Continuing the Fires Of Times Past

Period style mantels offer a traditional air of authenticity and a beautiful means of showcasing your fireplace, often the focal point of your main family living area. By choosing a mantel based on a period design you can seamlessly integrate this new addition into your existing interior décor. As well, many people are choosing to use a traditional style mantel in direct contrast to their more modern interiors, creating a truly eye-catching fixture to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Let’s take a brief look at the 5 most popular periods on which many mantel designs are based. Though often similar, there are definite characteristics that will set each period apart. And again; while design is by no means limited to these 5 categories, they do tend to be the most influential concerning mantels.

Georgian – Named for the kings, Georges I – IV, this period of British history witnessed a revival of the neo-classical style and a refinement in tastes and geometric grace in architecture and interior design. Georgian fireplaces are characterized by their neo-classical columned jambs and pilasters, Grecian and Romanesque motifs, bull’s-eyes and entablatures.

Regency - Strictly speaking from 1811-1820 following the Regency Act 1811 when George III's eldest son, George, Prince of Wales, became George, Prince Regent and ruled in the King's place. Regency is often used to loosely describe the style in British fashion and design from the 1790's to 1837 when Victoria took the thrown.

Victorian – Spanning nearly 70 years, the Victorian era was a time of breathtaking advancement and invention. Understandably, defining the Victorian style can be rather difficult. It is generally associated with an abundance of possessions. By introducing a wider mantel shelf on the fireplace surround, it provided another area on which ornaments could be displayed. The sense of abundance was also translated into the decorative motifs, the cornucopia being popular as a carved relief on the breast board.

French – When it comes to French inspired mantels scrolling is very commonly used. Where corbels are featured they are extremely decorative, often carved to look like scallop shells or leaves- reminiscent of Corinthian capitals. The frieze, or breast board on a French styled fireplace tends to be quite ornate, often accented with carved garland.

Tudor - This period covers the reign of the Tudor family, in England from 1485 to 1603. Architecturally the early Tudor period is often referred to as late medieval. Mostly based on the main elements of the English renaissance building design and interiors; the Tudor style sees shallow pointed arches, lighter stone trims, terra-cotta brickwork and tiles in its interiors.

Regardless of what period you choose, or if you choose no period at all, it is most important to select a fireplace mantel or shelf that reflects your own unique style. It should be beautiful, functional, and affordable; whatever those points mean to you.

About the Author

Lawrence DePippa is the Internet Marketing Manager of Accent Building Products, a leading direct distributor of Builders Edge vinyl exterior shutters, gable vents, door surrounds, and fireplace mantels.