How to Choose a Style of Fireplace Mantel for Your Interior
When you’re choosing a style of fireplace mantel for your interior, it’s important to consider all of the different factors that will affect your decision. Which style will best complement your decor? What material will be most durable and heat resistant? How much space do you have available? In this blog post, we’ll help you answer these questions and more so that you can make the perfect choice for your home.
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Types of fireplace mantels
There are a variety of different types of fireplace mantels available. The modern mantel is anywhere from wall cladding with a floating shelf, picture frame surrounds to the traditional sweeping upper of the classic mantel form. These are all considered a type of mantel these days. The first step to identifying which type of fireplace mantel is best for your space is to explore your interior design style.
Interior Design Style - Traditional, Modern, or Eclectic?
There are many ways to identify your interior design style. An easy way to see which style you prefer is to take a look at your home decor. Most people’s home decor style falls into one of three categories: traditional, modern, or eclectic. First, take a look at the overall design of your home. Does it have a lot of clean lines and simplicity? If so, it’s likely that your home decor style is modern. On the other hand, if your home is more ornate and features lots of different patterns and textures, it’s probably traditional. If your home doesn’t fit neatly into either category, then it’s probably eclectic. Another way to determine your home decor style is to think about where you live. If you live in a big city, chances are your style is more urban and modern. If you live in a rural area, your style is likely more traditional. Ultimately, the best way to figure out your home decor style is to take a look at what you already have in your home and see what feels most natural to you.
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How Much Space Do You Have to Fit the Fireplace?
When choosing a fireplace, one of the most important considerations is the amount of space you have to work with. The width of the wall and the height of the wall are both important factors to take into account. Additionally, you need to consider whether or not the wall protrudes too far into the room and if a mantel would take up too much floor space. Where floor space is at a premium consider more modern fireplace designs. They are usually more narrow, or even flat like wall cladding. Inversely most traditional mantels are quite deep as they incorporate flared out upper mantels and require deeper posts and/or curved columns to support these features.
Hybrid fireplace designs, such as picture frame styles that hug the fire place opening are usually a very good middle ground choice. They are often available as less deep styles that can save floor space, but are also available in both modern simple profiles as well as more detailed traditional ones. Read our other blog post on how to measure for a fireplace effectively. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can be sure to choose a fireplace that will fit perfectly in your home.
Budget for a New Fireplace Mantel Project
When it comes to fireplace mantels, there are a wide range of options to choose from – and the budget for your project will vary accordingly. Tile is often seen as a cost-effective option, while stone can range dramatically in price depending on the type and style of cut. Concrete is often seen as a good middle-of-the-road option, providing both the look of stone but at a better price point. Concrete is also usually easier to customize to achieve the perfect look; although customization will add to the overall price. Wood can be a good option but, because it’s made of a combustible material, you will have to design around code limitations. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget and your specific needs and preferences.
DIY or hire a contractor?
As mentioned fireplace mantels come in a wide variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages for installation. Tile is a classic choice for fireplace surrounds, but it can be difficult to install properly without professional help. Stone fireplace mantels are extremely heavy and require special reinforcement to support their weight. Masons are the best choice to install a stone fireplace. Wood fireplace mantels are much lighter and easier to install, but they require some basic carpentry skills. DreamCast concrete fireplace mantels are designed to be easy to install for the average homeowner, but will also require the use of tools to cut pieces to size. If hiring a professional to install a concrete mantel we’d recommend either a carpenter or a tile setter. Check to see if an installation manual is available for your mantel, if you plan to try installation yourself. That way you’ll know ahead of time if this is something you can tackle. Visit the DreamCast Mantel Install page to see what’s involved with a concrete mantel install. When choosing a fireplace mantel, be sure to consider the installation process before making your final decision as it will affect the budget.
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Material - Wood, Concrete or Stone?
Fireplace mantels come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique benefits. They are also often the focal point of a room, so it’s important to choose a material that will complement the rest of your décor. Wood is a classic choice that adds warmth and can be easy to integrate into an existing design scheme. There are many different types of wood – from cherry to mahogany – that can add a unique touch to your fireplace. However, wood can be susceptible to damage from heat and moisture, so it’s important to consider your fireplace’s location before making a final decision. Stone fireplace surrounds are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, but most have strong patterns that may not mesh well with other elements in the room. Concrete fireplace surrounds offer the look of stone, and they provide more flexibility when it comes to color and finish.
They are also extremely durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for busy households. Our most popular mode, the French Country mantel, has a timeless appeal that fits nicely into most interiors with simple tweaks to the finish and color combinations. No matter what your budget or style preferences, there’s sure to be a fireplace mantel that’s perfect for your home
If you’re in the market for a new fireplace mantel, there are many different types and styles to choose from. Before making your purchase, it’s important to consider several factors such as your interior design style, the amount of space you have available, and your budget. Our team can help you find the perfect fireplace mantel that will match the existing décor in your home and fit within your budget. Not sure which design is best for your space? Contact our team by email or phone and we would be happy to assist you.
Get In Touch
Still have questions about fireplace mantels? Give us a call at 1-888-616-4939, and one of our team will be happy to help!
If you’re not ready to make any decisions right now, why not take a look at our product gallery for more inspiration, or follow us on Instagram to keep up with the latest trends and promotions.
Thanks for reading! We hope this has been helpful.
