Previous Product Reports
MANTELS & FIREPLACES: Finding the Right One
Because the mantel is the primary focus of any room, selecting the one that's "just right" is a critical design decision.
Click here for list
of Suppliers of Authentic Period-Style Mantels
Click here for list
of Suppliers of Traditional Fireplaces
Click here for list
of Suppliers of Traditional Fireplace Tile
It's hard to over-emphasize the importance of
a mantel and fireplace in a room setting. Many Architects and
Interior Designers start a room design
by selecting the mantel FIRST -- and then design the rest of the room
around it. Because of the mystical power still generated by hearth and fire,
it's difficult for any mantel not to become the focal point of a room.
As a result, it's worth taking the time to make a thorough survey of
the market to make sure you select that mantel and associated
fireplace that's just right for the space you're designing.
NEW VS. ANTIQUE:
Because mantels are so
important -- and pricey -- they are among the most
common items you'll find at architectural
antique dealers. If you're looking for an especially ornate, high-quality
mantel, it's quite possible you're more likely to find what you want
as an antique. If a simpler mantel with clean straight lines is what you're
after, buying a new mantel will probably be the better course.
The
accompanying list of leading mantel suppliers contains some companies
that sell only new mantels, some that sell only antique mantels, and some
that sell both. In addition, there are many hundreds of architectural
antique shops across the U.S.;
the attached list of Architectural Salvage Dealers
MATERIAL:
In addition to new vs. antique, you also have a wide
range of mantel materials to choose from: Marble, cast stone, plain wood
painted, plain wood natural finish, fieldstone,
carved wood, cast iron, gypsum/plaster, carved stone, and more. The
choice of material contributes to the style and tone of the room.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE:
The style of mantel you select can make
a room feel like a medieval baronial hall, an elegant French salon,
or a rustic Adirondack cabin. No single choice is "right"; the most
important thing is that the rest of the architectural ornament and
room decoration reinforce the style and tone set by the mantel and
fireplace. You can
find a number of complementary fireplace systems in the list
appended here.
Click here for list
of Suppliers of Authentic Period-Style Mantels
Click here for list
of Suppliers of Traditional Fireplaces
Click here for list
of Suppliers of Traditional Fireplace Tile
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