Fireplace Mantel Shelves

A fireplace mantel shelf, also known as a chimney-piece, is a hood-like projection over the fire grate that vents the smoke rising from the fire. A mantel shelf is built decoratively around the fireplace to conceal the walls blackened from the soot rising from the fire.

Fireplace mantel shelves are an ethnic gift of the Europeans to the world. The variations in the designs of the early modern-period mantel shelves, exhibit the tremendous alterations in the art and culture of those times. During the 15th century, homes had open hearths in the center of the living room with canopies erected to vent the rising smoke. Later, the hearth was shifted towards the wall, where the canopy could get a better support. This trend changed in the 16th century, when the fireplaces were treated as a part of the wall and had a support or a mantelpiece built around it. The support or mantelpiece architecture was greatly inspired by the Greek and Roman culture. Although, mantelpiece designs have altered according to many cultural influences, their artistic beauty makes them an inherent part of the living room furnishing.

17^th Century Fireplace Mantel Shelves
In the 17^th century, the mantelpieces were mostly carved out of oak wood. The chimney-piece of the Palais de Justice at Bruges, carved in oak, occupies the whole width of the room, with the statues of Charles V and others of the royal family of Spain. The mantelpieces by Inigo Jones were illustrious in the early 17th century, whereas those by G. B. Piranesi became quiet famous during 1765.

18^th Century Fireplace Mantel Shelves
The mantelpieces during this period exhibited a combination of the Italian style of Inigo Jones as well as the French style of Louis XIV and Louis V. This style displayed finely sculptured figures on the side columns and equally exquisite frame on the top, to hold a portrait. In the later half of the 18th century, Adam Brothers became well-known for their mantelpieces carved in rich wood.

19^th Century Fireplace Mantel Shelves
In the early 19^th century, the mantelpiece designs reflected the structure of the Greek temples with the over-mantel portraits of the 18^th century being replaced by massive mirrors. In the mid 19^th century, the craftsmen adopted the ornamental Victorian style for shaping the mantelpieces. The firebox and surrounding panels were molded from copper and brass. In the late 19^th century, the mantelpiece designs were simplified. Some mantelpieces were made of stones, tiles and bricks while some were even carved out of limestone.

20^th and 21^st Century Fireplace Mantel Shelves
The late 19^th century trend was carried forward in the early 20^th century. Later, as the houses became smaller, the space for fireplace became inadequate and they were replaced by modern heating devices. For those who like to have fireplaces in their homes, the mantel shelves are available in many styles and designs. Modern-day fireplace mantel shelves are available in ready-to-install packages and can be erected without any professional help. A stone mantelpiece erected by stacking the stone blocks one above the other, in a creative pattern, is considered to be a contemporary piece of art. Wooden mantel shelves are built from mahogany, alder, pine, oak, maple and cherry wood. Those who prefer stone for mantle-piece construction, opt for the antique designs carved in marble, limestone and granite.

Fireplaces are preferably installed in big homes with spacious living rooms. Usually, family members gather around the fireplace to indulge in fun activities. This is why, the mantelpiece shelf is ornamented with prized artifacts like family heirlooms, decorative showpieces, photographs, etc.

The history of fireplace mantel shelf dates back to the time when art and beauty was at its peak. Many like to add a little element of history to their way of living. A fireplace mantel shelf proves to be a perfect blend of history and art for them.