Archive for the ‘Mantels’ Category

They say if you are going to dream then “dream big.” Picture that beautiful wood mantel that you’ve always wanted. Then realize how you can have it. Why not buy discount wood fireplace mantels online?

It really doesn’t take that much to make your mantel dreams come true and you need to only pay a small percentage of the retail price. And finding discount prices is a breeze. Just a little bit of searching online and you’ll find some great sites.

And technology has changed the way fireplaces are constructed. For example you might love wood but the cost of wood can be daunting. Not to worry there are some man made materials that will fool just about everyone and again they cost only a fraction of what the real wood mantel would cost you.

But wait, there’s more than wood to choose from. Perhaps you love granite? Slate? Limestone? All available in a pre-fabricated man made material for a fraction of what they real material would cost.

If you insist your mantle must be real wood that’s okay. There are several sites offering wood mantles for as little as a few hundred dollars and some of them have done some spectacular things with them. Check out the lacquer finishes and the sculpted carvings.

Discounted mantels can be found in the most simplest to the most elaborate designs. You can also purchase prefabricated manuals that fit either a corner fireplace or single face fireplace. What ever your design needs are you can save plenty.

And then there are off the shelf kits that you do yourself. You can pick them up at your local department store, hardware store, or if you really want to save buy online.

These kits are very well priced and come with legs, shelf, and ornamentation. Put aside a weekend for this project. Choose a kit that works with your room décor.

Wood mantels are a traditional manual that always looks good no matter which room or style of décor you have. Wood is classic and elegant and will never let you down.

Your pre-fab wood manual will likely arrive in three or four pieces which you can trim if needed. A wood mantel that’s been painted is the easiest to install. If it’s the natural wood be sure you apply a protective coating to it.

Marble or limestone can cost from $8000 to $25000. Ouch! Out of the budget of most of us. But buying online can save you as much as 60% which suddenly makes it more affordable for all of us.

Many online retailers even include the shipping costs in their pricing. Now that’s a deal! And orders often take only a few days to arrive so you can buy and be on your way to installing in no time. Waiting a few days for the arrival is worth it for those terrific savings.

So if you have decided that a new mantle is in the cards and you are a savvy shopper than start searching online for discounted wood fireplace mantels. You’ll be glad you did. With what you save you can redecorate the entire room.

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You found that perfect fireplace. The unique fireplace mantle is going to look fabulous and you can’t wait to show it off. So what are your options?

1. Custom
Custom and unique rather go hand in hand although they don’t always have to. If you want unique you’ll get the most flexibility with a custom mantle that is built exactly to what you want. It can cost you anywhere from $2500 to $6000 depending on material, style, size, and more.

Choose your builder wisely to ensure you get the finished product you want. Remember you pay for what you get so don’t cut corners here. Custom gives you a shot at having a fireplace that’s not like others.

2. Salvaged Antique
Can make a wonderfully unique piece and an antique mantel can be placed in a traditional or trendy room. The carved detailing on these mantles will leave you speechless and so might the price. Expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $5000 and then another $1000 to have it correctly installed.

Chances are you will require some modifications such the older ones are usually much narrower. But a little bit of creativity and you’ll have it looking great.

3. Prefabricated Mantel
If you are on a budget this is the best way to go giving you the best value for your money. You’ve got plenty of different style and materials to choose from and you can find a prefab manual for as little as $300 or as much as a few thousand.

Your prefab will arrive in a few pieces and they leave you some wiggle room with about 3 inches that you can adjust by. Have a look online you’ll discover a selection that’s endless. Finding the perfect one for your room is only a mouse click away.

4. Marble Mantel
Marble can present a very unique finish. Handcrafted marble has a presentation like no other material and you’ll never be disappointed with the look. It does cost a bit more than some of your other options but it’s worth every dime!

5. Stone Mantel
There is nothing quite as beautiful and relaxing as the look of natural stone. And if you are looking for unique then stone is definitely an excellent option. And it works with any décor whether it is traditional or modern adding a very earthen touch. Stone looks really good in a family room, at a cabin, or a lodge. It will add the perfect rustic finish.

Any fireplace is a nice addition to a room but a unique one can do so much more. It can set the mood, complete the décor, add a sense of calmness or relaxation, and of course if it’s unique it’s memorable. And unique doesn’t have to cost a lot more.

So if you are in the market for a fireplace, take your time, spend some time exploring different options, and then you’ll be ready to choose that unique fireplace that’s perfect for your room. So are you ready to go shopping?

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Are you looking for unique fireplace mantle ideas for your fireplace? How about an iron fireplace mantel? These neoclassical unique fireplace mantles and style of architecture were popular in Great Britain during the beginning of the eighteenth century. These remained a popular type of fireplace mantel for that entire century.

The federal style of iron fireplace mantels dominated the formal neoclassic styling in the United States during this period as well as after. This evolved form the vast popularity of the Georgian architecture during the eighteenth century.

Attributes of the federal style include tapered columns, delicate moldings, distinctive crown moldings and framed oval capitals along with traditional iron fireplace mantels.

Many of us think of masonry mantels when it comes to the topic of unique fireplace mantle types. Only custom carved stone fireplace mantels incorporate angelic figures and curving lines. The most detailed and unique fireplace mantles involve natural stone of some kind or another.

Skillful artisans create detailed carvings and overlays on the leg / jamb portions of a French period fireplace mantel. Currently, this period fireplace is experiencing a revival as people are scouring thrift and antique shops for French carved stone fireplace mantels.

Other types of unique fireplace mantle involving natural stone include limestone and marble fireplaces. Polished marble simply gleams and draws additional attention to the fireplace. This natural stone makes beautifully unique fireplace mantelpieces.

If you are interested in a unique fireplace mantle made of limestone, but are reluctant about the exorbitant prices that such pieces command, you may be interested in the limestone veneer type fireplaces and fireplace mantels. These fireplaces are made of real limestone, yet instead of skilled craftspeople carving the fireplace out of one large limestone piece, several pre-cut limestone pieces are incorporated as well.

If you are open to using pre-cut or veneer pieces of natural stone, you can conceivably spend no more than you would on a custom brick fireplace. And what is more unique than a natural stone fireplace?

Slate fireplaces make truly one of a kind piece for any focal point. This dark and natural stone is unlike any other fireplace material and will compliment rich and/or dark living room decors. I’ve only seen one such fireplace, but I must say, it was truly the most unique fireplace mantle and hearth that I had ever laid eyes on.

Wood is the remaining main type of material from which unique fireplace mantles can be crafted. There are three main types of wood fireplace mantels. There are colonial wood fireplace mantels which have very simple lines and little decoration.

There are Adam mantels that incorporate many detailed stylizations such as frets, scrolls, festoons, swags and bows. Many people consider any decorative wood fireplace mantel to fall into this category.

The remaining category of wood mantelpieces include any that do not fall into the first two categories. For example, stylized mantel pieces that are much more modern would be considered to be “modern wood mantelpieces”. The same is true of simple mantelpieces that do not appear obviously colonial in terms of syle.

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Your rustic fireplace mantel will be the focal point of any room. Rustic fireplace mantels are not only functional they also add character and depth transforming your room.

The fireplace has its roots in Roman architecture where fireplaces commonly had elaborate columns, carves figures, and wonderful moldings. The Edwardian era saw things streamlines with much less fluff and much more subtle designs. Modern fireplaces saw a wealth of different styles and designs take shape including the rustic mantle.

And there’s a variety of mantle materials used today including woods such as mahogany, elm, walnut, or oak. But besides wood, metal, plaster, glass, gypsum, rock, and a host of other man made materials are used to build fabulous mantles.

For a rustic look wood and rock are two great choice and metal can look pretty interesting too! Designers have come up with some terrific material mixes as well.

Creating a mantle can be a bit expensive but there are some interesting kits on the market that can save you a fair bit of money. Many of them come complete with ornamental designs and shelves. Ready made models start at around $250 and go up to about $400 for plaster and less costly materials. While stone and wood start around $800 and can make it into the thousand dollar range.

Using a kit means you can eliminate hiring a contractor. Kits can provide you with a durable mantle but they aren’t always that easy to assemble. A mantle adds an entire new look to a room.

You can also shop for discount mantels online. There are many great sites offering substantial savings. Just a little bit of shopping around can really help your pocket book.

If your room has felt a little unfinished, like something is missing, a rustic fireplace is the perfect choice for a country look, cabin, or lodge. It’s warm and inviting and will quickly add that finishing touch.

There are also sites that do custom mantels. You can get creative if you like and use driftwood, redo an antique mantel, or have some creatures like bears or raccoons added to your mantle. Custom doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
If you are considering custom you need to spend some time thinking about what you want your mantle to do or say. It’s an important element to your home décor and it’s also an expensive element so take your time and get it right.

What do you want it to do for the mood? Will it be a focal point? Will it be functional? Gas or wood? Will it be used for heating? What’s the size? Once you answer all these questions you’ll make a better decision about what it is you want.

Rustic is a mood that should be relaxing, inviting, and fun. When you enter your rustic room you should instantly feel a weight lifted off your shoulders and your mantel should be a part of that. Choosing the right colors and styles will help you accomplish this.

Rustic fireplace mantels can be purchased online from several excellent sites so why not start shopping now?

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Originally oak fireplace mantels were used for heating and cooking but the modern mantel has become more of a decorative item rather than a functional item. Here are some great professional decorating tips for your oak fireplace mantel.

You need to start by paying attention to your room’s textures, colors, and size and then concentrate on balancing it all correctly.

1. Get Going
If you’ve ever watched the pros you’ll have noticed they have pen and paper in hand as they waltz through the room jotting down ideas about the ambiance they want to create and how they are going to accomplish that. Follow the professionals.

Walk through your room. Jot down ideas that come to mind. After you’ve made your notes sit down and consider things like your entertainment style and what type of entertainment you do regularly. After all that will affect the mood you want your room to portray.

2. What’s The Point
You’ll want to start by selecting a focal point. It might be a favorite painting or photograph. Perhaps it’s your favorite wall hanging. Change your focal point on a whim or by occasion.

Group paintings together or hang a large mirror over the mantel. This always looks great! Make sure you light your focal point correctly to enhance it. Use a spot light, candles, or any other type of lighting to focus on your focal point.

3. Placement
Next you need to create a path that the eye will follow from the focal point to the mantel. Mixing heights, textures, and sizes will give excellent placement.

You can create symmetry by placing items in a vertical or horizontal line. You can also layer items to create a formal atmosphere.

If you prefer asymmetrical designs which give a sense of motion then the key is to balance items visually. So for example two large objects each at the end of the mantle with five smaller ones in the middles would create asymmetry.

You might also consider a radial design which can be created by placing items around the center that are similar in shape and size.

Layers also look great and although they are a little too heavy for the warmer seasons, they really make a statement for the fall and winter months.

4. That’s A Wrap
No matter how you decide to place your décor be sure to follow safety precautions near your fireplace. Don’t place items too close to the fireplace and always use a screen to ensure sparks don’t escape.

If your fireplace is more show than go you can place interesting pieces near the base too. Candelabras with white candles looks great. A huge pottery vase with your favorite tropical plant makes a real statement.

When it comes to decorating oak fireplace mantels there are hundreds of great ideas around. If you need more just do a quick search and you’ll have plenty of ideas to choose from. So what are you waiting for?

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A fireplace is a great way to set the ambiance in your room but the mantel is just as important to the look and feel of the room. It can pull the entire look and feel of the room together. Here are 6 log fireplace mantel choices to consider.

1. Rustic
The basic rustic look is one of the most popular styles. Made from solid hardwood choose a color that’s appropriate to your room and personal tastes. The oak is first sand blasted and then lightly finished. This leaves a wonderful weathered and aged appearance. The ends are hand sculpted by skilled craftsmen. Get ready to enjoy the moment!
2. Ranch
Made from hardwood with squared champhered corners and a smooth edge this style makes any room look elegant. Stain to fit your room and your favorite color or leave natural and apply the lacquer finish. Are you ready to heat it up a little?
3. Country Contour
Looking at this mantel from the front gives a unique view. It looks like an actual bark log that has naturally fallen to the ground with natural grain patterns and colors and even the roughness of a real log. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this step back to nature!
4. Primitive Country
This is the work of quality craftsman that are used to producing only the best pieces. It starts with sand blasting to enhance the natural appearance and the rough ends give it a very primitive look. You feel instantly comfortable and relaxed around this mantle.
5. Beveled
The beveled cut works in almost any room with the 45 degree champhered cut that adds a contemporary yet traditional look to the room. Stain it to match the rest of your room and get ready to light up your life and your room.
6. Antique
An antique finish is the perfect choice for that lodge or rustic cabin. The beams are salvaged from houses and barns that are at least 100 years of age and you can choose from oak, chestnut, or ash, the three traditional building woods. You even get original nail holes and worm holes. Take a walk back in time.

Of course there are plenty of other choices but these six are a great way to get started and see what’s out there. Don’t be afraid to explore further until you find the “perfect” choice for your room.

Prices will vary a great deal depending on where you shop. Of course you can always visit a local retailer but expect limited options. By shopping online the world is at your fingertips and your choices go up exponentially. In fact you could become overwhelmed with so many choices.

Shopping online can also save you a great deal of money. In fact as much as 50%. Now that’s nothing to sneeze at. And all of the online sites will ship to you. Just be sure to get a shipping quote in advance because depending on where you live in relation to the shipper can mean high freight.

A log fireplace mantel is going to make your fireplace look outstanding! So what are you waiting for?

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A fireplace surround is the entire portion surrounding the opening to the firebox, as visible from the front of the fireplace. A fireplace surround generally replaces a fireplace mantel as well as the side jambs. A fireplace surround is typically an entire piece that takes the place of individual fireplace components, such as jambs, hearth and mantelpiece.

Fireplace surrounds are made from all kinds of materials, from wood to plaster and all types of natural stones. Some of the most beautiful fireplace surrounds I’ve seen were fashioned out of natural stone blocks by skilled masons.

Whether you want an ornate carved fireplace surround, something simple and colonial in style, a rustic stone or a highly polished natural stone surround, I think the nicest fireplace surround are made from natural wood or stone.

Limestone surrounds are one of a kind. Traditionally, the highly carved surrounds depicting angels, scrolls and all sorts of embellishments were made of limestone. Limestone surrounds are exquisitely beautiful pieces of art that will add elegance to any fireplace setting.

For a more stylish and contemporary looking fireplace surround, you may wish to incorporate some polished marble. Polished marble is a beautiful addition to any living or sitting room fireplace with modern or classic décor.

One of the more unique fireplace surrounds I’ve seen was fashioned out of slate. This naturally dark stone had a very striking effect and meshed quite well with the vibrant colors of the great hall in which it was situated.

Many people think that natural stone fireplace surrounds are not within their reach, financially, but there are many innovations in the stone cutting and fireplace manufacturing industry that have made natural stone fireplace surrounds much more affordable than they had been previously.

Today, there are many natural stone companies that offer various pre-cut stone pieces that will fit together to make beautiful natural stone surrounds. By combining pre-cut pieces with some custom stone work, it is possible to spend little more than a regular brick fireplace would cost, and have a beautiful limestone fireplace surround to show for your troubles.

Another advantage to using natural stone veneer pieces is that the overall space from the wall will be less than when carving a surround out of one massive piece of stone. Also, the overall weight will be much much lower than that of a solid natural stone fireplace.

You can go online and download exact patterns for each of the pre-cut or stone veneer pieces that are available. Once you have decided on the layout that you like, simply order the pieces online or by phone.

When the limestone veneer pieces arrive they can be put together using various techniques, all of which are quite simple for anyone handy with construction work. The joints between the pieces can be filled with mortar or caulking. It is recommended that mortar is used, however, the caulking option is perfect for earthquake zones.

For more information on this type of natural stone fireplace surrounds, take a look at the ideas, information and templates found at the American Limestone Company. This website is located at http://americanlimestone.com .

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Over the last few hundred years, the term “fireplace mantle” has changed to refer to a different portion of a fireplace than it once did originally. In medieval times the fireplace mantle was the projecting hood that was built over a fireplace to catch the smoke.

It was only much later that the term “mantle” came to refer to only the decorative framework. Today, the terms “fireplace mantle” and “mantelpiece” refer specifically to the mantle shelf, jambs, and the external accessories of a fireplace.

In the past, the chimney and chimneypiece were considered to be the most interesting focal points about a fireplace. Today, however, fireplace mantles have become the focal points. As fireplaces continue to get smaller and more modern, it is the mantle that owners spend the most time deciding about.

In the fourteenth century the size of the chimneypiece was largely increased so that there could be room for the members of a family to sit on all sides of the fir on the hearth. In these cases the hood was carried by great beams of wood. During these times, the chimney and even the main portion of the fireplace were extended out beyond the house, thus becoming a large part of external design.

Fireplace mantles and chimneypieces have gone through various design trends throughout the years. There was a period of time during the eighteenth century when the chimneypiece was very large and sometimes spanned the entire width of the room.

This style then returned again, during the latter eighteenth century, to the simpler Inigo Jones classic type of styling. These fireplace mantles and other portions tended to be much simpler. When this simpler style was returned to, however, it was also with a mix of French influence involving figure sculpture.

In this era of fireplaces, graceful figures on each side of the mantle were employed to carry the shelf. At this time the over-mantle shelf was developed as a place to hold the family portrait over the chimneypiece.

Today, the tradition of focusing on the mantle is still the trend. Fireplace mantles are fashioned out of various materials and each individual is welcome to have his or her own input about the specific types of materials that will be used to build the mantle and over-mantle shelf areas.

Currently, some of the most popular building materials for fireplace mantles include stone, granite, marble and other types of natural stone. You seldom see fireplace mantles made from wood any longer. For the most part, fireplace mantles are fashioned out of natural stone.

People seem to prefer fireplace mantles and fireplaces that are made form natural stone because these materials are both fireproof as well as particularly stunning aesthetically. For more information about the various styles and components of fireplaces, take a look at http://www.fireplacesnow.com/ . This website has a lot of visual examples of various fireplace styles.

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A fireplace is so much more than just a hole in your wall where you can light a fire. It is a great focal point in the interior design of any home.

And with fireplace mantel shelves, you can incorporate design elements from your room as well as special family treasures. To get a clearer picture of what fireplace mantel shelves are, they are the ledges you see that jut out from the wall of the fireplace. Some fireplaces do not have them which are a shame because they are so versatile and can really set the tone of your room.

Fireplace mantel shelves can be made from a variety of materials, so there are numerous possibilities to choose from. Wood has long been the most popular material used but more and more home contractors these days have been utilizing other things like stone and brick. It is also trendy to use resources found locally. For instance, if you live close to a stone quarry, you might find some great deals on rough hewn rock that hasn’t been cleaned or polished up. Many people going for a rustic look should consider this avenue.

For stone and brick fireplace mantel shelves, these materials are a lot easier to incorporate if you are in the process of building your entire fireplace. For an existing fireplace, you may likely have to consult with a local contractor to determine the best way to construct it if you plan to do the work yourself. Otherwise, it might be a smart move to hire someone who is a masonry expert to handle the job.

Wood is a friendlier material for the do-it-yourselfers. Plus, there are a number of ideas for creating wood fireplace mantel shelves. You can purchase kits which include all the screws, brackets and sometimes masonry drill bits for when you might have to mount the shelves on brick or rock fireplaces.

Other wood options include assimilating a large log cut length-wise in half.
Sometimes, a slab of rough hewn wood or even a beam can work. There are also expensive options like having your fireplace mantel shelves custom-made. It is important to note that if you plan to use any type of wood for your shelves that you should consult with your city’s building inspectors for the rules of how far your mantel shelves can project out and how far away from the firebox they should be. You don’t want a potential fire hazard in your home!

There is no right or wrong answer in regards to what type of materials can be used for your fireplace mantel shelves. It’s the installation of the shelves where you need to be the most concerned. Just think though, your fireplace will cease to be just a hole in the wall. With the mantel shelves, your fireplace will draw the eye of every person who steps into your room. And being able to show off your family treasures and other decorative elements is a great reward.

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Over the last few hundred years, the term “fireplace mantle” has changed to refer to a different portion of a fireplace than it once did originally. In medieval times the fireplace mantle was the projecting hood that was built over a fireplace to catch the smoke.

It was only much later that the term “mantle” came to refer to only the decorative framework. Today, the terms “fireplace mantle” and “mantelpiece” refer specifically to the mantle shelf, jambs, and the external accessories of a fireplace.

In the past, the chimney and chimneypiece were considered to be the most interesting focal points about a fireplace. Today, however, fireplace mantles have become the focal points. As fireplaces continue to get smaller and more modern, it is the mantle that owners spend the most time deciding about.

In the fourteenth century the size of the chimneypiece was largely increased so that there could be room for the members of a family to sit on all sides of the fir on the hearth. In these cases the hood was carried by great beams of wood. During these times, the chimney and even the main portion of the fireplace were extended out beyond the house, thus becoming a large part of external design.

Fireplace mantles and chimneypieces have gone through various design trends throughout the years. There was a period of time during the eighteenth century when the chimneypiece was very large and sometimes spanned the entire width of the room.

This style then returned again, during the latter eighteenth century, to the simpler Inigo Jones classic type of styling. These fireplace mantles and other portions tended to be much simpler. When this simpler style was returned to, however, it was also with a mix of French influence involving figure sculpture.

In this era of fireplaces, graceful figures on each side of the mantle were employed to carry the shelf. At this time the over-mantle shelf was developed as a place to hold the family portrait over the chimneypiece.

Today, the tradition of focusing on the mantle is still the trend. Fireplace mantles are fashioned out of various materials and each individual is welcome to have his or her own input about the specific types of materials that will be used to build the mantle and over-mantle shelf areas.

Currently, some of the most popular building materials for fireplace mantles include stone, granite, marble and other types of natural stone. You seldom see fireplace mantles made from wood any longer. For the most part, fireplace mantles are fashioned out of natural stone.

People seem to prefer fireplace mantles and fireplaces that are made form natural stone because these materials are both fireproof as well as particularly stunning aesthetically. For more information about the various styles and components of fireplaces, take a look at http://www.fireplacesnow.com/ . This website has a lot of visual examples of various fireplace styles.

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