Fireplace Mantel Shelves

            Although the fireplace mantel was originally used to keep smoke out of the room, fireplace mantel shelves have become part of the decorative function of mantels. Fireplace mantel shelves come in many different varieties, although wide shelves are quite popular.

            The main purpose for fireplace mantel shelves are to display items. Exactly what these items are varies from person to person. Mantel clocks are a popular option to display on fireplace mantel shelves, as are antiques and heirlooms. Since fireplace mantel shelves are usually the focal point of a room, some families use them to display a deceased relatives ashes in an urn.

Fireplace mantel shelves are almost unlimited in their designs. The edges can be carved into a aesthetically pleasing design, and some enterprising artists have carved reliefs into the face of the shelf. Wood fireplace mantel shelves can be stained many different colors, depending on the color scheme of the room, while low-end fireplace mantel shelves may have a thin plywood finish that still looks tasteful. The range of designs stems from the fact that, due to the ubiquitous nature of fireplaces, the fireplace mantel shelf has had several aspects of western art incorporated into it, and as such has undergone several variations.