Mantlepiece Founder Elisabeth Chambry on Designing Artful Homeware That Elevates Both You and Your Space
We are proud to introduce Mantlepiece, the bong that makes for an ideal gift for that interior design enthusiast in your life, or a well-deserved treat for yourself to elevate your home decor. Founded by Elisabeth Chambry, this Brooklyn-based homeware line redefines our understanding of decor with a playful twist. The inaugural piece, a stunning vase that doubles as a functional bong, invites you to elevate your smoke sessions into an aesthetic experience. Mantlepiece transforms your mantel into a canvas for both floral beauty and elevated rituals. We chatted with Elisabeth to gain some insight into her vision for Mantlepiece.
High Herstory: Mantelpiece blends vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. Can you share the journey behind creating your signature product, The Vase, and how you balanced both form and function in its design?
Elisabeth Chambry: Creating Mantelpiece and our inaugural product, The Vase, has been many years in the making. It all started back in 2021, when I began sketching the first designs. I wanted to reimagine a traditional bong as one that was completely unrecognizable on a shelf, even if it had been used.
My goal was to create something I had never seen before: a piece that incorporates two water wells—one for smoking flower and another for arranging bouquets. Bongs have always been mistaken for vases or end up with a single flower tucked inside, so I leaned into that dual purpose intentionally. I’ve always been drawn to vintage aesthetics—there’s something about the timelessness of vintage finds that brings character into a space. I wanted this piece to feel universally beautiful, blending seamlessly into any home. Balancing form and function was always the main ambition. With my background in product journalism, I know exactly how my peers scrutinize products, and I wanted this piece to stand up to that same discerning eye. I wanted to create something that looked just as striking after use, knowing that keeping it spotless every time isn’t always realistic. After too many design variations to count, I finally landed on our final design.
HH: Your brand emphasizes the importance of ethical manufacturing and sustainability. What challenges have you faced in ensuring that your products are both environmentally friendly and high-quality, and how have you overcome them?
EC: Sustainability and ethical manufacturing have been at the heart of Mantelpiece from day one, but achieving both without compromising on quality has definitely come with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was finding a manufacturer who could execute our intricate design using materials and practices that align with our values of environmental and social responsibility. We’ve worked hard to balance sustainability with affordability, ensuring each piece is high-quality and beautifully crafted. The cost reflects everything that goes into this process—from fair wages and ethical practices for everyone involved to minimizing our environmental impact every step of the way.
HH: Mantelpiece draws inspiration from Art Deco and mid-century modern styles. How do you select the specific design elements from these eras to incorporate into your products, and what role does nostalgia play in your creative process?
EC: I wanted to blend modern and vintage elements so The Vase could effortlessly complement any home decor. My inspiration drew heavily from Art Deco’s timeless elegance, particularly after a trip to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, where the symmetry and intricate detailing left a lasting impression. I’ve always had an eye for mid-century design as well; its clean lines and warmth add a balance that makes The Vase feel at home in both vintage and contemporary spaces.
Nostalgia certainly played a role in the creative process—I love the aesthetic familiarity of these eras, and I wanted The Vase to feel like a beautiful relic of the past, yet one suited for modern-day living. Our first run of Vases includes a unique engraving, making each one feel like a collector’s piece. I have this vision of 100 years from now, on some Antiques Roadshow–style program, where people are discussing The Vase as a cherished artifact from the cannabis destigmatization era of the 2020s.
HH: The dual-purpose nature of The Vase as both a bong and a statement home decor piece is quite innovative. How did you approach the challenge of making a product that feels both elegant as a home decor item and practical as a smoking device?
EC: I knew The Vase had to feel refined enough to sit on a mantel or coffee table, but it also needed to be easy to use and maintain as a smoking accessory. The key was to keep the form sleek while incorporating thoughtful design features, like the separate water wells for smoking and displaying flowers.
It delivers a rich, satisfying hit—there’s plenty of surface area inside, allowing for a fuller pull than usual. Plus, it’s easy to hold and has a sturdy design that won’t tip over. It’s actually been my main way to consume since I got my hands on a smokable prototype.
HH: Mantelpiece supports the Last Prisoner Project, a cause tied to cannabis reform. How does this partnership align with your brand values, and how do you envision Mantelpiece contributing to broader social change within the cannabis space?
EC: I feel it’s important that anyone who takes up space in the industry is mindful of the landscape and the work still to be done. I believe that no one should be in prison for cannabis. As the recreational and legal industry grows, we can’t lose track of working toward meaningful change. That’s why we’re committed to donating a portion of our profits to the Last Prisoner Project, supporting their work in expunging records and freeing those imprisoned for nonviolent cannabis offenses. Mantelpiece also sees its role as helping to destigmatize cannabis use and fostering an industry that’s both inclusive and fair for everyone involved.
