All about the mantels

The mantelpiece is an additional component of many hearths. Various items and accessories are used to decorate it. In appearance, such structures are almost indistinguishable from ordinary shelves fixed on the walls.

There are several types of fireplace shelves, the differences are in the material of manufacture and the method of placement. In addition to the decorative function, such structures prevent soot contamination of the walls, prevent ash from settling on the floor next to the hearth.

Mantels keep the heat from spreading, thereby reducing the likelihood of fires and burns.

Many homeowners decide to buy an electric fireplace with drawers and shelves, which becomes an interior decoration.

Homes are equipped with TV shelves and niches for firewood.

The options look original, which are a portal with bookshelves on the sides.

Most often, an addition in the form of shelves is placed in the upper part of the hearth directly above the firebox. Real and artificial flowers, photo frames, candlesticks are used as decorative elements. Decorations for a decorative shelf are selected in accordance with the style in which the room is decorated.

Hearths with shelves placed at the bottom are more functional. Usually such constructions are used to store useful items. On the lower shelf you can put chopped wood, a set of equipment with which you can take care of the heating unit.

On the shelves, fixed on the side, in most cases, books are placed, giving the hearth massiveness and respectability. Fireplaces with columns, plaster patterns, stucco work look very impressive.

There are two options for attaching the purchased shelf: installation directly on the fireplace structure and location on the supports. The method of integration into the overall design is optimal for products made of heavy material, due to their massiveness. They create a large load on the structure support; it is impossible to use nails or screws for fastening.

If the hearth is equipped with a stone shelf, then you need to buy it before the construction of the structure. Wooden shelves are combined with the fireplace base through special supports and fixing mechanisms. Since you can easily drive a nail or screw in a self-tapping screw into such material, you don't have to worry that the tabletop will come off. Supports are usually wooden blades integrated into the structure.

According to the material of manufacture, there are 3 main types of mantels:

• wooden;

• gypsum;

• stone.

Wood structures are most in demand. This is an environmentally friendly material, products based on it look presentable. A wooden shelf can be made from either a cheap type of wood or an elite one. Correctly selected and processed wood lasts a long time, while maintaining a beautiful appearance.

Inexpensive options include plaster fireplace shelves. Among the advantages of this material are environmental friendliness, strength and low weight. With the help of gypsum, you can achieve imitation of granite, wood, marble.For vintage and industrial designs, plaster shelves are artificially aged.

The most expensive are stone shelves. Products based on marble and granite look beautiful, they are durable, massive, and are distinguished by increased fire resistance. It's easy to look after them.

Mantelpieces are made not only from natural, but also from artificial stone. It is a more affordable material with a variety of colors and textures. Artificial stone products perfectly integrate into the classic design direction, high-tech, country styles.

Home shelves are also made from drywall, concrete and plastic.... When choosing a material, they are guided by individual wishes and style, in which the interior of the room with a fireplace is sustained. If possible, you can consult with the designer.

Thanks to the shelf, the image of the hearth can be made more memorable. With the help of this detail, they emphasize the configuration and other features of the unit that heats the room. If you need to diversify the design of the portal, mounting the shelf will be the best solution. You can put an art canvas, a large clock or a mirror on it. Volumetric decor will draw attention to itself.

You can use some recommendations.

• Use large items to transform the shelf. It can be a plasma TV or a large painting framed by a finely carved frame. For decorative purposes, you can also use an antique mirror with an unusual configuration.

• For the decor of the shelves, compact objects are also used, for example, figurines. The design made of one material looks especially presentable: ceramic, glass, metal.

• If the shelves are located to the right and left of the hearth, it is recommended to decorate them in the same style and with similar items. This approach will allow you to achieve harmony.

• Decorate the hearth so that each item is advantageously combined with the fireplace itself, and with the interior of the room. For example, in the classical direction, it is recommended to use laconic and rich objects - frames with photographs, candlesticks.

• You can give the mantelpiece an original look with the help of accessories made with your own hands. Hand-made items are an exclusive decoration. For their manufacture, use cardboard, paper, beads, beads, wood, metal.

• If the shelves are located both on the sides and in the center of the hearth or above the firebox, do not clutter them with unnecessary items. Such decor will create a congested effect. It is better to place one bulky accessory above the center of the main shelf. Such objects can be a mirror or a watch. In this case, 2 identical small accessories are placed on the right and left, for example, candlesticks.

• Flowers can also be used to transform the shelf next to the fireplace. Preference should be given to thermophilic plants, otherwise they will quickly fade from the heat coming from the hearth. You can decorate the shelf with both fresh flowers and dried flowers, unusual wreaths. The main thing is to place jewelry outside the reach of the flame.

• Souvenirs brought from travels to other cities and countries are often placed on the shelves located next to the hearth. Souvenir products can be combined with framed photographs, figurines. Some use small toys to decorate panels.

• Portals with shelves decorated with wire look original. From it, lattices are created, painted in different colors. Framed pictures, placed on a shelf at the top of the hearth, go well with this design.

• When used as a decoration, mirrors can be placed on the walls in addition to the shelf. This is a great solution for a bedroom interior.

• You can make the living room atmosphere more comfortable with a fireplace equipped with front and side shelves.

• The mantelpiece made of plaster looks laconic.

• A fireplace shelf made of wood is a classic solution.

• A corner fireplace with a shelf on which there is a vase of flowers will decorate the interior of the living room.

• The fireplace area, decorated with stone and complemented by an unusual shelf, gives the bedroom an original look.

A master class on making a mantel in the video below.