How to Decorate a Free Standing Fireplace Mantel
A fireplace mantel that is free-standing can be a an attractive focal point to a living area. Set up an oversized, reflective mirror to visually expand the space. You can also display a collection of framed art and interesting vase.
Symmetrical arrangements create a sense of order and classic style. To maintain the equilibrium, choose an object with similar dimensions, but different styles. For example, these terra-cotta vases and delftware vase.
Material
When paired with the right decor, free standing fireplace mantels can enhance the appearance of a wall. Think about the material you use to create your mantel and the style of the surrounding wall when selecting mirrors, artwork, and other decorative accents to give the room. Paint your mantel in a stunning shade or add an element of nature like trailing vines to create an authentic look. Or, you can embrace your Shabby Chic style and give your old mantel a facelift by using the techniques of chippy paint to create an modernized vintage look.
Molding is a great way to enhance 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. The narrow rectangles either side of the mantel create a contrast with its sleek, linear shape while the tall, wispy limbs and stacking pumpkins give it the classic autumnal style.
Accents of decorative design with different shapes can also help your mantel display appear more vibrant and prevent a cluttered look. For instance an array of mirrors in a round shape offer an elegant alternative to rectangular sconces and a collection of different-sized candlesticks provides a subtle pop to this neutral-toned display. A large piece of art can provide a focal point that stands out against the backdrop.
If you're looking to add flat-panel TVs in your home, you can choose an invisible model that appears like a bookcase that has been built-in. This recessed design allows the flat-screen unit to blend into the wall that surrounds it, and keeps your fireplace looking its best.
A minimalist design can make your mantel appear modern and sleek. By overlapping thin frames on your mantel helps the objects within each frame stand out. This is an ideal method to add a splash of colour to a neutral-toned display. A large painting takes center stage in this modern room while a tan jug and brown candlesticks add a touch of color.
Height
The mantel should be situated at an eye-level that is appropriate for the room. It should also match the dimensions of the fireplace as well as the overall room scale. Inappropriate heights can create dangers to fire or make the fireplace less attractive. Talk to a design expert at a showroom that specializes in electric fireplaces, to determine the appropriate height.
The mantel and fireplace should be installed at minimum 12" above the opening of the fireplace. This height is required to meet building codes and prevent fire hazards. The firebox must be at minimum 18" above the floor. This is because the heat will radiate upwards through the front and into the room from the firebox. The clearances are intended to stop combustible materials like curtains, carpets, and draperies catching fire.
When putting up a mantel, you must also take into consideration the amount of storage space that is available. This is especially important for homeowners who do not have large garages or backyards. If the space is limited an a fireplace surround with built-in wood racks could be an alternative. These can be used to store firewood, tools and other accessories.
A mantel is a great location to display family photographs as well as other items of decor. It can be adorned with lamps, figurines, and other accessories to give the space an individual look. Be careful not to overload the shelves, or it could cause damage or spillage. It is also an excellent idea to put coasters under vases and other objects to avoid water rings.
As opposed to traditional brick fireplaces wall-mount electric fireplaces are installed in the wall and do not require chimneys. They are safe and are installed in homes that do not have enough space to install a traditional fireplace. This kind of fireplace works well in condominiums and apartments in which the firebox is not able to be accessed.
When installing a wall-mount electric fireplace, it's crucial to ensure that the fireplace and mantel are placed at the proper height. A fireplace that isn't properly installed could cause fires, which can cause property damage, and even death. If the mantel is too low, it will stop the heat from reaching the fireplace or the floor.
Design
A free-standing fireplace can add architectural interest to the living room wall without the cost and headache of brickwork. Decorate the fireplace mantel with mirrors, artwork, and vases to create a warm and inviting hearth. It can be difficult to layer and arrange the display, so take into consideration the size of your room and your aesthetic when choosing decorative items. If you want an unpretentious look, then mix up the sizes to create a balanced arrangement. Here two tall metal urns that have similar shapes are placed alongside a shorter, more delicately carved vase for an assortment of shapes and materials that contrast with the contemporary wood paneling on the fireplace wall.
Think about the texture and color surrounding your fireplace when deciding the overall style. If you have a neutral wall contemplate putting up a wallpaper pattern that's in harmony with or complements your fireplace's mantel for visual harmony. You can also use a bold pattern or color as a striking background for your vignette. But, it's important to keep your mantel decorations in a subdued color scheme to ensure that your overall look is balanced.
If you're dealing with an uncolored or neutral wall add personality using accents like mirrors and vases with interesting textures. For example, a wooden bead garland is an element of nature to your decor and blends well with the brown paint of this fireplace that's not working. Similar to the smooth surfaces of a stoneware bowl for flowers and a black iron candle holder provide depth and a contrast to your decor.
Select large electric fireplace with mantel that are important to you and your loved ones. For instance, a framed piece of embroidered fabric that has been passed through generations or a grate from the past and a set of antique brass candlesticks are a great combination to add some personality to this non-working fireplace. This collection is easily adapted to different occasions and holidays. Simply add different florals or season objects.
Function
Mirrors frames, picture frames and other decorative accents add dimension to a mantel for your fireplace that is freestanding. Mix shapes and sizes to avoid a cluttered appearance. So, your arrangement is logical and well-planned instead of random.
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 an eye-catching focal feature. In this room charcoal paint ties together the living room and makes the fireplace stand out. It also goes well with the dark wood fireplace insert.
Set up some natural elements on your fireplace 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 cohesive appearance. The stacked candles add a warm glow to the room, so you can relax around your fireplace even if there's no fire.
To give your mantel a personal style, consider using family mementos 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 appearance. When you add an antique or flea market item to the mix, the result is a unified, eclectic look.
If your home isn't equipped with a fireplace, don't be concerned. A faux fireplace is an excellent choice for an open or contemporary space. You can install 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.
Mantels can be used as a focal point for your room or as a display for a bold painting or statement artwork. Choose a paint colour that will stand out against the mantel to make your painting or artwork pop. You can match the shade of your paint to a different feature in the room, such as the blue walls in this home and Roman clay surround.
If you're building a brand new home or renovating an existing space, consider customizing your mantel to add architectural detail and visual interest. For instance, you could adding an engraved corbel to the end of a beam. You could also consider an arched fireplace surround. Then, you can finish the look with trim and an intricate crown molding.