Mantel Ideas

There are lots of considerations when coming up with mantel ideas for your fireplace mantel. A mantel shelf is a beautiful accent for your home that is often used to display pictures of those you hold dear, prized mementos, collections, and (of course) anxious Christmas stockings awaiting the arrival of Ol' Saint Nick. If you are completely out of mantel ideas, you’ve come to the right place.  Let’s take a look at types of fireplace mantels and what you need to factor into your decision when choosing a mantel.

Types of Fireplace Mantels

Unlike years gone by, there are tons of fireplace mantel choices today.  With a big selection of materials, sizes, and shapes to choose from, it is often hard to narrow down your choice to just one.  While wood is the most common fireplace mantel construction material, marble, stone, and other materials are also used.

There are antique styled fireplaces and fireplace surrounds to choose from.  And of course, for those who are handy with wood, there is always the option of building your own custom fireplace mantel.  Wood fireplace mantels can be purchased bare and then painted, stained, or varnished to your own liking.

Marble offers an elegant and refined look, although it is often a more expensive choice.  Whichever you choose or whatever type of mantel idea you have in store for your home, you should always take into consideration the size of your fireplace, the existing décor of the room in which the mantel will be installed, and the available wall space to accommodate the mantel.

Important Buying Tips

When selecting your fireplace mantel, the size of your fireplace is your most important concern.  Measure the dimensions of your fireplace before purchasing your mantel.  Never guess or estimate the size because you may end up with a mantel that is too short, too long, too tall, or otherwise wrong for your needs.

The size of mantel you choose should be made according to the amount of available wall space you have in the room in which the mantel will be installed.   Your mantel can be longer or shorter than the fireplace’s firebox.

Complementing Your Room’s Décor

One of the most important aspects of selecting a mantel for your fireplace is that the fireplace complements the existing décor of your room.  A more refined room might have a stone fireplace, while a rustic country lodge room might have an unfinished wooden mantel.  You should also consider the existing wood of other furniture within the room when making your selection to get a coordinated look.

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