Tips for Decorating a Fireplace Mantel
If you are looking to give your room a focal point or something to highlight it, look no further than the fireplace mantel that’s already there. Many tend to leave their fireplace mantels bare, failing to realize that they can decorate their fireplace mantel so that it become attractive enough to become the room’s focal point.
Many homeowners fail to realize that they can do many things on their fireplace mantel to make it more interesting and appealing. Fireplace mantels that come straight out of a magazine page are not the only fireplace mantels that can be regarded as attractive. With a good dose of creativity and fun, even the drabbest of fireplace mantels can be made attractive.
A fireplace mantel is a decorative surface that you can decorate in either a symmetrical or asymmetrical manner. If you want to give the fireplace mantel and the room a formal air, go with decorating the fireplace mantel in a symmetrical fashion. However, if you want to give an air of coziness and informality, go with an asymmetrical decoration. You can achieve an asymmetrical look for your fireplace mantel by grouping odd-numbered objects in different sizes and even color. However, there still must be balance in the asymmetrical decoration in order to create the best effect.
When to Decorate Fireplace Mantels
Holidays and special occasions are especially great times for you to start decorating and showing off your fireplace mantel. For instance, Halloween gives you the opportunity to use lights for decorating your fireplace mantel and show off some of your creativity. Other times you may want to decorate your fireplace mantel are Labor Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can even decorate your fireplace mantel using seasonal themes. Keep in mind that when it comes to decorating your fireplace mantel, it is best to give your creativity free rein.
Fireplace Mantel Decorating Ideas
- When you are decorating your fireplace mantel, avoid using anything that is made from inflammable materials. Use decorative objects that aren’t inflammable.
- Fruits make wonderful fireplace mantel decorations. A simple, but striking fireplace mantel decoration is a vase or pitcher full of lemons and limes. The contrast of colors draws the eyes to the fireplace.
- Decorate the space below the fireplace mantel with cones.
- Add depth and illuminate the room by placing a mirror on the fireplace mantel.
- Avoid giving your fireplace mantel a “firing line” appearance. Don’t simply line up the objects or use objects that are of similar heights. Make your fireplace mantel look dynamic by mixing up objects of different sizes.
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Getting an Antique Fireplace Mantel for Your Home
Crucial for any interior designer or any common homeowner is creating the focal point in a room. One just wants to create an impact with people walking in and immediately admiring your sense of taste and style. One enduring focal point in any home is the fireplace mantel. Somehow no matter how modern the age becomes there is simply something admirable about a good old fireplace mantel.
There are many types, kinds and designs of mantels. Fireplace mantel material alone can be very confusing. Your fireplace mantel can be made of stone or wood, both of which each have a host of many kinds to choose from. You can also choose to have a fireplace mantel that is imitation wood or stone for a cheaper buy. For others however, there is always the option of getting an antique fireplace mantel.
Not everyone wants to have an antique fireplace mantel, but many are already considering the option. The fact is there are just as many varied design choices for a antique fireplace mantels. You can have the ornate marble or wooden scroll and all the works on your fireplace mantel. You can also have more subdued Edwardian designs or the simple combination of wood and stone in Gothic designs. Just as with any modern design, you can have your pick with your antique fireplace mantel. If there are just as many options and design types, then why would some people choose and antique fireplace mantel over modern ones?
Among the top reasons for getting an antique fireplace mantel is the sense of classic style, elegance and history one gets from an antique piece. No matter how simple your antique fireplace mantel looks, a lot of people simply recognize the beauty of an antique when they see one. Owners of mansions and old colonial houses or even average houses with spacious living rooms would do well to have and antique mantel.
Contrary to popular belief, an antique fireplace mantel may also come cheap if you know where to look. You can choose to buy your antique mantel from companies who really specialize in the restoration of such antique pieces or you can purchase from a salvage store. In any case, most stores that sell antique mantels will help you with the stripping and the restoration. Try scouring the net or your local salvage shops for bargains and you’ll find a good, cheaper deal.
There are two big considerations though when you purchase an antique fireplace mantel. The first one has something to do with style. You have to be certain of course that your fireplace mantel fits the general design and style of your home. Otherwise your antique mantel will be overkill and will seem preposterous. Then again, you are the mater of your home and you can do with it as you please.
The other major consideration however for buying an antique mantel cannot be ignored because it involves safety. Since your piece is an antique, it naturally does not fit modern house specifications. The purpose for modern safety, fire and building codes and regulations is to ensure your safety and the preservation of your home. Aside from making sure that your mantel is the right size for your firebox, you also have to be certain that your mantel can comply with modern safety standards.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/getting-an-antique-fireplace-mantel-for-your-home-174527.html
JB Anthony is the webmaster of Fireplace-Ideas.Info. Get more of his FREE tips and information on Fireplace Mantel or visit http://www.Fireplace-Ideas.Info.
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