A fireplace proves to be a truly special feature in any home, regardless of your space’s structure or style. But, because of the universal appeal of the fireplace as a warm focal point around which both friends and family gather, you ought to give yours its own individual touch. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can update your fireplace mantle to make it all your own. To follow are some of the most unique mantel updates that will take it from a purely functional feature to one that reads like a work of art.
Balanced Fireplace Mantels
The balanced fireplace mantel is perfect for homeowners who appreciate simplicity and a sense of calm in their primary living space. After all, geometrically balanced designs have proven to lend a sense of peace and calm to both a living space and the persons inhabiting it.
Fortunately, achieving a balanced fireplace mantel is quite simple and can be achieved in a number of different ways. For traditional homeowners, a primary backsplash material enveloped by the mantel proper is an excellent strategy. Several backsplash materials, which work very well in classically traditional spaces, are granite and marble. Not only are these materials durable, but they come in a vast array of colors that can integrate seamlessly with the overarching color scheme of your space. If you are interested in cultivating a more rustic space, you may want to use brick for your backsplash material. Brick is also incredibly versatile in that it can be painted, stripped and repainted as the look of your space evolves over time. For the surrounding mantel, you might consider wood in a complementary color. This wood fireplace mantel can and should house accessories arranged in an equally balanced manner to the mantel itself. Consider arranging family photos or bookending your wood mantel with identical candelabras. By introducing a balanced fireplace mantel into your living room, comprised of a rich combination of materials, you take your space from tired to tranquil.
Cabin Chic Fireplace Mantels
If your home is one that nurtures a rustic aesthetic and makes bountiful use of natural materials, you will want to update your fireplace mantel in a complementary manner. One excellent way of doing this is by introducing a stone fireplace façade into your main living space.
The most unique stone fireplaces are ones that make use of stones of various colors and shapes, as these stones are most reminiscent of those found in nature. Interior designers laud stone fireplace facades that extend from the floor to ceiling, as these create a strong and engaging point of focus in any space. To complement this rustic focal point, consider painting your walls a dark yet complementary color. Oversized wood coffee tables, warm reading throws and natural wood furniture are all accessories that will tie in incredibly well with the look of your rustic mantel.
Vibrant and Functional Fireplace Mantels
Homeowners who embrace bright and vibrant colors will similarly embrace a mantel that both complements and extends the unique color scheme of their living space. Interior designers suggest that color-loving homeowners introduce a minimalist mantel in the same vibrant accent color of their space.
First, paint your space a primary color and then select accent shades that establish the type of atmosphere you desire. For example, rich butter yellow walls look stunning next to cobalt blue accents and accessories. Together, these colors create an atmosphere that is both classic and energizing. Let us pretend that this is the color scheme you have selected for your living space. You will then want to paint your mantel in this same cobalt blue hue, creating a vibrant focal point in a simple way. In smaller rooms, you may also want to lend more functionality to your fireplace mantel. By introducing a deep fireplace hearth, you can then outfit this hearth with custom seating and pillows on which you can lounge when the fireplace is not in use. This custom seating is a unique lounging space that can and should use the bright accent colors that you have integrated throughout the rest of the space.
A fireplace is a wonderful feature that brings friends and family together, lending both warmth and a sense of relaxation to a space. Because this amenity tends to become such a prominent and important focal point, it is quite important that you introduce a fireplace mantel that reflects the overall character of your room. If you have a rustic family room, consider a fireplace mantel that is comprised of stone. Conversely, geometrically balanced fireplace mantels create a sense of tranquility in a room. Before introducing a new mantel into your room, take the time to consider what sort of atmosphere you are hoping to cultivate. Once you have come to a determination on this topic, all things are possible.