Antique Fireplace Mantels
Antique fireplace mantels are important pieces of furniture as well as a look into our history. They provide a classic look to the living room. These mantels are usually less expensive than brand new ones. Antique dealers can refinish and polish the antique mantels and make them shine like new. Simple but elegant and classic designs are the main features of these mantels. Classic timeless pieces from the Italian Renaissance or Edwardian Era are the best options to choose.
While choosing from a variety of mantels, generally, those offered by the dealers are mainly stone and wood. The manufacture of fireplace mantels utilizes various kinds of woods such as oak, mahogany, pine etc. If made from stone there is a variety of material namely, marble, limestone, slate and granite. A balance between the material used and the type of fireplace mantel provides the best results.
The most popular kind of fireplace mantel is the European or the Victorian style. Sculptures used in this style, which were a perfect combination of design, proportion and many other details. The European Era depicted in these mantels and they speak of its splendid glory. If anyone desires to decorate a house keeping a particular era in mind then European mantels are the best and the obvious choice. The earliest known mantelpiece is the one in the Kings House in Southampton, created in the 12th century and is a classic example of splendid masterpieces from that period.
The fireplace mantels originated in the medieval era. The most wonderful example of the early Renaissance style is the mantelpiece of the Palais de Justice at Burges. It is made of oak and has beautiful carvings. Seventeenth century English era saw the introduction of pure Italian style of fireplace mantelpieces. These mantels were very simple in style but had an elegant look. The latter part of the 17th century introduced bolder and molding styles were. In the 18th century, the French style of architecture influenced the designs of the mantels. The other different but very elegant styles of fireplace mantels include the Classic, Victorian, American, Gothic etc.
Antique fireplace mantels of the above-mentioned eras and designs have gained a lot of popularity today. Choice of material is obviously stones such as marble, granite or elegant wood. Only antique fireplace mantels display the skill in these materials. Today only, few of the above said materials are used. Antique mantels carved with a number of designs such as fruits, vegetation, brackets, and many more are beautiful to look at. It truly enhances the beauty of the room and provides an elegant and a classy look.
Antique fireplace mantels attract many people even today because of its simplicity, elegance and cost effectiveness. Many people opt for these antiquities when buying a new home. You can purchase antique mantels an antique dealer, auction or web site.
