The Expertise Behind Mantelpiece: How We Craft Timeless, Functional Decor

I’m Elisabeth Chambry, the founder. I launched Mantelpiece with a vision to reimagine everyday rituals through the lens of design—drawing from vintage aesthetics to create objects that are both functional and timeless, made to live beautifully in your home.

Our flagship piece, The Vase, embodies this vision: a dual-purpose flower vase and water pipe that belongs proudly on display, even when not pristine. Sculptural yet subtle, it’s a statement in form and function—turning something once hidden into something to be seen.

Mantelpiece is growing, but the mission remains the same: to design elevated essentials that fit seamlessly into the life you’re curating.

A Little About Me

I live in New York City with my rescue chihuahua and have always been drawn to creativity and design. I find that I’m most inspired when high—whether I’m making something, watching a great film, cooking, or just adding intention to the everyday.

I grew up in a rural area, so I feel just as at home on a quiet lake or boat as I do at the beach—both favorite ways to unwind. I know it’s a bit of a stoner cliché, but it’s my truth—and part of what shaped the vision behind Mantelpiece.

My Path to Creating Mantelpiece

Before founding Mantelpiece, I built a career in marketing and partnerships across service journalism, with roles at Wirecutter, Business Insider, and InsideHook. Immersed in a world of product reviews and testing, I developed a sharp eye for pieces that truly stand out—those that blend form, function, and quiet utility.

Over the years, I found myself gravitating toward objects that elevate everyday spaces. I’ve even shared some of my favorites, like home upgrades and outdoor setups along the way. That hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of what makes a product not just beautiful, but built to last.

When I set out to create my own product, I knew it had to meet the same level of scrutiny applied by my industry peers—experts who value both design and quality.

My Decade of Cannabis Experience

I didn’t begin using cannabis until my twenties, but it quickly became an integral part of my life. As someone who identifies as neurodivergent, I found it helped me focus, quiet mental noise, and deepen my creativity. Over time, it became not just a wellness tool, but a catalyst—opening space for new ways of thinking.

In fact, the idea for Mantelpiece first came to me during one of those expansive, thoughtful moments.

After years of working around exceptional products (check out my review of the Pax Plus versus Pax Mini), I’d long felt the pull to create something of my own. But it wasn’t until I recognized a distinct gap—smoking accessories that met the same design standards I held for the rest of my home—that everything clicked.

Mantelpiece was born from that realization: that beauty and function shouldn’t be at odds. And that the objects we live with, especially the ones tied to ritual, deserve to be as intentional as everything else we choose to keep.

The Design Process

Creating Mantelpiece was a slow and deliberate journey, rooted in curiosity, experimentation, and a commitment to getting it right. It began with something simple: paper wrapped around a bong, a rough gesture toward an idea that would evolve over time.

Over the next three years, I explored countless shapes and design directions, refining every detail until it felt both beautiful and intuitive. After three rounds of prototyping, The Vase emerged as the final expression—elegant, functional, and designed to belong.

Today, The Vase is patent-pending as a reflection of both its considered utility and sculptural form. It is more than an object; it is a piece designed with purpose and built to endure.

About Mantelpiece and Its Mission

At Mantelpiece, we believe smoking accessories deserve a place in the open—designed not to be hidden, but to be appreciated. The Vase reimagines what a bong can be: a sculptural object made to complement your space, not clash with it. Crafted from premium materials, its discreet two-part form features fresh florals above and a fully functional piece below. It’s both a visual statement and a refined tool, designed to live beautifully in the home.

Our mission is to elevate the experience through thoughtful design. Every Mantelpiece product is created with intention, combining utility, sustainability, and timeless aesthetics. We believe that what you use every day should feel as considered as the rest of your space—quietly elegant, endlessly functional, and built to last.

Mantelpiece’s Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

At Mantelpiece, quality and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. We use high-quality materials chosen for their longevity, ensuring each product is as durable as it is beautiful. Our glass is produced in Shenzhen, China, through a factory that upholds ethical labor practices and strict workplace safety standards. Through our U.S.-based sourcing company, we maintain direct communication with the factory, and our consultants have visited the facility to confirm these standards firsthand.

Sustainability is woven into every step of our process. From day one, we designed each component—including packaging—to be fully recyclable. Our material choices prioritize reduced environmental impact and avoid non-renewable hydrocarbons. As the industry evolves, we are committed to incorporating more recycled materials, especially in our packaging, to continue lowering our footprint.

By prioritizing eco-conscious methods and ethical production, Mantelpiece remains dedicated to creating products that honor both people and the planet.

Be Part of the Mantelpiece Story

At Mantelpiece, we’re redefining smoking accessories for the modern home—and working to destigmatize the ritual through elevated, design-driven pieces. The Vase is our first expression of that vision: a functional object designed to be both beautiful and intentional.

When you bring a Mantelpiece product into your home, you’re joining a movement to transform everyday rituals into something refined. This is just the beginning. More elegant, functional pieces are on the way—each created with the same care, purpose, and quiet sense of style.

Thank you, truly.