Friday, August 29, 2008

Antique Mantel












The mantel I have in my living room is actually an old one bought at a flea market type store about an hour and a half from my house. That store is now closed and I was so mad when I found out! Anyway, I had been looking for an antique mantel for a long time, but they were all too small (the opening not wide enough) for my fireplace. I had seen some pretty mantels at this store and told my husband about it, but had pretty much decided he might have to make one instead of buy one so that it would fit. I really wanted an old one though. Well, on the way back from a work trip my husband stopped by this store and bought one of the mantels. I was so surprised and excited when he came home with it. I was also wondering how in the world he was going to make it work in our home. He had to cut the mantel in half (I didn't watch) and add about 10 inches of wood to the middle to make it wide enough. He also had to cut some off the sides of the legs to get enough clearance on either side of the firebox. He added a new deeper shelf and painted it to match the rest of the mantel. I wouldn't let him repaint the rest of it because I wanted it to remain as it was. I love my antique mantel because it is interesting and I'm sure has plenty of history behind it. I don't know what that history is, but I can make up my own stories about stockings being hung there at Christmas and a family trying to keep warm in front of a roaring fire. I hope y'all had a wonderful week and will have a relaxing Labor Day weekend!

14 comments:

Screaming Meme said...

I love it! Awesome!!!

momof4azkids said...

Beautiful! You've accessorized it so well...I especially love the painting of the buns.

Unknown said...

Hi Angie,
I love your mantel. We bought one too for our home, and refinished it in oak. I love yours in white! And you have it accessorized so well!
diane

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

Your house looks so cozy and inviting. Just yummy! (Love the mantel too! What a great suprise!)

joelandbecca said...

Fabulous! Make up stories! that is the best way-why not!? If only the wood could speak to you of all the things it has seen. I hope it is there to comfort you in years to come. And there is nothing better than a dressed up mantel at Christmas! Love it!

Julie said...

omg I love your mantle and that bunny pic is to die for I love bunnies:) great job it looks great
Julie

trish said...

I can just see the stockings hanging! Your display is perfect! I love the colors and arrangements!
May I ask if you covered your lamp shades yourself or if you purchased them that way? I am looking for the exact colors you are using. :o)
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

Wendy said...

The mantel is lovely! I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the painting of the rabbits!

Annie said...

Your fireplace is so pretty! Thanks so much for the birthday wishes! Can't wait to see more of the window treament.

Melissa said...

Angie,

Okay, I need your help with decorating. Your home is way cute.

Love everything you have on the mantle. I wish we could go shopping together.

Happy Weekend!

Melissa

Sue said...

I LOVE your mantle! You have it decorated so pretty. The painting is beautiful....I love rabbits. I have trouble deciding what to put on my mantle. You have done a great job!

Ashley said...

Love it! You have the best colors in your home. I LOVE that bunny print. My mom has it in her kitchen and it reminds me of her. My family has a bunny fetish, I think it is genetic.

Katie said...

Love that painting of the bunnies, where did you get it?

barbralinn said...

I love, love, love the mantle. You MUST tell me where you got the bunny painting and when. I'm wondering if it's still out there and where I can get one! Do you remember how much you paid for it?
Barbra