subject: Looking Back On The History Of Fireplace Mantel Shelves [print this page] From the very nature of its purpose, the fireplace has always been the most prominent fixture inside the room it occupies. Whether faced with stone, brick, or tile the fireplace has always been defined as one of the most beautiful fire feature incorporated inside homes. However, it should also be considered that the appearance of the fireplace is profoundly shaped by its mantel shelves, which makes it consistent to the design of the room where it is situated and in order for such fire feature not to appear too prominent of unduly subordinated by other furnishings. For this reason alone, it cannot be denied that fireplace mantel shelves play an integral role in shaping the over all aesthetics and contributes to the functionality of the fireplace.
Fireplace mantel shelves, which could also be referred to as chimney pieces, are hood-like projections that are situated at the top of the fireplace grate that serve the purpose of venting the smoke coming from the fire itself. They are decoratively built around the fireplace to help protect the walls from acquiring the soot rising from the fire that often causes the walls to blacken. These fireplace additions are the legacies of the Europeans to the world of interior design and have been in existence from as early as 15th century. Accordingly, pre-modern period mantel shelves featured designs that illuminate the art and culture of that time; all of which were greatly influenced by the cultures of the Romans and Greeks.
During the 15th century, residential fireplace units were open hearths at the center of the living room that have canopies as smoke vents. Later on, the hearth was transported towards the wall in order for the canopies to get better structural support. When 16th century entered, the fireplace was treated as a part of the wall and the canopy vents were replaced with wood fireplace mantels. The designs of these fireplace components turned into artistic outlets for many artisans, eventually making the fireplace an inherent component of the living space.
In 17th century, mantels have become important portions of the fireplace. Most of them were made from intricately carved oak wood and usually occupies a whole width of the room, further emphasizing the beauty of the fire it surrounds. Wood fireplace mantels transitioned towards the 18th century, wherein their structures were a combination of Italian and French styles; exuding elaborately sculptured figured on the side columns, while the top shelves were used to hold prominent portraiture. By 19th century, artisans followed the Victorian style in designing mantels to make more ornamental pieces and they created the surround panels of the fireplace from metals like brass and copper.
In the near end of 19th century, the designs of fireplace mantel shelves were simplified in order to adapt to the changing lifestyle of homeowners. The makers of mantel shelves turned into more economical materials like bricks, limestone and tiles, and these were carried through the 20th century. As homes became smaller, the size of the fireplace is also changing in order to comply with their needs, which means mantel shelves were also reduced in terms of design. But, as further progress and technological advancements were experienced, traditional wood and gas burning fireplace units were dramatically replaced with contemporary heating devices to suit the fast paced lifestyles of homeowners and to meet their demands for more eco-friendly and low maintenance fire features. Hence, mantel shelves became more compact and high end in finish so that they would befit the appearance of these innovative heating devices.
Nowadays, as more and more homeowners opt for contemporary electric fireplace units than traditional wood and gas burning hearths, the manufacturers of mantel shelves also made sure that they create high end mantel designs made from sturdy materials. Contemporary mantel shelves can now be bought in ready-to-install packages that can be integrated on the fireplace without any professional help. While wood, stone, bricks and other natural stone products are still used for the construction of contemporary mantel shelves; materials like fiber glass and molded metals are now gaining popularity among homeowners due to their flexibility and high-end appearance. Setting aside these construction and material changes however, it cannot be overlooked that mantel shelves are still important fireplace components that the lend themselves to the fireplace to make the most excellent fire feature for the home.
