Decorating Mantels

            Decorating mantels dates back to the 12th century, when the fireplace was integrated into the wall instead of staying at the center of the room. This led to architects decorating mantels so that they were the center of the room. Decorating mantels led to portraiture painted on the overmantel, and carving figures and designs on the mantel shelf. Many experts in decorating mantels like to leave the mantel plain, but frame it with sculpture on either side. Other experts in decorating mantels like to use stone, such as marble or granite.

            Currently, the purpose of decorating mantels is to focus the architecture of the room. Most experts in decorating mantels, though, tend to go with cheaper materials, such as roughly carved stone imported from overseas, or even cast stone, which is simply cement formed in the facsimile of stone. Genuine stone is extremely expensive, as is genuine wood. However, given the prevalence of electric fireplaces, the flammability of mantels is much less important. Quality mantels may cost hundreds of dollars to decorate, while over a thousand dollars is typical for a top of the line design.

            Given the ubiquitous nature of fireplaces throughout Europe until recently, nearly every aspect of European sculpture can be found in mantels.