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New Fireplace Mantel Demands Attention

JasonScott | Dec 15, 2010 |

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Adding a mantel to the fireplace is a great way to give it weight and importance in the room. Since the fireplace is a natural focal point for any room, adding a mantel above it simply amplifies its importance as the centerpiece of a room's design. Whether adding a new mantel or upgrading an existing one, a mantel can transform the look of a fireplace and an entire room.

A mantel can be an expensive project, depending on how large and intricate its design, so it is important to allocate an adequate budget for a new mantel. If the budget is somewhat restricted, during the planning stage of the project, different materials can be substituted and the plans can be easily altered. Once the project is under way, making changes can be much harder, and they can also be very costly. By doing the proper research a homeowner can very likely uncover some good deals on labor and materials to get the most value that their budget will allow.

Tip #1: Review the plan.

When starting a new project, it is always a good idea to pick the brain of anyone with expertise on the subject. Develop a plan for the mantel construction, and discuss various options and ideas with people who have experience building mantels. By uncovering any weak spots in the plan before purchasing any materials, it is possible to easily redesign the mantel to make it better without losing money on material or labor.

By beginning with a drawing or a picture, if changes have to be made, all that is lost is a piece of paper. The more specific the plan is, the more likely it is that the plan will be carried through to completion without any unexpected setbacks. Understanding the limitations and requirements of different materials makes it possible to design a really special mantel that will make a lovely centerpiece for any room.

Tip #2: Pick out the products.

When deciding on the perfect design and materials for a mantel, remember that some materials lend themselves to a style better than others. For a classic mantel, look at materials like brick, stone or wood, and for a more modern rendition look for ceramic, porcelain or glass tile. The style of the mantel should flow effortlessly into the room's design while at the same time punctuating the fireplace.

Before beginning the construction phase of a mantel, the homeowner should have a clear idea of what material they would like to use, and sometimes the existing style of the room can help to narrow down the viable options. Taking a step back and making sure that the new mantel will work well with the existing decor should make the process of selecting the right material, style and size of the mantel much easier than simply picking a design out of the blue. An inspiration piece, such as a bold contemporary metal art or traditional metal decor hangings, may be used to narrow down choices on style, material and colors used in the mantle.