vancouver livingroom.” The bold design certainly shows a commitment to theme – the medallion was even custom lettered in Hong Kong.

Patrick Easton

Patrick Easton