Mantel Inspiration Is Easier
Than You Think!
What does a mantel symbolize? To best answer this question, perhaps a brief digression into the history of mantels is in order. Mantels began to surface and were popular with the European royalty from the Dark Ages to the early 17th century. They became places for self-expression. Some of these mantels were extravagantly ornate. Many would span whole walls and even had sculptures fashioned into them. Around the turn of the 17th century the style turned more to Italian. This marked the end of the lavish appearance. Simple mantels came into vogue about the time pragmatism {began}?? . Since then, styles have fluctuated, sometimes using sculptured corbels, sometimes extremely basic, and have evolved into the basic styles we see for mantels today. Mantels had been used in the past mainly as a place for the family portrait.
Basically, a mantel symbolizes what is close to your heart. Fire and warmth are closely linked with survival… A fire in the kitchen is used for cooking and food prep, which is also necessary for survival. But a fire in the living room means safety, relaxation, leisure, warm conversation with friends, etc. For me this means family time, relaxation at the end of the day, and a late-night place for both concentrating and learning, free from the daily distractions related to work. As far as design goes, I love it when pragmatic solutions are wed to artistic creativity. I prefer having some practical criteria to work with, some type of dilemma to solve and then using artistic creativity to work it out. That said, what does a mantel symbolize for you?
Hopefully you will have the answers to your questions regarding mantels upon finishing this article. You will probably want to pause to visualize your mantel while you read this entire article. Keep a pen handy so you can jot down a note when inspiration flashes through your mind!
To start with, let me give you four examples of mantel styles and how the decision process has unfolded for other clients. This will give you an idea of how many layouts are available and which elements you can use to personalize your mantel.
- Pragmatic
- Western/Lodge
- European
- Contemporary
Pragmatic
Pragmatic style is just a simple mantel to display family heirlooms
For those who want a simple, straightforward mantel, the decision process will include the following questions: What width is needed to place items upon the mantel? What is a desirable mantel height? What are the height and width criteria regarding fire safety? All of which is followed by: How big should our mantel be?
For the pragmatic types, a mantel is a mantel. They will think about embellishments only if it will serve a practical purpose, such as rounding or easing sharp edges. Corbels will be considered only if they are needed for support. The style question is simplified to "What dimensions will feel right for the fireplace and the room?" Just a simple solid mantel.
Western/Lodge
Western Lodge style w/ native american influence
Two defining factors of the Western/Lodge style are the massive size of the mantel and/or the simplicity of construction. If metal is used, it will be simple, rough and maybe even rusted. Perhaps a horseshoe or two will be mounted on the face of the mantel. Sometimes a western theme will be cut into the fire grate doors, such as a howling wolf or the silhouette of a forest and mountain. Of course, the fireplace itself will be laid of stone, most likely bigger stones. A brick fireplace or very small stones simply would not fit the Lodge style. All this just reinforces the need for holistic design and how we must balance it for the big picture. Maybe a split log mantel will fit your theme best?
Imagine if you will, a sprawling western ranch with very heavy timber construction. Now imagine yourself in the great room… How high would the ceiling be? For this style, I see an 8' or 9' ceiling, which would add to this sprawling strength or markedly western feel. I see a broad, heavy stone fireplace with a low, wide firebox. No hearth and a long massive mantel set about eye level. The basic parameters for this mantel have been set. Now you'll want to decide if you will use timber corbels versus stone corbels, metal connectors or embellishments, exact sizes, profiles, etc.
A Mountain Lodge style mantel, while similar in regard to rustic style and massiveness, may be different in a few ways. The factors which will affect your mantel style the most will be ceiling height, vaulted or sloped ceiling and maybe even a loft area. With this added height and space, an elevated hearth and higher mantel elevation fit well. Perhaps multiple mantels stepping up the chimney would be an excellent showcase place for various pictures, wild game mounts and other trophies. A freestanding fireplace may cry out for a four-sided mantel, one which creates a warm, inviting place to come together and nestle next to the heat.
European
Mountain Lodge style mantel w/ knee brace and double corbels
It is hard to imagine a European style mantel without conjuring up a picture of old castles, royal knights, the gentry, etc. Just like the Western Lodge style, the European style relies upon wood and stone for the starting canvas. The big difference is elegance - elegance in timber sizing, embellishments, and arches. A European style mantel could have complex joinery, ornate metal craft, and perhaps even a relief carving on the mantel's face. Unlike the Western Lodge mantel, finesse is required {to size and detail}?? the European mantel design.
The most common European mantel we at Arrow have produced has utilized curved corbels and a hand-hewn texture. This style also goes well with an Italian/Mediterranean atmosphere. Think lots of stucco, both inside and outside, and exposed timbers on the ceiling to call to mind Mediterranean style. Knowing a skilled blacksmith definitely will be an asset for you to truly capture an old European style of mantel. He can give you square-head nails, hand-hammered straps, forged lantern hooks, and anything else you may need.
Contemporary
Contemporary style (note the reverse support and the small mantel size)
Sleek lines, uncluttered, atypical combinations, very open, and new are all adjectives which can be attributed to Contemporary style. Visual surprise is the "Ace in the Hole" of contemporary design. With that in mind, maybe an open fire pit with a large hanging hood in lieu of a mantel will add to your atmosphere the best. Perhaps a mantel with inlaid silver or gold artwork will add a touch of class, cause people to smile and enjoy the surroundings. A plank of reclaimed wood supported by tension guy wires could fit well with the fireplace materials you intend to use. I do caution against trying to be original or do something new driven solely by the desire to be different. In other words, change for the sake of change may not be so helpful. Above all, you want your choices for your mantel to be a reflection of you.
European and Lodge style mix for freestanding fireplace w/ copper hood
Design factors we will use to capture and express your mantel style, include the following:
- Actual Size
- Corbel Profile
- Embellishments
- Heights
- Number Of Corbels
- Double Corbels
- Spacing
- Multiple Mantels
- Wrap-Around Mantels
- Vertical Elements, such as Posts
- Metal Elements
- Supporting Method
- Hanging Lights
- Knee Braces, Etc.
The take-away for you today is that your choices of design are wide open. Even with something as simple as a mantel, you get to have fun getting what you want. To really expand your enjoyment and self-expression, let's go for your whole timber frame project!
Here's to your next action steps!
