Over The Top Fireplace Mantels!

The stone fireplace mantels with stately and impos-
ing overmantels in the photos below portray an ele-
gant,  old  world  ambience  and sophistication that evokes images of English country manors, European castles, Italian palazzi and French chateaux.  Judg-
ing  by  the  wide  range  and  variety of traditional
stone fireplace surrounds currently available,  it ap-
pears a new Gilded Age has arrived!

Though in modern times the overmantel is a purely aesthectic adornment, it was originally a very functional architectural element.   Beginning in the Middle Ages, it took the form of a hooded cover that was placed over the fire  to  create  a  draft and to direct the smoke into a flue vented to the outside. Despite its lack of functionality today, it continues to be a highly (no pun intended!)  decorative -- even regal -- design element that com-
mands  attention  and  makes  a  dramatic statement when placed atop a compatible fireplace mantel.

For information about any of the fireplace designs  pictured  here, please  let us know  and we'll be happy to provide it for you.

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Fireplace Photos of Formal & Semiformal Traditional Stone Mantels without Overmantels

Fireplace Pictures of Rustic & Casual Traditional Styles in Stone

Traditional Stone Fireplace Design

Traditional Stone Fireplace Surround Design

Fireplace Gallery of Contemporary Stone Mantels

Fireplace Gallery of Contemporary Stone Wall Surrounds

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