The Art of Rustic Mantels

Mantels are pieces that are best characterized by the rustic style since they are used in combination with the romantic fireplace. Due to their usage and aesthetic qualities, rustic mantels are subtle expressions of the country style due to their naturalness and sturdiness. Rustic mantels come in a wide range of styles, colors and textures, ranging from finished to unfinished looks and from pale colors to elegant and dark tones.

The most common custom material for rustic mantels is oak. Oak gives these pieces of decor a great, natural look that compliments the fireplace and makes it look cozy and warm. Oak ranges from light and bright colors of brown and caramel to darker tones, and it is a sturdy wood with high durability and resistance. Besides oak, pine is also used for various kinds of rustic mantels. Pine has a wilder aspect than the refined and elegant oak and its colors are brighter and more intensive. Both wood types can be used for both smooth and rough finishing, with either rounded, straight or curved lines.

The technical characteristics of these decorative yet necessary pieces refer to their dimensions. Most of the rustic mantels range from 3 to 14 inches in length and they are thicker than the modern ones, as they have to provide the feeling of sturdiness and naturalness.

Although these items are quite small and have a stylized shape, there are various styles of rustic mantels, such as the ranch style or the hand-hewn contoured and beveled corners. Besides these, there are more refined and elegant pieces of rustic mantels or the rough mantels that express and imitate the work of older and talented craftsmen. Some of these mantels don't follow the rules of perfect symmetry and dimension and they respect symmetry of harmonic combinations and balanced proportions and lines.

Rustic mantels provide a balanced and harmonic look to both modern and rustic accommodations, as they unite the delicate art of rustic with the fine lines and modern furniture in an optimum way. These mantels increase the effect of the fireplace and warm up the room in a natural and creative way.

Rustic mantels are a great expression of the rustic style, through their natural qualities, such as earthy colors, unfinished textures, wooden aspect and sturdiness. Rustic mantels work great in homes where there is a need for subtle country elements that warm up the space and provide a cozy atmosphere.