Wood Fireplace Mantels

An Important Decorating Element

Fireplaces and wood fireplace mantels are certainly a defining element in any home. Over the centuries, fireplace mantels have evolved and can now be designed to work with any decor theme. Back in the Italian Renaissance, fireplaces of the wealthy were often a combination of intricately carved woodwork and marble. Flues and mantels became more efficient at capturing smoke and generating heat.

By the 18th century, fireplace surrounds and fireplace mantels became a fine art, thanks to the abundance of fine artisans throughout Europe and America at that time. In America, a fireplace was simpler than one would find in England. But along the East Coast, the wealthy had paneled rooms and there fireplace walls had pediments over the mantels and over-mantel panels.

Out in the frontier, log cabins and rough beam wood fireplace mantels were typical. This trend continued well into the 1800's. By the turn of the 20th century, the fireplace was almost purely ornamental. It was a major element of residential interior design.

Today, fireplaces (which will always increase the value of a home) are the focal point of a room, and therefore become the dominate design element. Whatever design instinct you have, you can follow it with one of the many looks that work around your fireplace.

Starting with the fireplace mantel and surround, pick a style - say it's Early American - and then work the rest of the room's features from there. Among those design features will be the decorative displays placed upon the wood fireplace mantels.

A room without accessories is a room that looks bare and unfinished. Mantels are a great place to display a few treasured items.

However, mantels can look cluttered and messy if the pieces are too large or too many. The best idea is to place items that you love on your wood fireplace mantels. Mementos, favorite prints, heirlooms that bring fond memories, and the like will not only look good, but they will instigate good conversation.

There are no real rules when it comes to what looks best, so use the stuff that brings a smile to your face. There are a few simple, common-sense rules to follow.

Symmetry will translate into formality. So in a formal room, go with symmetry. An unbalanced look will be more relaxed and work best in a casual room.

If you use a grouping, have an odd number of pieces. A grouping of three decorative vases will look better than two, and five candlesticks are better than four.

Color needs some thought. Contrasting colors, or too many colors, within your display create a disjointed and cluttered look. Colors should compliment each other, as well as other items in the room. For a bold, uniform display, use items of the same color.

It's important to vary heights and shapes of objects on wood fireplace mantels for the sake of visual interest. Of course, taller items should be placed behind the shorter ones. This gives the display depth. Give the objects some breathing room and don't overcrowd your mantel.

Mantels are a good place to experiment with how you display your accessories. Remember that it's YOUR look. There's no perfect arrangement. So don't take it seriously, and have fun with it.

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