Fireplace Mantels
History
Fireplaces have come a long way since their advent. The choice of mantel and floor materials has also undergone a sea change. The hearth, mantel and materials form the focal point of the room, regardless of the choice of the fireplace.
Mantel styles
Marble Mantels
Hand carved marble mantels lends grace and splendor to the fireplace structure. Marble is a beautiful stone, dense and durable.
Stone mantels
Stone mantels are sturdy and simple. There are various options such as sandstone and granite. Easy to install limestone mantels are available in the market. They come in a wide array of colors and styles, which help in enhancing the look of the room. Most stone mantels in the market are prepared with real crushed limestone and white Portland cement. Special formulations guarantee durability and fade resistant coloring.
Wood mantels
Wood mantles are subtler in design and give a softer and friendlier feel to the room. Hand carved, solid mahogany wood mantels are a good choice. Authentic mahogany mantel retailers provide stain grade and plantation grown mahogany. They also allow choice of painting and staining to suit the home decor. Wood mantels are versatile, as they can be stained or carved for better effect. Wood mantels provide more alternatives. A common choice is the Cedar wood mantel, which is made from Western red cedar. Cedar wood is durable with long lasting luster. Once carved and sealed, cedar wood gives a faint scent. It also wards off moths. Oak wood mantels are very resilient and can take a lot of wear and tear. It can be cut, shaped, sanded down and stained. Cherry wood is another option in wood mantels. It is dense, tight grained and sturdy. It is long-lasting and does not decay, once treated.
Concrete mantels
Concrete offers excellent durability and unblemished beauty. They also offer wide selection in colors and styles.
Victorian mantel
Victorian mantels are tasteful and elegant. They can be made in wood or stone and designed as per specifications.
Overview
A fireplace mantel should blend well with the furnishings of the room. It is important to watch out for quality. A well-built fireplace will last a lifetime.