If, as the old adage goes, ""imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then ""replication makes a financially challenged man's dream come true"" where discount fireplace mantels are concerned.

Yes, you too can make your mantel dreams a reality by paying only a fraction of what the real thing costs. What's even better is that discount fireplace mantels is so close to the real deal in terms of design and material used, that only a trained eye will be able to discern what's real and what's not.

The advanced technology today has allowed scientists to come up with prefabricated materials for mantels.

For instance, if you love the look of granite or even limestone without the price, then you should choose cast stone.

If you decide to use wood, there are some companies who stock mantels that are painted or lacquered and are available as low as $150.

If you choose to have it built, paint-grade fiberboard is also a good alternative priced as low as $200.

The edge that discounted mantels have includes the design range from simple to elaborate, complete with columns and pilasters.

Prefabricated mantels fit both single-face and corner fireplaces and are also adjustable to meet your design needs.

Of course there are off-the-shelf do-it-yourself mantel kits available at your local hardware store. Also reasonably priced, the kit includes a shelf, legs ornamentally designed for you to try as a weekend project with the family.

From the several models available, you ought to find a mantel kit, which harmonizes with your decor, in one way or another.

When you go shopping for the mantel, be sure that you envision your room design and select a mantel that will either blend in or enhance your space.

You can make adjustments as you go along, so you can consider the option of extending the mantel shelf so that you can accessorize with antique clocks and other items of the sort, to take away from the inexpensive material used.