- Ever Growing Popularity of Mantel and Fireplace
Although there have been many technological advances in climate control for our homes, fireplaces and mantels have continued to be popular additions to North American homes, In fact, they have steadily moved southward into warmer climates. Without a doubt the purpose of fireplaces have markedly evolved over the last few centuries. Practicality has made way to beauty and form. Due to their popularity cabinet makers have become adept at crafting mantel shelves and surround for their customers. The hand carved mantel, is not so common. Fortunately, foreign master carvers are still persuing their enterprise and make available to American markets their beautiful wares. For years fireplace mantels have contributed to the beauty of fireplaces. Authentically hand carved mantels have become, however, uncommon because of the cost and the challenge of finding a competent artisan capable of such an endeavor. Modern methods able to mill wood can never achieve the look and feel of authentically hand carved work. Fortunately for consumers in the USA, there are still hand carved mantels that can be had at reasonable prices. Foreign master carvers still ply their trade and make available to us fireplace mantels reminiscent of pieces crafted hundreds of years ago.