The Many Faces of The Mantel Fireplace

The mantel in a Fireplace pertains to the protruding frame, either made of wood or stone surrounding the front of your fireplace that is created to catch the smoke. The term fireplace mantle is now widely used referring to a decorative framework that is built around the fireplace or even up to the ceiling or the entire wall. There are many kinds of fireplace mantle designs with the stone fireplace mantels being the most popular choice. Decorative fireplaces are now the newest trend with more and more people finding means to beautify their fireplace inluding the fireplace surrounds.
 
A mantle fireplace made of stone has a great decorative appeal and value. They happen to highlight any decor you have in the room as well as complement your walls and furnishings. Naturally, a fireplace hearth of substantial size will look wonderfully with a stone mantel shelf. You could choose from the many colors and types of stone materials like limestone, granite and river rock. A granite fireplace is actually very commonplace in big saloons where the hearth is sure to be an eye-catching piece of work. Mantels made of marble offer a simple but very elegant especially when your fireplace hearth is ablaze. This type of fireplace mantle design is actually ideal to a formal theme house decor.
 
A mantel fireplace could either be colonial, Victorian, French, rustic marble or any of those period fireplaces. The colonial mantel is a charming and pleasant piece of decor that works well with traditional furniture. The decorative marble mantels usually have elaborate carvings and fine details, which is common in a formal setting. French mantels are also very elaborate but its ornaments are more of the relaxed nature especially suited for country decor. Rustic mantels in wood are very attractive and serve well as the focal point in the home decor. There are many beautiful contemporary fireplace mantel designs but the antique mantels have their charm uniquely their own in both timelessness and beauty.
 
Prior to purchasing a fireplace mantel, know beforehand the amount of wall space available to you. If you buy a larger mantel fireplace, you may end up having it trimmed to fit into your wall. A stone fireplace mantle is not a material you would easily be able to trim unless you are prepared to spend a lot for it. Moreover, big mantels can be overwhelming for a room, where the much smaller decorative pieces will surely be missed. Marble calls attention to itself easily because it has such a commanding presence so choosing an enormous mantel may not be good especially if your room is not that large. If you have taken a fancy on stone and marble mantels, you will be amazed by some of its designs, which are handcrafted by skilled craftsmen. This mantel fireplace is not only highly decorative but also durable, able to last for years since they do not get damaged easily. 
 

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