| Fireplaces and fireplace mantels are fast becoming a | | | | and their surrounds, you either define a room from |
| core feature in homes across the world as they add | | | | the start or give it an entirely new look you'll enjoy |
| a real feature point to any formal or indeed casual | | | | for years. |
| living area. Funnily enough fireplaces have had a | | | | Fireplaces, which can increase the value of your |
| relatively short history, considering that fire itself has | | | | home, are more than ever the focal point of a room. |
| been around for hundreds of thousands of years. | | | | The style of fireplace mantels and its décor, |
| Fireplaces only became common in 1367, when a | | | | whether stone, marble or finely carved classic moulds |
| gentleman while visiting in Rome, was dismayed at | | | | sets the tone and character of your home. To |
| the fire pit in his room so he ordered his servants to | | | | enhance your fireplace you may opt to include |
| build a chimney. They did so, adding his coat of arms | | | | classical or oriental rugs, antique furniture, and |
| above the two fireplace mantels. That fireplace is | | | | traditional elements. Then again, you might favours |
| now part of history as ever since it has been the | | | | abstract paintings, art deco, or even a |
| model of almost any room with a fireplace. | | | | glass-screen.The choice is really up to you and is |
| Not all fireplaces have mantels, of course. Most do | | | | about personal choice. It ultimatly depends on how |
| however have either, a single shelf, a marble or tile | | | | you want to use your fireplace within the room - as |
| surround, or a traditional wood carving. Accessories | | | | a feature or a backdrop. |
| such as mantels, iron tools, guards and screens are | | | | Fireplaces can be purchased online from any number |
| an important decorative feature of fireplaces and can | | | | of internet shopping malls. Consistently browse online |
| often set the tone of a room. And indeed the mantel | | | | stores, looking for the best price, as they often |
| itself has become a real focal point of rooms as they | | | | update their prices. Many online stores include |
| allow photos, antiques and family heirlooms to take | | | | thumbnail sketches of rooms with fireplaces installed, |
| pride of place within the room. Between the style of | | | | so you can see what the installation looks like. |
| fireplace mantels, gas grills and wood burning stoves | | | | |