Before television, fireplaces were the focal point of every home -- the place for cooking, reading and warming chilly fingers and toes, so more and more families would like to install an indoor fireplace at home. In colonial times, people built fires in stone hearths or metal boxes in the middle of the house, which allowed people to gather around for warmth and let the fire radiate evenly throughout the room. But there are two major safety concerns: making sure the mantel isn't too close to the fire, and securely attaching the heavy piece to the wall so it doesn't fall over.

As houses grew to two stories, and chimney technology improved, fireplaces were moved to the outer wall. In the beginning, they were little more than brick-lined holes. But in the Victorian era, when parlors came into vogue, separating the kitchen and social areas, the fireplace took on more than a functional role. It became a part of the décor, a place where craftsmen could show off their carving skills with ornate flourishes in marble and.
 

 

Mantels – there are five parts for the decorative molding around the firebox:
Surround: the flat surface that frames the firebox
Legs: the columns on either side
Hearth: the stone that juts out from the bottom
Lintel: the reinforcement right below the top ledge
Mantel shelf: where people put pictures, candles and other knickknacks

Traditionally, mantels have been made from high-density fiberboard with wood moldings or veneer over sol?id wood. Today mantels come in a wide variety of materials and styles, including, marble, limestone, granite and fine wood. You can choose designs that range from barebones classic to the most ornate baroque.
Although we have central heating, fireplaces are no longer a necessity in modern homes, they're a nice added feature. With the right mantel, you can turn your fireplace into a showpiece that adds warmth and style to your room.