The day we decided to build a fireplace mantel was perhaps the best decision we ever made regarding our living room design. It doesn't matter whether you have a gas fireplace, an electric fireplace, or a wood burning fireplace, because carefully chosen fireplace mantels will enhance the look of any hearth or inglenook beyond all recognition.
Many older homes boast beautiful fireplaces that are as appealing to the eye as they are functional. With modern advances in furnace heating many builders saw no use for the structures in the home. The furnace did the heating in these homes. However, many homeowners want to add this feature to their family rooms and living rooms. You don’t need to have a working fireplace to build a fireplace mantel in your home.
The fireplace itself is simply a hole in the wall. The mantle is a decorative element that is added for eye appeal. This popular framing element often becomes the focal point of the room. Many homeowners build a fireplace mantel for decorative purposes alone.
This may not make sense to an older generation that perceives the unit as a functional piece of architecture. However, the primary focal point of the architecture is not the place where the fire is actually set. That is just an empty space until you add wood and flames. The visual bulk of a fireplace is decorative in nature.
We decided on a stone fireplace with a beautiful solid oak mantel for our living room. We also have 2 decorative wrought iron fireplace screens. The reason we have 2 is because every now and again, we like to change the look of our fireplace, and by simply swapping these screens over periodically gives it a whole new look believe it or not. The same can apply to fireplace accessories too, as they can really make a difference as to the look and feel of your fireplace.
Many a homeowner wants to build a fireplace mantel whether or not they actually have a fireplace. This trend in many newer homes has become almost mainstay. There are a few innovative additions to the decorative feature that can provide old-fashioned style or sleek, modern sophistication.
Some homeowners simply put candles in the decorative fireplace unit. The glow of the candles is reminiscent of the flames of a traditional fire but they do not require a flue. This attractive approach is often used when the homeowners build a fireplace mantle and when the fireplace is an actual working unit.
On rare occasions, people will build a fireplace mantel that houses a waterfall. Burning candles that glow through the stream of water can be found behind the waterfall. This magnificent indoor water feature was highlighted on Home and Garden Television. The brilliant combination of fire and water is relaxing and charming.
You may want to build a fireplace mantle for your own home. There are a couple of options to consider. There are pre-made units ready to be installed but if you are handy with tools you can save some money by choosing to build a fireplace mantel from scratch.
Whether you choose to install a pre-made mantel or whether you choose to build a fireplace mantel on your own, you have made the first step to creating a warm, welcoming environment in your home.
One thing is certain and that is no matter who you are, where you live, or what your room size is, if you build a fireplace mantel, be it an antique fireplace or some trendy new design, you will enhance the look and feel of your room providing you choose from the right fireplace designs for your setting.
