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Fireplace Mantel Design |
Fireplace mantel designs are not dependant on the actual fireplace itself. There is nothing to say that you cannot mix and match the styles of the fireplace with the mantel styles. Naturally, the mantel plays a very important part in the overall look of the fireplace. You can have a beautiful fireplace but if the mantel does not meet the same elegance then it really detracts from the fireplace itself.
If you are buying a pre made fireplace then you will probably have the choice of a few styles of mantles that go with that particular one. On the other hand if you are building one or having one custom built you should have a much greater choice. In fact, you can even design it yourself.
So what should you consider when it comes to decision time for the fire mantel?
- First, determine the reason you are going to use it. Are you the type of person who likes lots of ornamental décor in full view? Then perhaps you prefer the clean sleek appearance of just a few well-placed chosen items as décor. This will help you determine the size of the mantelshelf. You can go with narrow or wide. If you are going to display pictures in frames, you will want to go with wide.
- Whatever mantel you decide on the material must coincide with the materials of the fireplace. For example, if your fireplace is mostly marble you may not want to use wood for the mantle. Get some ideas from home magazines and home shows to give you an idea of how materials blend and work together. Do not stay conventional either as you want to be creative and add your personal touch to it.
- Unless you want the fireplace mantel to be the focal point of the room, make sure it flows into the rest of the décor of the room, which includes color as well as style. Stay neutral with your color though because you want it to work with the present furniture but you also have to consider furniture changes in the future.
You may want to consider extending the mantle concept. So far, we have talked about the straight type mantle that sits at the top of the fireplace. If you choose, you can extend the mantel appearance by having small shelves imbedded into the stonework of the fireplace for example.
In addition, keep in mind how easy is the material you have chosen to clean. If it is an artificial fireplace, this is not as much as an issue. Wood burning fireplaces do create more work when it comes to cleaning so keep this in mind when designing your mantel. Stone or slabs will be harder to clean then treated wood.
Fireplace mantel designs for ultra modern fireplace styles demand a sleek contemporary style of mantel, which will allow you to choose from a different variety of materials then what you may use in the other designs.
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Image Gallery |
Modern Designs
Fireplace design gallery
featuring beautiful modern design.
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Rustic Designs
Fireplace design gallery
featuring earthy rustic design.
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Contemporary Designs
Fireplace design gallery
featuring contemporary design.
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