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What should I put above my mantle?

Above your mantle, you can create a stunning visual display that both complements the architecture and color palette of the room as well as your own personal taste. Depending on what appeals to you the most, you might decide to hang a large mirror, a painting, or a piece of artwork.

Alternatively, a collection of family photos or a cluster of framed prints are also a lovely way to accessorize your mantle. If the room has a more minimalist style, you could choose to go for a more modern look, like a metal geometric sculpture or a row of glass vases filled with simple flowers.

If you’d like your mantle to have a more rustic vibe, consider a weathered clock, a decorative antler set, or a wooden candelabra. Finally, make sure whatever you choose above the mantle won’t take away from the eye-catching mantel itself.

What do you hang above a brick fireplace?

When decorating above a brick fireplace, there are many options to choose from, depending on the style of the room and the look you want to achieve. If you want to make a statement, large pieces of art or a mirror can be hung.

If you are looking for a more subtle look, you can hang wall-mounted sconces above the fireplace for a touch of style and accent lighting. There are also decorative plates or platters, or ornate scrollwork that can be hung above the fireplace.

A collection of framed photographs can be hung in a symmetrical display to add a bit of personality and warmth to the room. A mantel can also be a great option, allowing you to display seasonal decor, books and other items.

Finally, string lights or crown moulding can be hung above the fireplace to draw the eye upward and help the room appear larger.

What is the thing above a fireplace called?

Above a fireplace is usually a mantel, also known as a chimneypiece. A mantel is a decorative frame that surrounds a fireplace. It is usually made of wood, stone, or metal and can be decorated with various accessories.

The mantel is often the focal point of a room and is used to display items such as photos, trophies, candles, and clocks. The mantel protects the wall and floor from the heat generated by the fireplace, and provides additional shelf space for storage.

What is the purpose of a mantel over a fireplace?

A mantel over a fireplace serves numerous purposes within the home. Not only is it a great aesthetic feature that makes the fireplace and the room look cozy, inviting, and stylish, but it can also provide a designated surface to display decor and treasured objects.

The mantel serves as a way to personalize the fireplace and add character to the room, and people commonly use it for a variety of decorative purposes, such as hanging artwork, stocking shelves with photos, and placing memorabilia.

Furthermore, mantels over the fireplace play a functional role in the home; they serve to protect the area directly above the fireplace, such as walls and ceilings, from heat damage associated with open fires.

And finally, they have become such a popular interior design feature that many new homes include one, and they have also become an expected part of the traditional look of a living room.

Can I remove the hearth from my fireplace?

It is possible to remove the hearth from your fireplace, although there are some potential risks involved, such as potential structural damage to the chimney, increased smoke and heat in the room, and an increased risk of fire.

Before removing the hearth from your fireplace you should familiarize yourself with any local building codes and restrictions that may apply in order to determine if this is a feasible and legal endeavor.

Additionally, you should also strongly consider consulting a professional for advice, as the hearth can provide important structural and safety support for the fireplace. Removal of the hearth will also likely require significant work and effort, so you may have to enlist the help of professionals to help assist with the removal.

How can I make my fireplace insert look good?

The best way to make your fireplace insert look good is to spruce up the surrounding area. Start by painting or wallpapering the walls around your fireplace insert to match the color scheme or theme of your space.

If you want a more natural look, consider adding wood paneling to the walls or framing the window and doorways with crown molding, baseboards, or door and window trim. Additionally, you can use trim to define the edges of the fireplace insert, making it stand out in the space.

You may also want to freshen up the mantel around your insert by replacing outdated tile, paint, and accessories. From paneled pieces to tile mosaics, antique pottery, and carved pieces. For a modern take, try adding glass, metal accents, or decorative tiles to bring more charm and personality to the mantel.

Finally, you can use lighting to bring out features of the fireplace and highlight the wall decorations or mantel accessories. Recessed lighting or sconces bring extra brightness and dimension to the space, as well as accenting any firewood displays neatly stacked around the fireplace insert.

By considering these various design details, your fireplace insert will look polished and inviting, no matter your style!.

How do you make a traditional fireplace look modern?

Making a traditionally designed fireplace look modern is an exciting design challenge. The most important facet of the process is considering how much of the traditional look and feel of the fireplace you want to maintain and how much modern style you would like to incorporate.

One of the easiest ways to modernize a traditional fireplace is to reface it with sleek, modern tile. Choose a tile material with a cool, neutral or muted color to help create a modern aesthetic. Additionally, if you choose bolder colors, you can create a modern, eclectic look to the space.

For a more old-world or historical look, use sleek, natural stone materials.

Another great way to modernize a traditional fireplace is to replace the traditional white-washed mantel with one made from a more natural, matte finish material. Materials such as marble, quartzite, limestone, soapstone, and composite quartz are all great options to help create a more modern look.

Furthermore, you can paint the mantel in a darker color, such as charcoals grays and black, to create a bold, contemporary style.

Adding modern accessories to the space can also help contextualize the traditional design with a more modern look. Choosing a sleek, minimalist-style screen, fire tools, and other decorative accessories can help create a current aesthetic.

Finally, incorporating touches of metallics, such as copper and brass, can add a modern and elegant flair to the fireplace area.

In conclusion, there are several great ways to make a traditionally-designed fireplace look modern. Refacing the fireplace with sleek, modern tile, choosing an updated mantel material, and incorporating modern accessories can all help create an inviting, contemporary fireplace area.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create a modern look that still preserves the traditional feel of the space.

What is a fireplace hearth extension?

A fireplace hearth extension is an extension to the area surrounding a fireplace that meets the safety requirements of the local building codes. The hearth extension is typically made of either steel, non-combustible material like stone, brick, cement or tile.

It provides a level, non-slip surface that extends beyond the fireplace opening, as well as a protective barrier to help keep sparks contained. The hearth extension can also help protect against the spread of combustible materials, like carpet, to the surface of the fireplace.

The size and length of the hearth extension will vary depending on the size and type of fireplace, as well as local building standards.

How Big Should picture be over mantle?

When deciding how big a picture should be hung over a mantle, it is important to take into account the size of the mantle, the space available in the wall, and the size of the picture. Additionally, the size of the picture should be in proportion to the size of the mantle and the space available in the wall.

When hanging a picture over a mantel, the ideal size is probably about 2/3 of the mantel width for large mantels and about 1/2 of the mantel width for smaller mantels. This allows for a balanced look and good proportion.

When considering the available space in the wall, the vertical distance from the mantle to the ceiling can be used to determine the maximum size of the picture that would fit in the room. For example, if the distance is 8 feet, a picture should not exceed 40 inches in height.

Additionally, the available wall width should be taken into account so that the size of the picture does not overwhelm the space.

Finally, it is important to consider the size of the picture itself. The size of the picture should closely match the size of the mantle, but it shouldn’t be too small or too large. A picture that is too large will make the space feel cluttered and uncomfortable, while a picture that is too small can get lost in the space.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for a picture that is about twice the width of the mantle and about the same height.

How high above a fireplace should a mantle be?

When it comes to the height of a mantle above a fireplace, the most important thing to keep in mind is the size and shape of the mantel and the corresponding space around it. Generally, a mantel should be placed at least 6 inches above the top of a firebox, and a minimum of 8 inches should be allowed between the top of the mantel and the edge of the firebox.

As for the span of the mantel, the most common practice is to extend the mantel at least 2 to 3 inches onto either side of the firebox on either side. However, if the firebox is recessed into the wall or is generally very wide, it’s best to extend the length of the mantel to cover as much space to the side of the firebox as possible up to a maximum of 10 or 12 inches.

To add further detail to a space, one can also install a dentil crown or shelf on top of the mantel. These additions should be no more than 3 inches, the same height as the mantel, and the shelf should span anywhere from 4 to 6 inches.

Lastly, for decorative reasons, you may wish to adjust the height of the mantle slightly. Most decorators suggest 1-2 inches above the firebox to create a cozy space, but this may vary depending on the space and the desired aesthetic.

What can I put on my fireplace mantel?

When it comes to decorating a fireplace mantel, the possibilities are endless! You can choose any type of decoration, such as framed artwork, decorative candles and plants, unique sculptures, or beloved photos.

You could also use your fireplace mantel as a shelf to showcase books, vases, trinkets, trophy awards, or other special keepsakes. If you’re looking for a more traditional approach, you can add antique clocks, pottery, figurines, or even a mirror to showcase your mantel.

If you’re feeling creative and adventurous, you could also opt for a mantel makeover and add wallpaper, decorative stone or brickwork, colorful tiles, a fun patterned wallpaper, or whimsical lighting.

No matter what option you choose, your fireplace mantel is a great opportunity to express your personal style!.

How close can a mantle be to the fireplace?

The distance between the mantle and the fireplace will depend on the type of fireplace you have, as well as any codes or regulations in place in your area. Generally speaking, a safe distance should be at least 6 inches away from the fireplace opening, but this distance should be greater for fireplaces with glass doors.

It is important to follow the specific guidelines and safety instructions provided by your stove or fireplace manufacturer, and consult a local professional if you have any questions. Fireplaces can produce a great deal of heat, so it is important to make sure that the mantle is kept far enough away from the fireplace to avoid damage to property or a potential safety hazard.

How do you dress a mantel shelf?

When dressing a mantel shelf, there are several key styling tips you should keep in mind. First, resist the urge to overcrowd the shelf. You want the mantel to look well-balanced and spaced-out, so try to work with a few pieces that convey the desired feel, rather than piling on a lot of small items.

Second, make sure you incorporate some height. Include one or two taller elements, such as a vase filled with branches or a sculptural candle holder, to create an interesting surface. Third, remember to keep it symmetrical.

If you’re using two groups of objects on each side of the mantel, make sure each side is balanced with about the same amount of items for a cohesive look. Finally, don’t forget to add some greenery. A bit of eucalyptus, some flowering plants, or a large leafy vine will give the mantel a more vibrant, natural look.

With these tips in mind, you can have a beautiful, stylish mantel shelf in no time!.

How do I decorate my mantel like a pro?

Decorating your mantel like a pro can seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can transform your plain mantel into a show-stopping piece that will be the envy of guests.

The first step is to choose a color palette. Pick one or two colors that will be the main hue in your design. When deciding on this palette, try to stay within the same tone and shade range. Choosing colors opposite of each other on the wheel (such as navy blue and yellow) can make a bold statement, while softer shades such as blush and grey are often used to create a calming effect.

Next, decide on the elements you want to include. Consider the size of the mantel and pick larger statement pieces, such as a large painting, mirror or wall hanging, as well as smaller items, like decorative trinkets or display pieces, to create a balanced look.

If you are going for a more curated look, visualize the objects in a triangle pattern and place them in accordance with this to help keep your eye in focus and to create visual interest.

Don’t forget to accessorize! Lighting is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your space and can be incorporated through candles, lamps, or other firelight sources. Greenery is also an excellent addition to help bring the outdoors inside.

Lastly, use the walls and the mantel as the framing for your design and choose artwork, sculptures, or vintage plate collections to bring the design together.

By following these steps, you can easily create a beautiful mantel display that will impress your friends and family.

Can you use a floating shelf as a mantel?

Yes, you can absolutely use a floating shelf as a mantel. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a modern vibe or achieve an industrial feel to your space, floating shelves are an ideal option for a mantel.

Floating shelves are a great way to make a statement and add interesting visual elements to the fireplace. Not only do they lend a trendy touch, but they also leave you plenty of room for personalization.

You can keep the look simple and elegant, or go with a more eclectic feel by adding artwork or family photos. If you’d like to add a bit of texture to your space, you can incorporate a vase or lantern on the shelf, or add in a few accent pieces for a deeper aesthetic.

A floating shelf also offers the flexibility to display whatever you please, and the ease of being denoted only by metal brackets or wall-mounted mounts. With a floating shelf, you can create a modern mantel to perfectly capture your own unique style.