Most of us have fireplace mantels, but we don’t know what to put on them. And that’s a shame, because the fireplace is a room’s focal point, and the hearth is the heart of a home. The best mantel ...

A fireplace mantel is more than simply another area to display decor in your home. It makes a statement about your style from the moment guests arrive – and that’s especially true during the holidays.

Dear Julie: Building a mantel is not a difficult do-it-yourself task. If you think adding a complete wood surround is beyond your skill level, try just cleaning the bricks first. With a good cleaning, ...