Fireplace mantel is also known as mantelpiece or chimneypiece and is a framework or shelf that projects from the wall of the fireplace. The origin of fireplace mantels goes back to the Medieval times. Earlier, it was a beautifully decorated place in a room, reflecting the artistic refinement of its owner. Nowadays, with the emergence of modern heating system, its size has reduced significantly. But, still many people construct it, to add an aura of grandeur and elegance to their homes. A wide range of designs and patterns in mantel plans are available to create both the traditional or the contemporary look. The materials used for building mantels are stone, wood and ceramic. Wood is preferred as a material, as it can give a touch of old and antique charm to a rustic fireplace mantel.
Rustic Mantelpiece for Your Home
As the name suggests, a rustic fireplace mantel can give a rustic or unsophisticated, yet magnificent look to a home. It can give the feeling of living in the countryside with a traditional rustic touch, and no doubt woods are the best option to construct such a mantel. Nowadays, rustic wood designs and patterns can also be created in cement and resin and they are comparatively less expensive than the wooden ones. However, the majestic look of wood cannot be matched by any other material and hence, it is considered as one of the best options for building rustic and antique fireplace mantels. Woods that are most frequently used for building mantels are oak, pine, cherry and cedar.
While choosing a particular type of mantelpiece, whether rustic or modern, the design of your house should be taken into account. The designs that do not conform to your home decor will look out of place. The same considerations are important, while selecting a particular shade or color. Its size should also be in proportion to the size of the room.
After selecting a suitable fireplace, you will need an assortment of accessories. You may not use all of them, but it is important to have them on hand to make a proper selection. The popular items for decorating a fireplace mantel are paintings, mirror, flower vase, candles, any piece of art or sculpture, photo frames and animal hides. Placing an animal hide or skin above the mantel can add a rustic touch to the area.
Fireplace mantel decorating can be used to enhance the look around it. Place the main and a bit larger decorative item in the center of the mantel, which will help to attract the attention of the visitors to the mantelpiece. A painting or a mirror are some of the best objects to be placed in the center of the mantel. Make sure that the painting style conforms to its designs. Thereafter, a proper blend of both large and small decorative items can be used to create uniformity and flow. You can either decorate both the sides with similar objects for a uniform style or different objects with similar patterns and styles to create an asymmetrical design.
Do not place a large number of items, as it would make the mantel shelf look too cluttered. It would also fail to highlight the beauty of both, the mantel and the decorative items. It is very important to ensure a balance between the size of the mantel and the decorative accessories. You can also design your mantelpiece, according to the season. In summers, light shade accessories would be more suitable; while in spring, the mantel can be adorned with bright and fresh colored items including flowers and fresh, green grass.
Candles are great as fireplace mantel accessories, especially for decorating during the Christmas season; while flowers, whether natural or artificial, are suitable for all year round. Photo frames, especially the wood photo frames, are also an ideal decoration for a rustic fireplace. To sum up, use a proper combination of different items to create the look you want for your fireplace mantel. It is better to keep the decorations simple, yet effective and impressive, using your own creativity.
