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A mantel isn't just the decorative shelf over a fireplace; the term also means the entire opening that surrounds the fireplace. Each part also has its own identifying term: the hearth is the floor of the fireplace; some fireplaces also have a plinth, or a square or rectangular base the heath sits upon to raise it above floor level; and of course the flue through which smoke escapes is the chimney. The shelf over the fireplace can be called the mantel, the mantelpiece, or the mantelshelf. Some mantelshelves are made of wood (manufactured or handcrafted, generally carved from hardwoods such as oak), while others are brick or stone. Changing the look of your living room can be a fairly quick interior decoration project, involving putting a new facing material over the existing mantel. Mantels can also be changed using accessories, such as adding cabinetry, clocks or fireside rugs (sometimes called hearthrugs).
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