Cold nights, mugs of hot chocolate with bits of Marshmallows and a warm cozy fire. Yes, the winter is here and with it the cold which can only be chased away by a warm fire. Nothing feels better than having a fireplace...who wants heaters that look so bulky in the home.
Add Warmth with Antique Fireplace Mantels
This brings us to the topic of mantels, which are the focal point of any home with a fireplace. It is the place where you put up family pictures, art, little souvenirs from trips around the globe and also the place where Christmas decorations are put up or stockings are hung up. This is the reason why so many people are looking at custom-made mantels and not the regular ones available in stores... so before you head out to buy yourself a fireplace mantel you need to be aware of certain things and be sure of what you want.
Firstly you need to decide on the look of your fireplace mantel. Are you the sort who likes the contemporary kind or are you more of an antique person? If you have decided on antique fireplace mantels, then read on; don't start gearing up to go hunt for your perfect antique mantel just yet. You need to consider whether you want one in stone, or in wood; these have quite a history attached to them.
Wooden mantels have had a place in history since before World War I, where they were used in homes and often jazzed up with mirrors or paintings. Owning a wooden fireplace mantel is like owning a piece of history. But remember, wood will be expensive to own (can cost almost $1500) and high maintenance. You can find a wide variety of mantels with oak, maple or cherry finishes. A sturdy antique fireplace mantel will last you and your family for generations and will surely become an heirloom piece if it isn't already.
Stone mantels on the other hand cannot be called antique in the truest sense, unless it has been passed down from generations. These have a more medieval effect and add a touch of the yesteryears to any home. These are generally carved or chiseled from stonewalls and this is what gives them the medieval touch. They are generally made of marble, granite or limestone. The price of the fireplace mantel varies according to the stone and if it is antique stone then the price can reach $2000.
The heat is on...and so is the hunt for a fireplace mantel
You have finally decided you want an antique fireplace mantel. This is going to be a fun ride...just sit back and enjoy it. You can do it in one of two ways, either you can go online and bid for these mantels on several auction sites, or you could do it the old-fashioned way - you can search antique stores, garage sales, salvage shops and different places for the perfect fireplace mantel to grace your home. There are certain things you need to consider when you head out to buy an antique fireplace mantel. Such as the local safety ordinances in case of a wooden antique mantel. You also need to match the wood working in your home to that on the wooden fireplace mantel. The size of the fireplace mantel also matters. It needs to be a focal point, not an object of gigantic distracting proportions.
Just consider a few of these things and your hunt for an antique fireplace mantel will be an exciting one. Then you can start enjoying those wonderful evenings by the fireplace with that hot cuppa and your special someone.
