How to Decorate a Free Standing Fireplace Mantel
A mantel that is freestanding can become an important focal point in a living space. Install a large mirror to visually expand the space and reflect light throughout the room, or display a collection of your own by displaying framed artwork or interesting vases.
Symmetrical arrangements convey an orderly feel and classic style. To keep the balance, select an object with similar dimensions but with different styles, such as these terra-cotta pots and delftware-style vases.
Material
When combined with the appropriate decor, free standing fireplace mantels can elevate a wall's appearance. When selecting mirrors, artwork, or other decorative accents for the space, consider the material you use to build your mantel as well as the design of the wall that surrounds it. For a more rustic style paint your mantel in an unexpected shade, or install an organic element such as trailing vines to make it blend with the room's design. You can also embrace your style of shabby chic and give an old mantel a facelift by using the techniques of chippy paint to create an updated vintage look.
Molding is a great way to improve the look of your fireplace and add character. Use molding pieces of various shapes and sizes to frame the mantel. This creates an overall appearance. For example, the narrow rectangles that flank this mantel provide a contrast to its linear, sleek shape, while the tall wispy branches and stacked pumpkins lend an autumnal style that is timeless.
The variety of shapes of decorative accents could make your mantel's appearance more exciting. This will help avoid clutter. For instance the use of a set of round mirrors provides an elegant alternative to rectangular sconces, and a grouping of varying-sized candlesticks delivers restrained pop for this neutral-toned display. A large piece of artwork can be used to create the focal point in a neutral backdrop.
A flat-panel television can disrupt a traditional mantel's appearance and therefore, if you have to include one in your home design, opt for a hidden version that looks like a shelf built into the wall. This recessed design allows your flat-screen to blend with surrounding walls and ensure that your fireplace looks at its best.
A minimalist design will make your mantel appear sleek and modern. By laying a thin, overlapping frame on your mantel, you can make the pieces in each frame stand out. This approach is also an excellent option to add a splash of color to an otherwise neutral-toned display. A large painting is featured in this modern space, while a tan jug as well as brown candlesticks provide restrained pop.
Height
As a focal point within the room, the mantel must be placed at a suitable height for a clear view. It should also be a good proportion to the dimensions of the fireplace as well as the overall room size. A wrong height can cause dangers to fire or make the fireplace look less attractive. The best method to determine the right height is to talk to a design specialist at a showroom that specializes in electric fireplaces.
The mantel and fireplace must be placed at minimum 12" above the opening of the fireplace. This height must be maintained to comply with building codes and to prevent fire dangers. The firebox should also be at minimum 18" above the floor. These clearances are essential because the heat generated by the flames will radiate up through the front of the firebox, and into the room. The clearances are intended to stop combustible materials like curtains, carpets and draperies from burning.
Another consideration when mounting a mantel is the amount of space that can be used for storage. This is particularly important for homeowners who do not have large garages or backyards. If space is an issue then a fireplace that has a built in wood rack could be an option. They can be used to store fireplace tools, firewood and other equipment.
A mantel is a wonderful location to display family photographs as well as other items of decor. It can be adorned with figurines, lamps and other decorations to give the room an individual look. Be cautious not to overfill shelves since this could cause damage or spillage. Use coasters to shield the vase and other objects from water rings.
In contrast to traditional brick fireplaces wall-mount electric fireplaces are mounted inside of the wall and do not require chimneys. These fireplaces are safe and are installed in homes where there isn't enough space to put in a traditional fireplace. This kind of fireplace is ideal well in condominiums and apartments, where the firebox cannot be accessible.
It is important that you install the wall-mount electric fire at the correct height. A fireplace that is not properly installed can be a fire hazard and cause damage to property or even loss of life. In addition, if the mantel isn't tall enough, it can stop the heat from reaching the firebox and the floor.
Design
A free-standing fireplace can add architectural interest to the walls of a living area without the cost and hassle of masonry. Decorate the fireplace mantel with artwork, mirrors and vase arrangements to create a cozy and inviting hearth. The process of arranging and layering the vignette can be a challenge It's essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the room as well as your personal style when selecting decorative pieces. Symmetrical arrangements project a classic order, but if you prefer a more relaxed arrangement, mix the sizes of your items to create a harmonious look. Two tall metal urns with similar designs, are paired with smaller vase that is more delicately carved. This creates an interesting contrast between the wood paneling and modern design of the fireplace wall.
When you're deciding on the overall style of your mantel, it's crucial to think about the color and texture of the walls around it. If you have a neutral space you might want to consider installing a wallpaper pattern that's complementing or coordinating with your fireplace's mantel for visual harmony. You could also consider using a bold color or pattern as an eye-catching background for your vignette. But, it's important to keep your mantel decorations in a neutral palette to ensure that the overall style is a balanced one.
If you are working with white or neutral walls and want to add some personality to the room by using mirrors and vases that have interesting textures. For instance, a wooden bead garland can provide an element of nature to your decor and blends well with the brown paint of the fireplace that isn't working. The smooth surfaces of the stoneware vase for flowers and the black iron candle holder will add depth and contrast to any assemblage.
Choose decorative elements that are meaningful to you and your loved ones. best electric fireplaces with mantels framed piece of embroidered fabric that has been passed down through the generations, a vintage grates and a pair of antique brass candlesticks could be the perfect combination to give a unique look to a fireplace that's not functional. The assemblage is easily adapted to different holidays and events. Simply add different florals or season objects.
Function
Decorative accents, mirrors and picture frames add dimension to your freestanding fireplace mantel. Mix shapes to avoid a messy appearance. You can also think about changing the dimensions of the items on your display. Your display will look more balanced and intentional than haphazard.
The right mantel decor can transform your living room into a cozy space to gather. Choose a color that complements or contrasts with the wall paint to create a focal feature. In this space charcoal paint ties together the living room and makes the fireplace stand out. It also pairs well with the dark wood of the oversized fireplace insert.
Put some natural elements on your mantel to give it a fresh look. Garlands made of wood as well as brass frame mirrors and black iron candle holders are a perfect combination to create a unified layering style. The stacked candle holders also add a warm glow, so you can sit and enjoy the mantel even when there's no fire.
To give your mantel a personal style, use family photos as accents. Sara Ligorria Tramp, a homeowner from California, framed an embroidered piece of fabric belonging to her mother. She also added vintage grates for a distinctive style. Add an antique or flea-market find to the mix for an eclectic, cohesive style.
If your home doesn't have a real fireplace, don't fret. A faux fireplace is an excellent choice for an open or contemporary space. You can put in an electric fire place with a built in TV mount. These versatile fireplaces offer all the advantages of a traditional fireplace without any of the safety concerns.
A mantel can be used as a focal point in your room or as a display for a bold painting or statement artwork. Choose a hue that stands out against the mantel to make your painting or artwork stand out. You can match the hue of your paint with another element in the room, such as the blue walls in this home and Roman clay surround.
If you're building your own home or remodeling your existing space, consider customizing your mantel to add architectural details and visual interest. For instance, you could adding an engraved corbel to the top of a beam. Or you could use an arched fireplace surround. Then, finish the look by adding decorative trim and a sculpted crown molding.