Fireplace mantels first came on the scene in the 12th century. Up until that time, fireplaces were built in the middle of the floor while smoke was vented through the roof. When fireplaces were later built into the wall, clever craftsmen began building mantels over the fireplace to provide a focal point for fine paintings and other artful objects.
Since affluent homeowners were just about the only people who could afford to have a fireplace to warm their homes, the first mantels ever built were ornately carved from fine wood. Many mantel carvers became famous for their designs. Some of these designs are displayed in museums.
Mantel Styles
Today there are basically two types of mantels, the mantel shelf and the surround mantel.
The mantel shelf consists of a shelf made of carved wood or veneer for a more modern home. A rustic piece of hewn wood or log is appropriate for a log cabin or a country-style home. Wood mantels are built using oak, alder, birch, maple, hemlock, pine, walnut, poplar, Douglas fir, or Choi, an Asian hardwood.
Woods can be left in their natural colors or stained or painted to match the décor. They are almost always carved with either intricate designs or with simpler, elegant lines. Mantels are also made from gypsum or cast stone. These materials are more expensive than wood but are made to last for the lifetime of the home and beyond.
The surround mantel frames the fireplace on three sides. The surrounds on both sides of the fireplace extend from the fireplace floor, or hearth, upward to the shelf. The surrounds are usually made of the same material as the mantel.
Other stones used in the surrounds and mantel are sandstone, limestone, and travertine. Mantels and surrounds made of stone have the benefit of protecting the area with fire-resistant materials.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces were first installed in new homes during the 70’s and 80’s. The grandfather of today’s fireplaces run by electric left much to be desired in the way of aesthetics. The fake fire scenes displayed didn’t fool anyone. Today’s electric fireplaces that display a warm, burning fire are very realistic. The fake fire can be detected only when viewed up close.
If your electric fireplace is built into a wall, you can enjoy a combination of modern conveniences such as a remote control starter and energy efficiency with the traditional look of a mantel, surrounds and fireplace accessories. There are also portable electric fireplaces that can be moved from room to room. Many of these are encased in a beautiful wood or veneer mantel and surround.
Mantels can be made from many materials. There are stone fireplace mantels, wood fireplace mantels, marble, limestone, oak, precast, stone cast, rustic fireplace mantels, antique fireplace mantels and best of all, discount firelace mantels! They can also be modern and contemporary, custom made and can be gas models, electric models, amish style, wooden log models and more.
Mantels and Decorating
Mantels and fireplaces still serve as a focal point in a room. Many people buy a new home because of the fireplace, but never use it to light a fire. Here is where beautiful art and other favorite objects and family pictures are displayed for all to see and enjoy.
If you celebrate Christmas, the fireplace is a traditional area to make a festive display of Christmas decorations. Christmas stockings are still hung over the fireplace. Christmas angels, music boxes, Nutcrackers and Santa oversee the festivities from the mantel.
Fireplace mantels may have changed their styles over the centuries, but homeowners today love and enjoy their fireplaces even though they may never light a fire.