Further Reading

You just can't maintain a fireplace anymore without using fireplace mantels. When looking for a mantel, try to remember you have to get one that matches its surroundings. The style of mantel you purchase doesn't have to be a perfect fit, but it should at least look attractive. Happily, shopping for mantels is painlessly convenient. You should find one that fits in with whatever budget, style and size needs there are.

Fireplace mantels are built from wood, stone or metal. Wooden mantels are the most inexpensive among them. Furthermore, they can be made to accommodate the most intricate and elegant designs. Stone mantels are stronger and more useful. However, metal mantels perform best. Metal is most efficient at storing heat in the fireplace, and in the smallest sizes too. You might find them inadequate to your fireplace dimensions, so they can be laid with a stone or wooden facade.

If you need a fireplace mantel shelf, the best material to get is stone. Fireplace mantel shelves made of metal can carry more weight compared to other materials. Wood and metal are still good materials for fireplace mantel shelves, but for other reasons. Wood can be more decorative, as long as you do not stick to using light items. Metal is better at shielding the fireplace, but is the least useful as a fireplace mantel shelf. This is because metal has a tendency to heat up.

Decorative electric fireplaces have the mantels built right in. As long as decorative electric fireplaces have a plug-in socket in the area, you can put it there. It won't be able to replace an honest-to-goodness fireplace, but it's far more adaptable. Decorative electric fireplaces are usable in any room in the house, or the office if you'd like. You can also get wall-mounted decorative electric fireplaces, as well as fireplace-TV stand combos.

If you're getting regular fireplace mantels, you should also assess these other factors. Mostly, you have to decide what mantel best matches your actual needs. Research the size of your room, how big the fireplace area is in comparison, and the general tone of the room.

And then, you need to go about installing that mantel. This can be a daunting but not impossible task. There are fireplace mantel kits, usually made of wood, that one can assemble and install on their own. In most cases, have your fireplace mantels assembled by a professional. This is definitely the case with stone mantels, and metal antique mantels or reproductions. Keep this in mind when buying a mantel.

Fireplace mantels are a necessity in a room with a fireplace. When looking for a mantel, try to remember you have to get one that matches its surroundings. When looking for a fireplace mantel shelf, it's best to get a stone mantel. Decorative electric fireplaces include the mantel in its design. It won't be able to replace an honest-to-goodness fireplace, but it's far more adaptable.