Further Reading

The fireplace holds a deep and symbolic meaning for the human faculty. Since the times when humans began to utilize fire in rudimentary means, such element became the center of tribes and many family activities. Eventually, the fireplace was developed and emerged as the source of light, heat, security and even food. At present, with the advancement in technology, the traditional wood and gas burning fireplace is now being replaced with portable flame electric fireplace.

Despite the significant changes in the structure of the fireplace, two of its most important parts never ceased existing""the surround and mantels. Fireplace surround and mantels are what primarily borders the fireplace and makes it appear more appealing rather than just a big black hole on the wall. These two parts are very common in traditional wood and gas burning fire features. However, as electric fireplace is now rapidly becoming the alternative for traditional wood and gas burning fireplace, surround and mantels are now also available to complement this fire feature.

As we all know, a fireplace surround acts as a shield for the soot and heat that could profoundly damage the wall paint inside a room. This purpose of the surround might leave you wondering, why would I use a surround if I have an electric fireplace that does not emit damaging soot and heat? The answer is simple, a fireplace that lacks surround is unattractive regardless if it is electric powered or if it uses wood or gas. A surround could definitely make profound appearance changes on your electric fireplace and could also create a modern statement for the entire room.

Just like the ones used for traditional fireplace, you could also be as creative with your electric fireplace surround. Even if this fireplace already comes with its own surround, design changes are still possible as long as you have your personal design work that you wish to put into fruition. Since an electric fireplace does not produce real flames, a wooden surround would definitely provide you more opportunity for decoration as it could be carved in differing shapes that would complement the interior design of your room. Aside from wood, other materials that you could use to facilitate changes on your surround include plaster, cast iron, marble, brick and limestone; just remember though that some materials are more efficient to use than the others so make sure that you settle for the ones that would last for long.

Along with the surround, electric fireplace mantels profoundly affect the appearance of your fire feature. Throughout history, mantels are symbols of domestic life that have captured the interest of both homeowners and fireplace designers. Just like your surround, the mantels of your fireplace could be created and finished using a wide variety of materials like wood, metal and natural stones among others. The most important thing that you have to consider when creating or choosing the designs of your mantels is how you could put your emotions into it in order to make it the best focal point inside your room.

The so called period mantels which can be in the form of colonial, Gregorian, Victorian and federal are arguably the most popular designs of electric fireplace mantels today. To add personal touch to your mantels, you could incorporate designs that are based from the places that have most inspired you or those memories that you are most fond about; the main point is for you to combine creativity and personal emotions in order to get the best finish that would represent your personality. Basically, you could go at almost any lengths when it comes to the design of the surround and mantels of your electric fireplace. Going an extra mile in the design aspect would not only give you a unique fireplace but would also permit you to become more creative.

A flame electric fireplace is always considered as the perfect alternative to the wood and gas burning fireplace. If you wish to further improve the look of your electric fire feature, you could simply change your electric fireplace mantels or surround. Transforming the look of your fireplace surround or mantels according to your design preference would add an element of uniqueness not only to the fireplace itself but also to the room where it is situated.