Antique Fireplace Mantles For The Taste Of A Bygone Era

There is something about antique fireplace mantles that catches almost everyone's imagination, almost certainly because they really add character to a room in a way that no other type of decoration can do. If you're looking to fit an antique fireplace then you really need to decide whether you want to get a genuine antique or whether you want a reproduction antique, because it is these choices which will determine exactly how much you pay for your mantel in the end. Once this consideration has been decided upon, the next major consideration is to decide what you want a half mantel or a full mantel, and deciding on the overall design style that you wish, especially whether it is in wood or stone. This article will look at the various types of antique fireplace mantles and discuss some considerations that need to be borne in mind when choosing antique fireplaces for your home.

If you're looking for a real antique fireplace mantel then your choice will be limited mainly to antique dealers, and you can expect to pay a fairly hefty price if the mantel is a large one or is of a particularly rare and ornate design. There are suppliers of antique fireplace mantels who can be found by searching the Web, but you may have to search for quite a long time before you find exactly the real antique fireplace mantel you want at a price you can afford, and it is for this reason that many people choose to buy a reproduction antique fireplace mantel instead. Due to the improvements in manufacturing technology and the materials that are available to make fireplace mantles a reproduction antique mantel can look as good as a genuine antique, and also comes with a much lower price tag.

So the question is whether to go for a half mantel or a full mantel. A half mantel is basically a fireplace mantel that does not have the mirror above it, and is the type of mantel that was common in larger homes during the 1700s and 1800s. Victorian half mantles are a popular version, as are half mantles done in the style of arts and crafts. These types of mantles tend to look good with a picture or photograph above it, and really add a solid element to any lounge or living room. The full mantel has a mirror as part of the design, and the mirror is usually oval or round. Make sure that the style of mantel will fit with your living space before you buy it, because it has a rather imposing look and may be too big for your room.

When it comes to materials there are several to choose from, including oak, birch, and various other hardwoods. A wooden antique fireplace mantel is one of the more popular options, since wood tends to have a much more antique feel for many people. However, there are now many types of antique fireplace mantels that are made from other materials, such as thin cast stone, which has the disadvantage of being extremely fireproof. If this is a concern for you, thin cast stone, or a gypsum antique fireplace mantel may be worthy of consideration.

Many manufacturers of antique fireplace mantles will also provide customized mantles, as well as stock sizes, and these can be useful when you have an odd shape of fireplace. Many of these manufacturers will allow you to take the dimensions of your fireplace and provide them and the manufacturer will then build your mantel to fit your fireplace exactly. This is a more expensive option, but the cost can be kept to a minimum by using materials such as MDF rather than genuine hardwoods, which can keep the cost down substantially.

As can be seen, there are several options to bear in mind when choosing antique fireplace mantles, though by doing a bit of research and knowing all the options that are open to you, including the types of materials that you can make your fireplace mantel out of, it should be possible to find a mantel that suits your style. Take time to look at the various suppliers and manufacturers that sell on the Internet, and you're sure to find something that will make your living room come to life.