Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas
Be sure to read my full article on Decor Snob called Mantel Decorating Ideas For An Elegant Fireplace
A fireplace mantel is a shelf located along the top of a fireplace. It can be any shape or size and it could be as long as the upper portion of the fireplace.
Mantles can also be made from the material that makes up the frame of the fireplace and so it is a part of the fireplace itself. Not all fireplaces come with a mantel and not all fireplaces have the most accommodating mantel too. So if you are planning to build a new mantel, don’t forget to remember the following tips:
Decide which kind of material would suit best. Wood is the most common material since it is easy to shape, install and is durable. However there are also more inspiring mantel materials such as stone or metal. The material that you choose has to complement the existing design of your fireplace and will need to stand the test of time. It should also be cost effective considering this is just a simple project to undertake.
Your fireplace mantel holds different kinds of items and decorations. In a typical home, it is where trophies, awards, plaques and frames and therefore this should be sturdy and strong. A strong metal brace usually holds the mantel on the wall and of course the longer the mantel piece the more braces is needed to hold it. There are decorative braces too such as wrought iron braces, wooden braces or stone braces; you can match it with your existing fireplace frame.
A fireplace mantel is a shelf located along the top of a fireplace. It can be any shape or size and it could be as long as the upper portion of the fireplace.
Mantles can also be made from the material that makes up the frame of the fireplace and so it is a part of the fireplace itself. Not all fireplaces come with a mantel and not all fireplaces have the most accommodating mantel too. So if you are planning to build a new mantel, don’t forget to remember the following tips:
Decide which kind of material would suit best. Wood is the most common material since it is easy to shape, install and is durable. However there are also more inspiring mantel materials such as stone or metal. The material that you choose has to complement the existing design of your fireplace and will need to stand the test of time. It should also be cost effective considering this is just a simple project to undertake.
Your fireplace mantel holds different kinds of items and decorations. In a typical home, it is where trophies, awards, plaques and frames and therefore this should be sturdy and strong. A strong metal brace usually holds the mantel on the wall and of course the longer the mantel piece the more braces is needed to hold it. There are decorative braces too such as wrought iron braces, wooden braces or stone braces; you can match it with your existing fireplace frame.