Make mantel centre of attraction

What you place on a mantelpiece can add real presence to a focal point in the room, writes Kya deLongchamps

IN terms of energy efficiency an open fireplace is a curiosity from the past. Gaping into a room from a wide snaking tunnel to the great outdoors, it directs around 70% of any heat generated by a fire straight up the chimney. The role of a real flame fire as a gathering point and primary comfort still holds our hearts, and we naturally look towards a fireplace, lit or not when entering a room. Closing off the opening in favour of a wood or multi-fuel stove with an insulated flu system is the sane alternative. It’s all about control. Still, in the majority of cases the surrounding fireplace and mantel survive, even if our gaze and the furniture arrangement now praise the television rather than the fireside.

A SINGULAR SHELF