Mantles above the fireplace

Mantles, and what are they

The Rumford fireplace is a tall, shallow fireplace designed by Benjamin Thompson, an Anglo-American physicist who was known for his investigations of heat.

A fireplace is an appliance that is often built into a home that allows the relatively safe burning of flammables.

In colder climates, especially of the European tradition, the fireplace or hearth was the central feature of the household and gave warmth to aid survival through an extended winter.

Due to the central location in traditional life (and the often mesmerizing qualities of fire they contain) the fireplace is a place traditionally considered used for conversation, planning, or celebration in a more intimate fashion. After the workday, it was often the last place a family would meet at night before retiring to sleep. During the depression years in the United States, the most famous use of this tradition was the "Fireside Chats" radio show held by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, making use of the family gathering time to discuss issues of national importance.

To view information about mantles for your fireplace.

Site map pages | Other home articles | Terms Of Use | Resources