More about Shell with Country Flowers Full Surround - 68 3/8"W x 9 1/4"D x 48 3/8"H, Opening: 52"W x 40"H...
Fireplace mantels—projecting hoods that were built over a fireplace to catch the smoke—have been around since the 5th century and were quite large in stature; fireplace mantels were built mainly of oak and extended the whole width of the room, making it the most elaborate room in the house.
The largest mantel or chimneypiece, as it was originally called, is in the great hall of Palais Des Comtes in west central France; it is nearly 30-feet wide, having two intermediate supports to carry the hood; the stone flues are carried up to an immense window above.
Now, in modern times, fireplaces are smaller and not quite as embellished, as more methods of heating have become available. In fact, mantels are mainly used for placing pictures or trinkets, as a focal point for the room.
At Architectural Depot, there are many wood fireplace mantels, made out of Lindenwood, a light, soft tan-like wood. The Floral Swag mantel, with Urn Surround, is hand-carved, with exceptional attention to detail and is carved in Lindenwood, as are all the fireplace mantels, and are ready to take home and paint or stain; the Fluting with Bellflower Drops Full Surround and the Shell with Country Flowers Full Surround.
Regarding the fascias alone, there's the Center with Rosettes shelf; the Embraced Palmette shelf, the Rinceau Scrolls with Floral Basket Surround, with fine embellished detail and the Urn with Fluting.
