There are few things in life as wonderful as sitting by a fireplace. The mere image of a fireplace is so powerful that President Franklin D. Roosevelt regularly held "fireside chats" to conjure up a relaxed, comforting, trust-inspiring atmosphere, even though in those days they were on radio and not on TV. When my son was a small boy he often asked me to "light a nice, cozy fire" so we could sit by the fireplace and read stories. Fireplaces have a special place in our homes, and our hearts. And that's why so many homeowners pay extra attention to the design of their fireplaces and fireplace mantels.

Things, of course, have changed since President Roosevelt's time. Gas fireplaces have replaced traditional wood-burning fireplaces in most newer homes. The massive brick fireplaces with their mahogany wood mantels have been replaced by smaller, simpler designs that are often barely more than a cutout in the wall. That's still nice and gas fireplaces can look and feel just like the real thing. However, most people have a vision and idea of what a real fireplace should look like, and that's why more and more homeowners are upgrading their fireplaces with a variety of mantels and shelves.

What are mantels? They are structures that frame the opening of a fireplace in a decorative manner and usually include mantel shelves. Wood mantles come in many shapes and forms to fit your décor and budget. So whether you favor the classic designs or go for a more contemporary look, you'll find a variety of styles available. Most mantels are available in Birch or Oak that can then be stained or painted. If cost is an issue, there are very high quality fiberboard mantels that are resistant to warp, moisture and compression, and make a great material for painted mantels.

While handy homeowners may design and build their own wood mantels and wood shelves, many will opt for ordering mantel and shelf kits. Those are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, different types of wood, and finishes. Unfinished wood mantels in more basic styles start at less than US$300. Spend a bit more and you have a larger selection of decorative styles. Choose birch if you like a clear, light-colored wood. Pick oak if you prefer the darker look with dark-red and red-brown tones. In the higher price ranges (US$1,500-2,000) you get heavier mantels, the highest quality wood and finish, and more intricate detail.

What's the difference between a mantel and a shelf? Mantels frame the entire fireplace and include a shelf. If a full mantel is not desired or doesn't fit, a shelf alone will still greatly add to the look of the fireplace (and you can display your trophies on it!). Shelves come in the same variety of woods and finishes as mantels.

Can you be sure that a mantel will fit your fireplace? Absolutely. All you need to do is measure the opening width and height of your fireplace, and also the "return depth," which is how much the facing material of your fireplace extends from the wall. Companies that sell fireplace mantels and shelves usually have forms or calculators that let you enter your data so that the mantel, which are made to order, will fit perfectly.

So if you have a fireplace and it looks a bit bare, make installing a fireplace mantel your next home improvement project. It's an inexpensive way to add style and grace to your home.

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                                                                                           GENE MOCK ~ MAKING IT EASY!

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