The 10 Worst Free Standing Fireplace Mantel Mistakes Of All Time Could've Been Prevented

How to Decorate a Free Standing Fireplace Mantel

A mantel that is freestanding can be an important focal point in a living space. Set up a large mirror to visually expand the space and bounce light around the room, or display a collection of your own with framed artwork and interesting vases.

Symmetrical arrangements project a sense of classic order. To maintain balance, choose a pair of items with similar dimensions and distinct styles, such as these terracotta pots or delftware style vase.

Material

When when paired with the appropriate decor, free standing fireplace mantels can elevate the look of a wall. When selecting artwork, mirrors, and other decorative elements for the space, consider the material that will be used to construct your mantel, as well as the design of the wall that surrounds it. Paint your mantel in a stunning shade or add an organic element such as trailing vines for a rustic look. You can also embrace your shabby-chic style and give a mantel a fresh appearance with chippy painting techniques.

Molding is a great way to improve the look of your fireplace and add personality. Use molding pieces of various shapes and sizes to frame the mantel. This creates an overall appearance. The slender rectangles that flank the sides of the mantel provide a contrast to its sleek, linear shape and the tall, wispy limbs and stacked pumpkins give it the classic autumnal look.

Different designs of decorative accents could make your mantel's appearance more dynamic. This will prevent a cluttered appearance. For instance an array of round mirrors provides an elegant alternative to rectangular sconces, and a set of different-sized candlesticks provides a subtle pop to this neutral-toned display. A large piece of art can also be used to create the focal point in an uncluttered background.

A flat-panel television can disrupt the traditional look of a mantel If you're looking to incorporate one into your room design, opt for a hidden version that looks like a shelf built into the wall. This design of recessed allows your flat-screen to blend in with the surrounding walls, and ensure that your fireplace looks the best it can.

A minimalist style will make your mantel appear sleek and modern. By laying a thin, overlapping frame on your mantel, you can make the pieces within each frame stand out. This is a great way to add some colour to a neutral-toned display. In this modern room, a large painting is the main focus while the tan vase and brown candlesticks provide subtle pops of color.

large electric fireplace with mantel Fireplaces and Stove

As a focal point within the room, the mantel must be situated at a height that is suitable to be able to be viewed from a distance. It should also complement the fireplace dimensions and overall scale of the room. Incorrect heights can cause an increase in fire danger or make the fireplace look less attractive. Consult a design expert at a showroom specializing in electric fireplaces, to determine the appropriate height.

The mantel and fireplace must be installed at minimum 12" above the opening of the fireplace. This height must be maintained to ensure compliance with building codes and to prevent fire dangers. The firebox must be at minimum 18" above the floor. This is since the heat will radiate upwards through the front of the room from the firebox. The clearances are designed to keep combustible items such as curtains, carpets and draperies from catching fire.

When mounting a mantel, you should take into account the amount of storage space available. This is important for homeowners who have small backyards and garages. If space is limited an a fireplace surround with built-in wood racks could be an option. These can be used to store firewood, tools and other accessories.

A mantel is an excellent location to display pictures of your family as well as other items of decor. It can be adorned with figurines, lamps and other ornaments to give the space an individual touch. But, be cautious not to overfill the shelves or it could cause damage or spillage. Use coasters to shield the vase and other objects from water rings.

Wall-mount electric fire places do not like traditional brick fireplaces. They are mounted inside the wall and do not require chimneys. They are extremely secure and are typically installed in homes that don't have enough room for traditional fireplaces. This type of fireplace is a good choice for apartments and condos in which the fireplace isn't accessible.

When installing a wall-mounted electric fireplace, it is essential to make sure that the unit and mantel are placed at the proper height. A fireplace that is not properly installed can pose a fire hazard and cause damage to property or even loss of life. In addition, if the mantel isn't high enough, it could stop the heat from reaching the firebox and the floor.

Design

A free-standing fireplace can add architectural interest to the living room wall without the cost and hassle of masonry. Decorate the fireplace's mantel with mirrors, artwork and vase arrangements to create a cozy and inviting hearth. It can be a challenge to arrange and layer the vignette, so you should consider the size of the room and your aesthetic when choosing decorative items. Symmetrical arrangements create a classic arrangement, but if you prefer a more casual arrangement, mix the dimensions of your pieces to create a balanced look. Here, a pair of tall metal urns with similar silhouettes stands alongside an elongated, delicately carved vase to create a mix of shapes and materials which contrast with the modern wood paneling that is affixed to the fireplace wall.

When deciding on the overall design of your mantel, you need to consider the texture and color of your surrounding walls. If you have a neutral space you might want to consider installing an appropriate pattern of wallpaper that is coordinating or complementary to your fireplace mantel for visual harmony. A bold color or pattern can also serve as a striking backdrop for your vignette, but it's important to keep the colors of your mantel decorations subdued so that the overall look is harmonious.

If you are working with a neutral or white wall and want to add some personality to the space with mirrors and vases with interesting textures. A wooden bead garland for example, can add a natural element and coordinate perfectly with the brown paint of this non-working fire pit. Similarly, the smooth surfaces of a stoneware pitcher for flowers and the black iron candle holder provide depth and a contrast to your collection.

To create a unique, eclectic mantel, choose decorative elements that have sentimental value to you and your family. For instance, a frame piece of embroidered fabric that has been passed through generations or a grate from the past and a set of antique brass candlesticks are the perfect combination to add some character to this un-working fireplace. This assemblage is easy to alter for different occasions and holidays by incorporating different florals or seasonal items.

Function

Mirrors frames, picture frames, and decorative accents add a sense of dimension to a free-standing fireplace mantel. Mix sizes and shapes to avoid a messy appearance. So, your arrangement looks balanced and intentional instead of random.

The right mantel decor will transform your living room into a cozy space to gather. Use a color that matches or contrasts with the wall paint to create a focal point. In this room, charcoal paint unifies the living space and makes the fireplace stand out. It is also a great match with the dark wood of the huge fireplace insert.

Put some natural elements on your fireplace to refresh it quickly. A wooden bead garlands as well as brass frame mirrors and black iron candle holders combine to create a unified layering appearance. The stacked candles also add warmth to the space, so you can relax around your fireplace even if there's no fire.

To infuse your mantel with personal style, use family photos as accents. Sara Ligorria Tramp, a homeowner from California, put together the embroidered fabric piece that belonged to her mother. She also added vintage grates to create a unique look. Add an antique or flea-market item to create a cohesive, eclectic look.

If your home isn't equipped with a fireplace, don't be concerned. A faux fireplace is an excellent choice for modern or transitional spaces. You can also install an electric fireplace that has an integrated TV mount. These fireplaces are versatile and provide all the features of traditional fireplaces without the security concerns.

Mantels can serve as a focal piece for your home or to display a bold painting or statement artwork. Choose a paint colour that will stand out against your mantel, making your artwork or painting stand out. You can even match the hue of your paint to another feature in the room, such as this home's blue walls and Roman clay surround.

You might want to consider modifying your fireplace mantel if you are building a new house or remodeling an existing one. This will give your fireplace a more architectural visual appeal. For instance, you could adding an engraved corbel to the end of a beam. You could also consider an arched fireplace surround. Finish the look by adding decorative trim and crown molding.