How to Decorate a Free Standing Fireplace Mantel
A free-standing fireplace mantel adds an attractive focal point in a living space. Install a large mirror to visually increase the space and scatter light throughout the room, or display your personal collection with framed artwork and interesting vases.
Symmetrical arrangements convey a sense of classic order. To ensure balance, pick a pair of items with similar dimensions and styles - such as the terracotta vases or delftware-style vase.
Material
Free standing fireplace mantels, when paired with the correct decor, can enhance a wall's look. Think about the material you use to construct your mantel and the style of the wall when selecting mirrors, artwork, and other decorative elements to give the room. Paint your mantel in a stunning shade or add an element of nature like trailing vines to create a rustic look. Or, you can embrace your Shabby Chic style and give an old mantel new life by applying chippy paint techniques to achieve an contemporary vintage style.
Molding is an easy way to add character your fireplace's walls and to complement the look of your mantel. Use molding pieces of different shapes and sizes to frame the mantel. This will create an overall appearance. The narrow rectangles either side of the mantel make a striking contrast with its sleek, linear design while the tall, wispy branches and the stacked pumpkins create a classic autumnal style.
Decorate your home with decorative accents that have different shapes. can also help your mantel look more dynamic and avoid clutter. For instance, a pair of round mirrors is an elegant alternative to rectangular sconces, and a collection of different-sized candlesticks provides a subtle pop to this neutral-toned display. Similarly, a large piece of art can be an accent piece that stands out against the backdrop.
A flat-panel television can disrupt the traditional look of a mantel, so if you need to include one in 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 screen to blend with the surrounding walls, and ensure that your fireplace looks at its best.
A minimalist style will make your mantel appear more streamlined and modern. Layering thin, overlapping frames on your mantel helps the things inside each frame stand out. This is also a great option for adding an element of color to a neutral display. A large painting is featured in this contemporary room, while a tan jug and brown candlesticks add a touch of color.
Height
As a focal point of the room, the mantel should be situated at a height that is suitable for a clear view. It should also be a good proportion to the dimensions of the fireplace as well as the overall size of the room. Unsuitable heights could create a fire hazard or make the fireplace less appealing. Consult a design expert at a showroom that specializes in electric fireplaces to find the correct height.
Typically, the fireplace and mantel must be installed at least 12 inches higher than the fireplace opening. This is necessary to meet building codes and avoid fire hazards. The firebox must be at least 18" above the floor. These clearances are necessary because the heat will radiate up through the front of the room from the firebox. The clearances are designed to prevent things that are flammable, like carpet, curtains, and draperies from catching fire.
When mounting large electric fireplace with mantel , you should also consider the amount of storage space available. This is particularly important for homeowners with small backyards or garages. If space is an issue and you are looking for a fireplace with a built in wood rack is an option. They can be used for storing firewood, tools and other accessories.
A mantel is a wonderful spot to display family photos and other ornaments. You can decorate it with lamps, figurines, and other ornaments to create a unique look. Be careful not to overload the shelves, or it could cause damage or spillage. Also, it's an excellent idea to put coasters under vases as well as other items to avoid water rings.
Wall-mount electric fire places are not like traditional brick fireplaces. They are mounted inside the wall, and do require a chimney. These fireplaces are safe and can be used in homes where there isn't enough space for a traditional fireplace. This kind of fireplace is ideal well in condos and apartments in which the firebox is not able to be accessible.
It is important that you install the wall-mounted electric fire at the correct height. A fireplace that isn't properly installed could cause fires, resulting in property damage and even death. If the mantel is too low, it will stop heat from reaching the firebox or the floor.
Design
A free-standing fireplace can add architectural interest to the wall of a living space without the hassle and expense of bricks and mortar. Decorate the mantel with a collection of mirrors, art work and vases for an inviting hearth that could function as an accent piece. It isn't easy to arrange and layer the vignette, so you should think about the size of the room and your aesthetic when choosing decorative objects. If you want a more casual style, mix the sizes to create a balanced arrangement. Here, a pair of tall metal urns that have similar shapes are placed alongside smaller, more delicately carved vase to create a mix of shapes and materials which contrast with the modern wood paneling that is affixed to the wall of the fireplace.
When deciding on the overall style of your mantel, it's crucial to think about the texture and color of your surrounding walls. Consider installing wallpaper that complements or in harmony with your fireplace mantel if have an uncolored wall. A bright color or bold pattern can also provide an eye-catching backdrop for your vignette, but it's crucial to keep the colors in the mantel decor subdued so that the overall look is harmonious.
If you have a neutral or white wall give a unique look to the space by using mirrors and vases that have interesting textures. A wooden bead garland, for instance, can be an element of nature and work perfectly with the brown paint of this non-working fireplace. The rough surfaces of a stoneware bowl for flowers and the black iron candle holder provide depth and a contrast to your decor.
For a unique, eclectic mantel, choose decorative elements that have sentimental significance to your family and you. For instance, a framed piece of embroidery that has been passed down through generations or a grate from the past and a set of antique brass candlesticks are a great mix to bring in some character to this non-working fireplace. This collection can be easily changed for different holidays and events. Simply add different florals or season objects.
Function
Mirrors frames, picture frames, and decorative accents add a sense of dimension to a mantel for your fireplace that is freestanding. Mix shapes to avoid a messy look and consider varying the dimensions of the objects that you display. So, your arrangement looks balanced and intentional instead of haphazard.
The right mantel decorations can transform your living space into an ideal place to relax. Create a focal point using an accent color that contrasts with or complements your wall paint. In this particular space, the charcoal paint shade unifies the living space and makes the wooden mantel stand out. It is also a good match with the dark wood fireplace insert.
To refresh your decor, pick up some natural elements and put them on your mantel. Garlands made of wood frames, brass mirrors, and black iron candle holders work together to create a cohesive appearance. The stacked candles add a warm glow to the room, meaning you can enjoy your mantel even when there's no fire.
Use family mementos to give a personal touch to your mantel. Here, homeowner Sara Ligorria-Tramp has framed an embroidered fabric from her mother. She then added a vintage grate to create an original style. When you add an antique or flea market item to the mix, you get an aesthetically pleasing, multi-faceted look.
If your home doesn't have a real fireplace, don't be concerned. A faux fireplace is an excellent choice for an open or contemporary space. You can set up an electric fire place that has an integrated TV mount. These fireplaces are versatile and provide all the features of traditional fireplaces, but without the security issues.
Mantels can be an important focal point in your home, but it can also serve as a backdrop to an art piece that stands out or a bold painting. To make your artwork or artwork stand out, pick the color of your paint that stands out against the backdrop of your mantel. You can match the color of your paint with another element of the room, such as the blue walls or Roman clay surround.
If you're building a brand new home or renovating an existing space, consider customizing your mantel to add architectural details and visual interest. For instance, you can add a carved corbel at the end of a beam or decide to use an arched panel as your fireplace's surround. Then, finish the look with trim and a sophisticated crown molding.