Choosing a Mantle or Mantelpiece for Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace in your home, you can easily add a lot of charm and character to it through the type of mantle or mantlepiece that you choose.
By choosing the right material and the right style for your mantle, you can express your personal tastes in the room and create a focal point that will draw the eye to your fireplace. Here are some tips for choosing a mantle or mantlepiece for your fireplace.
A mantle - also sometimes called a mantlepiece - is a shelf that is mounted above a fireplace. Depending upon the style of mantle that you choose it could also incorporate decorative elements or panels that go down along the sides of your fireplace.
Without a mantle a fireplace can look like just a hole in your wall and lack much character. However, by adding a mantle to your fireplace you can give it more substance and make it a stronger visual element of the room.
When it comes to choosing a mantle for your fireplace there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, it is always a good idea to match the mantle to the style of your home.
For instance, if you live in a historical home you probably want to choose a mantle that reflect the period when the home was built and that matches with the architectural elements of the house. This will help to keep a cohesive feel throughout the home and will keep the fireplace from sticking out like a sore thumb.
Your own personal decorating style will also play a large role in the type of mantle that you choose. If you decorate in a modern style you probably would do well with a simple shelf above the fireplace for your mantle.
On the other hand, if you home is decorated in a more formal style you may want to choose either a more decorative shelf or even a full mantle that is used as a facing over the entire fireplace and covers both the sides and the top of the fireplace.
The types of materials used to build the mantle greatly affect the overall look and style as well as the cost. Mantlepieces made of stone or other natural materials tend to be quite spendy because they are labor intensive to make.
However, they can provide a rich, elegant look that is difficult to achieve with synthetic or man-made materials. Stone mantles are commonly made of marble, granite or slate as well as other types of stone.
An alternative to stone that is cheaper but still gives a lot of style are plaster mantles. Plaster mantles are typically made by pouring plaster into large molds to create the fireplace. They are lighter weight than stone mantlepieces which makes them easier to mount.
Another advantage of plaster mantles is that they are quite easy to repair if they are damaged. You can find plaster mantles in just about any style that you can think of since it is such a versatile material to work with.
Wood is one of the most common materials used to build mantlepieces. Wooden mantles can range from being quite historical or ornate to sleek and modern depending upon if the wood is carved or how it is stained or painted.
Wood is always a beautiful addition to a room since it brings a warm, natural feeling and works well with just about any decor.
The main things to keep in mind when choosing a mantlepiece are that you want a mantle that matches the architectural style of your home, fits with your taste and is in your price range. As with any purchase make sure you shop around to verify that you are getting the best deal on whatever mantle you choose.
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