Even if winter hasn’t quite been what it should be this year, a cozy fireplace makes everything seem warmer and brighter!  We have a very modern home with a (gasp!) electric fireplace, which actually makes me love these traditional and antique mantels even more.  Even if your home does not have a built-in fireplace, you can often find mantels at flea markets and thrift stores, fill it with books or candles and you get the feel of a fireplace without all the extra mess and dirt.  And if you don’t have room for mantel, even a cozy candle lantern brings a bit of brightness to those long winter days!

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