Selecting and Decorating Fireplace Mantels
Fireplace Mantels can be used to set the design theme of a room, or to express your personal style. There are endless combinations of materials and decorating to achieve the look you desire. Unless you are working with an already existing mantel, you should first choose the material to use for your mantel.
Wood fireplace mantels provide warmth to the room. Wood is the most common material used for fireplace mantels. If you are looking for a do-it-yourself option, wood might be your best bet. You can purchase or carve your mantel to the specified dimension, and then install the mantel yourself as well. If cost is a concern for you, wood could be the best choice for material since you have the option of doing it yourself, and wood is relatively inexpensive. Wood fireplace mantels can also be stained virtually any color to match your current or desired décor. Wood can also be easily carved to achieve the look you desire.
Stone fireplace mantels are another option, although more costly than wood. The material itself is often more expensive than wood and it is likely to require a professional installer. Some natural stone choices to consider are marble, limestone, or granite, to name a few. You may also decide to use a man-made or cast stone for your mantel. The cost of a stone fireplace will vary greatly depending on the type of stone you decide to use. Cast stone is cheaper than natural, and limestone is usually the least expensive of the natural stone options. Unlike wood, a benefit of stone is that it is naturally fireproof.
Lastly, you have the option of a metal mantel. Metal fireplace mantels are far less common than either stone or wood. Metal can be a very modern style option. If you do choose metal, keep in mind that it conducts heat.
When choosing a material, consider the interior design of the room. This may affect the choice of material you use. For example, antique fireplace mantels are available in both wood and stone.
Once your fireplace mantel has been installed you get to decorate it to further complement the style of the room. Decorating fireplace mantels doesn’t need to be complicated. Some objects you can use to decorate the mantel include photos, candles, statues, or small boxes. Don’t forget to decorate the space above the mantel as well, whether it be a photo, mirror, or wall hanging. You may also want to consider adding fireplace mantels shelves. A principal often used when decorating fireplace mantels is the “three plus one” principal. The rule suggests placing three objects of similar, but not exact size and height on one side of the mantel. On the other side of the mantel, place one larger, related object. Don’t forget while selecting and decorating your fireplace mantel to tailor it to your taste and sense of style.