Questions & Answers
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What is a mantel shelf?
1 Answer
A mantle shelf is a frame around the opening of a fireplace mostly made of stone or wood. In the olden days, it was designed as a decorative hood over the fire grate to catch smoke. The term has evolved now, and it includes a variety of decorative frameworks around the fireplace, with elaborate designs extending to the ceiling. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage fireplace mantels.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
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Shop for Mantel Shelf on 1stDibs
French Figural Bronze Pandora Mantel Shelf Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
French mantel shelf clock, mid 19th c., black slate case, with gilt bronze mounts, figural topper
Category
Antique 19th Century French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Antique Gilbert Manufacturing American Empire 30 Hr Mahogany Mantel Shelf Clock
By Gilbert Clock Co
Located in Dayton, OH
Empire shelf clock. Made of walnut featuring gold and marbled columns, reverse painted floral roses
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Empire Mantel Clocks
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
18th Century Neoclassical Pine Mantel
Located in New York, NY
and tapering fluted pilasters beneath an inverted breakfront mantel shelf, circa 1790.
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Marble
18th Century Neoclassical Pine Mantel
Located in New York, NY
drops, and running frieze ribbon tied swags beneath a breakfront corniced mantel shelf incorporating
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Pine
Italian Renaissance Mantel
Located in New York, NY
. The chimneypiece has a corniced mantel shelf carved with tiers of crisp egg and dart and bead and reel
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Limestone
19th Century French Cast Stone Fireplace Mantel with Floral Design
Located in Mckinney, TX
flowers on the header, flanked by sunflower medallions, and elegant, fluted legs.
The mantel shelf
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Cast Stone