Choosing a fireplace mantel is fraught with difficulties, thanks for the fact that everyone has different tastes and interior designs. But shopping for the perfect mantel needn’t be difficult, especially with the right advice.
The purpose of this article is to provide tips to help you choose a stone fireplace mantel that is ideal for your setting. Take a look at the following.
Tip #1: Take Measurements
Stone mantels are difficult (if not impossible) to customize after you’ve bought them. And so it’s a good idea to make sure that you’ve got the dimensions sorted out in advance.
The types of measurements that you take will depend on your unique situations. If you have a hearth around your fireplace, you’ll need to measure this to find out the maximum size of stone mantel that your fireplace will accommodate. You don’t want a stone mantel that extends beyond the boundaries of the hearth (unless you’re planning on replacing the hearth too). You also don’t want a mantel that is too small for the natural proportions of your hearth.
Second, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of the firebox. If the firebox is a standard size, then you may be able to purchase a standard size stone fireplace mantel, but if it’s not, then your choice may be more limited.
Finally, you may need to consider whether you have the space for a full-size mantel if your fireplace is near to a perpendicular wall.
Tip #2: Match Your Decor
Stone fireplace mantels come in a variety of colors and styles. The style of mantel you choose should depend on the characteristics of the surrounding room (again, unless you are planning a total renovation). If your interiors are classically-inspired, then you may want to opt for a classically-designed stone mantel with traditional column features. If, however, your home is more contemporary, then you may want to choose a more modern, minimalist surround without some of the embellishments of a classic design.
Tip #3: Consider The Shape Of Your Room
Although the vast majority of rooms have an open space either side of the hearth, some more unusual rooms do not. Hearths can be close to adjoining walls are built directly into the corner itself. When choosing a stone mantel, therefore, it is important to consider the shape of the room and the location of the fireplace, as this will determine the kind of stone mantel you choose. Yes, there are plenty of stone mantels on the market designed to fit fireplaces that are flush to the wall, but there are also corner varieties that protrude out from the wall. These particular kinds of fireplaces allow you to retain the aesthetics of a stone mantelpiece.
Tip #4: Think About The Space Above The Mantelpiece
When choosing a stone fireplace mantel, you may also want to consider the space above the mantelpiece. An over-mantelpiece is usually a piece of matching material which sits above the main hearth for decorative purposes. It creates a grand effect and can be used as the centerpiece of a room. Over-mantelpieces come in all kinds of varieties and designs to suit practically any interior.