All About Fireplace Mantels

Mantel matters

Whether you're renovating a country cottage or redecorating your home, a carefully chosen fireplace mantel will create a decorative tone around which you can develop an alluring environment.  Typically, the only restrictions will be the dimensions of your firebox and the height of the room.  Most manufacturers have similar mantels in several sizes and matching faces to cover the area between the mantel and the firebox.

DIY

A quick look at various websites will show what even a simple fireplace mantelpiece can do for a drab, plain-front fireplace.  This is fortunate, since purchasing a full fireplace mantel can easily consume the better portion of your redecorating budget.  A simple mantel shelf that complements the natural masonry work of your fireplace will trim costs substantially.  And if you decide the shelf isn't enough, many sites sell individual mantel parts.  Buying this way will save a fortune in shipping, not to mention foregoing a professional mason. 

Just like full mantels, shelves are constructed from many materials like limestone, wood, marble, or cast stone.  Of course, rustic cabins suit a half-round, log shelf nicely; but these designs feature prominently in modern homes as well.  Likewise, limestone or marble fireplace mantels should not be restricted to only the most lavish surroundings.

Money to burn?

If you decide to go all out, things get more complicated and quite a bit more expensive.  As these fireplace mantels usually start at 1,000 dollars, professional installation is a must.  You should also be prepared to have a contractor present on delivery day to help move the mantel.

The most available styles vary from turn-of-the-century replicas to curvaceous modern designs, usually molded from stone or marble.  It seems that wooden, antique mantels in Greek Revival or Victorian styles aren't being reproduced too much.  A shame, considering they carry all the glamour of a dignified mantelpiece with none of the ostentation sometimes present in stone fireplace mantels.

If you're thinking about adding a fireplace mantel to your home, then we recommend that you visit FirePlaceMantels.com for their great online selection of fireplace mantels and more.

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