So how much do you know about the fireplace mantel or mantelpiece?
If you’re scratching your head and thinking about this, then it’s about time if you are a fireplace owner to learn more about it don’t you think…
The fireplace mantel, also known as a chimneypiece…
Is very old, it originated in medieval times as a hood that projected over the fire grate to catch the smoke.
As simple as that, and look how far it has come.
Such terms have evolved to include words as the decorative framework around the fireplace and have evolved to include such elaborate designs even extending the right to the ceiling of some places.
Now, this was because some people had a lot of money and wanted to show off.
Then there were others who saw what they had done and wanted to show off even more so built even better elaborate mantels.
Ahhh…
Such vanity…
So for many centuries, the chimneypiece was the most artistic and ornamental feature of a room to date, but as time goes on and money is not as extravagant as it once was,
Let’s face it…
Fireplaces have become somewhat smaller in size, and modern methods of heating came along in our modern lives.
The need for a big fireplace was not needed, so smaller fireplaces, or switching over to electric fireplaces or even gas fireplaces.
The old-fashioned fireplace is not around as much, and with that, the artistic mantel mainly shows up in fireplaces built many years ago in mostly grand homes that still to this day show off their artistic and sculpted mantels.
This is a shame as modern architecture has taken a nose dive really when you think about it.
As decorative designs have made way for more modern streamlined fires without the elaborate carvings, saving money…
Mantlepiece Styling
Do you know that every element of European sculpture can also be seen in architecture such as great mantels?
One such noted sculptor named Augustus St. Gaudens designed and carved just such magnificent mantels in his time, some of which you can find on display in many of the world’s great museums.
That’s how good they were.
When you think of the facades of great buildings and how they were distinguished by their proportion and design, proportion, mantlepiece styling also took on this dimension with fine mantels as well.
Mantelpiece Meaning or Mantelpiece Definition
I know it sounds basic enough, but to give you the true definition of the mantelpiece is not a waste of time. So here it goes…
A mantelpiece is known as a shelf above a fireplace or a frame around a fireplace.
Also known as a:
- mantelpiece
- mantel
- chimneypiece
- fireboard
- mantelshelf
So now you know the other terms it will not leave you scratching your head when these words crop up in the subject.
While some mantelpieces were elaborate and decorative in their structure and elegance.
They were made of different types of materials.
Some heavy stones like marble and granite, for instance, are also known in the rock and stone varieties.
However, there are several other types of materials that are used in constructing fireplace mantels.
Such as mantel styles from the rustic mantelpiece to the natural mantelpiece to the more modern design of the contemporary mantelpiece.
Some choices of material for the mantel also included rich materials as well…
Yes, don’t forget that when you could say…
Fireplace with mantel ideas came about.
People just could not resist putting the luxury of rich materials to show off their wealth.
These such materials were:
- granite
- marble
- limestone
- fine woods
Yet today, unfortunately, many of these fine materials are no longer available, pitty…
However, there are many other beautiful materials that can be found all over the world.
So from what the mantels were made of, the main defining element of any great mantelpiece is the overall workmanship and design.
Mantelpiece Decoration Ideas
One way the sculptors or artisans can demonstrate their skills is by carving each of the fine decorative elements.
The same as a stonemason who can show off their skill by carving stone as they have for many years as the stone carvings on historical buildings of yesteryear.
It is comforting to know that the art of stonemasonry is still strong today, yet it is an acquired skill and not as prevalent as it was once before in history.
There are elements such as mouldings, capitals, brackets, figurines of people animals, fruits and vegetation that are commonly used to decorate the mantelpiece of yesterday and also today.
If you have the money to make it happen of course…
Being that labour is more expensive than it once was.
Now that you have more of an idea of what the mantel means and how it came about.
It’s time to have a look at different areas of mantelpiece materials that have been constructed over time.
Now we are going to have a look at the different sections of materials, if I went into just how many materials go into each section, you will fall asleep reading, as this article could end up being a never-ending story…
Well sort of.
It would end, but I am not going to bet on how long the article would be would you?
Right!
Let’s get to it.
Wood Mantel Fireplace
Did you know that the timber fireplace mantel was used most?
Wood was the main material…
When you think about it, fireplaces were in all sorts of homes in history and many of these homes were not lived in by the rich.
So wood was an affordable option to these people and also easy to carve, unlike stone or marble.
Nowadays, wood can be styled in traditional style wood fireplace mantels, or even contemporary style timber mantels for fireplaces with more ease than say, stone for instance.
Wood can be painted, and stained to match the style of the room the fireplace is in.
You can choose from a wide choice of woods.
There is one thing though… Now your thinking about what I am going to say next?
It’s not too bad, but there has to be a downside with wood near an open fireplace right?
The word of caution is…
Wood does need a large enough clearance from open fireplaces. It’s not rocket science…
I know.
Wood burns and enough heat from any fireplace will not only scorch your wood mantels, but it could also actually catch on fire.
So make sure your solid wood mantels are far enough away from your open fireplace ok…
The way you do it measures the amount of wall space that is around the fireplace itself to see that you have sufficient enough area around it to prevent any fire hazards from having you running around trying to find the fire extinguisher to put the fire out.
Apart from wood being a material builder that can easily construct, wood maintains a natural look that is very comforting.
Wood has a lot of flexibility, when you think of it, it can be manipulated carved, and designed into various shapes, carvings, and styles. In fact, wood mantels come in a variety of wood types such as:
- oak
- pine
- maples
- cherry
- cedar
- walnut
- mahogany
- redwood
There are many wood fireplace mantels for sale such as custom wood mantels, rustic wood mantels, log mantels, and yes, log mantels for fireplaces!
Rustic wood mantels for fireplace types, and even reclaimed wood mantels for sale.
And if you are ambitious you could even go out to the wilderness and cut an old log that has fallen on the ground as it is mostly seasoned, cut it and then proceed to carry that heavy log mantel.
Well nearly log mantel once you have finished carving and staining it.
Before you even get it fitted up on your fireplace…
Well, maybe you won’t.
And just buy one instead.
Stone And Rock Mantels
This is most probably one of the most popular and sought-after choices for fireplace mantels.
Stone mantels for fireplaces have that sort of charm to them, solidarity about them.
The old stonework fireplace cannot be overemphasized when you think about it…
Stone fireplace mantels have the advantage of not catching fire like their wood mantel counterparts if you place them close to the open fireplace, they are also long-lasting and classy to look at and feel.
How many times have you seen the gentleman in one of those old historical movies leaning with his hand on the fireplace mantel?
I know…
I have, you are drawn to them, and you will be too.
The number of options available when it comes to mantels on stone fireplaces are huge.
If you are looking for a more traditional look, you should really be looking to use more cultured stones such as marble.
You have the choice of stones such as limestone, river rock, travertine, granite, and even concrete for instance, this is where cast stone mantels come in.
These such stones are also available in many different colours and textures of stone which makes your choice even more…
Well, let’s say you will take longer in choosing…
There is something called the stacked stone mantel which seems to be a very popular design option as well.
You should note that it is most probably best to choose stone mantels for larger rooms with a large fireplace, as it might look a bit funny in a small room.
As stone mantels are especially resilient to damage you can afford to put your hand deeper into your pockets when you know that you will get durability, easy maintenance, and fireproof and also heatproof in nature.
When you buy stone mantels, they are generally precast these days and simply fitted to surround your fireplace. Saving a great amount of money in hiring a stonemason to carve your stone mantel for you…
Brick Fireplace Mantels
Brick fireplaces with mantels…
A brick mantel is easy enough to erect but it does need that extra additional support due to the heavy weight of the bricks themselves…
It is not hard at all to erect different types of fireplace mantels using brick.
In fact, with brick fireplace mantels you could actually use such things as exposed brickwork mantels using different brick colours.
And different types of bricks in different shapes will stand out from your room and even blend in with the style and design of the home you are living in.
You can in fact create simple brick fireplace mantels to the as elaborate style of the mantel as you choose when it comes to different colours that bricks come in.
You could think of red brick fireplace mantels for instance
Brick mantels can be simple and as affordable as you want to the most elaborate if you have the imagination…
Bricks can be purchased in a single colour and are probably best suited for interiors that have a country feel.
Yet bricks also come in multi colours, so it is really your call as to what sort of look you want in your own house.
As you well know if you have not dodged a fallen brick on your boot at some time or the other that brick is an exceptionally heavy material, so you will need to have that additional support at your fireplace.
Tile Mantels
When it comes to the tile for fireplaces you will find hundreds of styles, colours, and finishes, such as carvings and different colour glass in tiles to choose from for your fireplace mantel place.
Tile on fireplaces can match the look and feel that can be matched to any style and type of home you live in.
Whether it might be a log cabin to a mansion…
Well, I don’t know what you live in.
Make an effort to choose your tiles with care, you could even ask the shops to give you samples or lend them to you.
As in making a future sale, I am sure they will oblige. If not and they are stingy, go somewhere else.
Place different tiles beside your fireplace take a step back and have a look to see if this is the style for you If you want to make your tile mantel place stylish in design and contemporary.
Best to avoid putting in shelves and let the tile design occupy the whole wall or side where your fireplace is located.
Ceramic tile mantels are similar when it comes to stone mantels as ceramic tile mantels are also precast using ceramic solid units.
Saving you time if you don’t want to do it all from scratch yourself.
Marble Fireplace Mantels
If you are looking for that formal look the marble fireplace mantel shelf is not something you can walk away from easily because of its elegance.
Yes, the marble mantel place provides a rich and classy finish.
It’s hard and lasts years and years and…
STOP!
As you might have guessed…
That’s right!
There are different coloured marbles to choose from. Just think of a white or pink marble fireplace mantel shelf.
Marble mantels are the most expensive and cost thousands of dollars for your marble mantlepiece.
When you see marble fireplace mantels for sale you might feel faint at the price tag.
But think of its beauty and elegance, marble is known for its longevity so it’s not going anywhere
any time.
Marble is usually hand-carved and provides a rich marble mantelpiece for sale, providing that elegant and formal look to the room.
While being sturdy and extremely hard material.
Think of that as an investment when next looking at a marble mantelpiece for sale, it also adds to the investment in your home for the future.
Metal Fireplace Mantels
Yes, did you know that metal mantels are another option for your house that can be designed to look traditional-based or extremely contemporary if the mood so takes you?
Now, if space is of no great consideration to you having a large room, why not think of an antique fireplace, now that would stand out?
But remember that they are usually very large.
And you might have quite a bit of difficulty fitting it to smaller fireplaces in say…
Modern homes.
Else you may end up trimming a large part of the antique mantel, and I am sure you don’t want to go down that road, do you…
As this may very well distort the actual look of the fireplace you are going for.
Metal mantels can go either way, they can have the look of contemporary or a historical feel. Think of the Victorian-style fireplace that might be finished with hand-rubbed gold.
That’s nice…
I am sure you know that metal has flexibility as your night has wobbled a sheet of flexible metal at some point in your life…
Yes, I am guilty of this myself, makes a good noise though…
Anyway, in experimenting with unique shapes and sizes do be careful so as not to do it wrong.
They come in a variety of materials such as bronze, aluminium, brass, and stainless steel, the latter is particularly attractive in a room having a contemporary decor.
And don’t forget the heavy metals such as cast iron…
Like a cast iron fireplace mantel shelf. Not only is it going to look good in a rustic kitchen but that look and feel are going to have you coming back for more.
Leaning on that mantelpiece again, are we…
Well, here we are after covering the different types of materials concerned with mantlepieces. And what a ride it has been.
I bet you did not think that you had such a choice of mantelpieces for the fireplace.
If you don’t have an I will say a chimneypiece for your fire as yet.
With all these choices you will want to rush out and get one now, there’s no stopping you.
So if I have made your search high and low for the mantelpiece even more complicated with all the choices, you have the knowledge to go to the right category in which to choose your next mantel and know what sort of style will be best suited for you.
Happy hunting for mantels.