Choosing Fireplace Mantel Shelves

Without attractive fireplace mantel shelves, your fireplace is simply a fireplace. Choosing fireplace mantel shelves that blend in well with the décor of the surrounding room is important, and it is equally important that you choose a fireplace mantel shelf that will be suitable for years to come as they can be quite expensive to install, depending upon the material that you choose for yours.

Choosing fireplace mantel shelves for your fireplace adds a finishing touch to both real fireplaces and those that are electric-only that don't have a chimney. The fireplace mantel shelves may also be substituted for a surround.

When choosing fireplace mantel shelves, you will be presented with lots of choices, including styles and finishes, which will make the selection process difficult. You may elect to choose a full shelf for holding cherished photographs or mementos, or a partial shelf that does not encompass the entire fireplace itself, depending upon your tastes and your budget.

Materials Used for Fireplace Mantel Shelves

Choosing the fireplace mantel shelf for your home means that you must take your home's particular style into consideration and what the fireplace will do to become a focal point in the room.

For example, if your home is a rustic country retreat, you may choose an unfinished look in a wood fireplace shelf that blends with your décor. For a more contemporary home, you might go for a marble or granite fireplace mantel shelf.

Fireplace shelving is not limited to wood and wood stocks; there are many materials that you can find that are very attractive for your fireplace shelf, including stone (including the aforementioned marble and granite), as well as plaster, gypsum, cast stone and more.

There are many retailers that stock fireplace mantel shelves, including online and offline choices. Of special consideration if choosing your fireplace mantel shelf from an online retailer is shipping costs, so look for a retailer who offers discounted or free shipping.

Custom Made or Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Mantel Shelf Choices

You may also choose to have your fireplace mantel shelf custom made. There are many craftsmen who will make a custom fireplace mantel to your exact specifications. Or you can choose to do it yourself and save big.

Even if you have very little experience in wood working, designing and constructing your own fireplace mantel shelf is a great starter project for those who have a free weekend and are looking to learn the basics of woodworking and design.

If you choose to make your own fireplace mantel shelf, you can find mantel plans in woodworking books, online, or even at your local library. For those with the inclination to build their own custom fireplace mantel, choosing the fireplace mantel that you want to build is the toughest part of the whole process.

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