There are few things that can add beauty and interest to a room quite as easily as a fireplace mantel. Fireplaces themselves are very valuable and are preferred by home buyers, but a fireplace becomes even more attractive and desirable when paired with the perfect mantel. Trying to figure out what type of mantel to put over your fireplace can be a very frustrating task, simply because you have so many great options to choose from.
The key to narrowing down your options is to learn as much as you can about the most common mantel materials and styles. Popular mantel materials The three most commonly-used fireplace mantel materials are wood, stone, and marble. All three materials are desirable and can increase the resale value of any home, but they are not all suited for the same style of home.
If you want to make sure that your fireplace mantel fits in well with the overall style of your home, you should carefully consider your options. If your home is lavish and formal, then a marble mantel should fit right in and add beauty and attractiveness to any room in your home. Some types of stone such as granite and limestone will also add a touch of sophistication to your fireplace. If your home is a bit more relaxed and comfortable, then a richly-colored wood mantel can add warmth and depth to your home. You might also enjoy the natural look of a unique river-rock mantel adorning your fireplace.
The most important thing to do is make sure that your mantel fits in well with the style of your home instead of standing out like a sore thumb. Popular mantel styles While you can have a mantel designed to your own custom requirements if you so choose, some of the most popular styles of fireplace mantels include Victorian, Colonial, rustic, and French styles. Most homeowners are able to find the perfect mantel for their home that is made in one of these popular styles. Victorian fireplace mantels are often quite intricate and ornate, and they are typically made from wood that has been stained to a rich, dark color.
This type of mantel is perfect for a formal room where guests are likely to see it. Colonial mantels fit in well with old-fashioned homes that showcase charming, folksy home décor. These mantels are a bit simpler than Victorian-style mantels, but they are infused with stately personality and tend to make one think of simpler days gone by. Rustic fireplace mantels fit in perfectly with country-style homes that are focused on simple pleasures. They are typically very uncomplicated in design, but they are full of personality and naturally bring a feeling of warmth and comfort to any room where they are showcased. French style mantels are regal and formal and are typically patterned after the wealthy homes of privileged early Europeans. This style of mantel is the perfect centerpiece for a lavish formal room and will certainly become a conversation piece for all who visit your home.
The more you learn about the different styles and materials that fireplace mantels are typically made from, the easier it will be for you to decide exactly what type of mantel would be the best fit for your home.