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[H1006]How To Decorate A Fireplace Mantel

by Lisa Becker, Lis

The mantel turns the fireplace into a center of attraction, and makes it stylish from overall room décor perspective.

You can design a fireplace mantel taking into consideration your tastes and requirements by deciding on its size, material etc.

A fireplace can be warm and inviting, but a fire can be extremely dangerous. Many tools you use for your fireplace will be going directly into the fire, so you need to make sure they are fire-resistant and safe for you to handle. Obviously, anything that does go into the fire should be made of a durable material, such as wrought iron. But if you don't like the look of wrought iron, there are plenty of other materials you can choose from that include brass, copper, bronze, nickel, graphite, stainless steel, pewter, and more. In addition, a good pair of fire-resistant gloves will prevent your hands from burning.

First Step is to Plan the Mantel

Take precise measurements. Make a sketch of your fireplace. Drill pilot holes to decide what solid backing is behind that wall where you will install the mantel. Select a ready-made mantel with suitable style and size, or design it on your own.

Second Step is to Install Noncombustible Surround

Masonry fireplaces already have stone or brick around the immediate firebox opening. For a more traditional look, you may install tile, brick, veneer stone, or any such non-combustible surround material. Most of these will simply adhere to mantel wall with an adhesive. The joints are then grouted.

Third Step of Making a Fireplace Mantel: Mill Custom Moldings

A well-equipped workshop with a router, table saw, and power sanders is required to mill moldings for design duplication.

Fourth Step is to Attach a Wood Surround

You now need to attach wood surround to the mantel wall with construction adhesive and the fasteners.

Fifth Step is to Build Up the Molding

Get precise measurements. A good miter box (preferably, a 10" power miter saw) is needed for precision miters, crosscuts.

Sixth Step is to Apply Finish

After final sanding is done, clean the surface meticulously with a tack cloth. Then, mask the wall are adjoining surfaces that you are not finishing. Brush or wipe on stain, and smoothen the surface with a 0000-grade steel wool. Apply minimum three polyurethane coats or any other clear protective coat. You may use a paint primer prefer a painted finish.

Before you design a fireplace mantel, check for fire safety guidelines with your local building dept. These rules specify required top and side clearance between any combustible materials and a fireplace opening.

Safety and functionality are key components to choosing the right fireplace tools for your fireplace, but these tools are also decorative pieces that add style to your fireplace and your home. As a result, you don't want to just choose the first set that you see. There are many different styles available, from traditional to contemporary, that can complement the current design of your home. Use your current home décor as a guide when you choose the look of your new fireplace accessories. If you're looking for something with an antique feel, don't buy the sleek stainless steel fireplace tool set. Wait until you find the set that works for you.

One of the strongest sections of any home is the fireplace. The fireplace is regarded to be the focus of the room that it is in. It is likewise the one thing that people will find first. When beautifying your home you also will want to decorate your fireplace mantel.

Adorning your fireplace mantel is a great thing to do because it serves to supply character to the room as well as the other parts of the home. There are tons of themes and styles that you can utilise to grace the fireplace mantel and every last one of them are simple and creative.

Most people will put pictures of their family or their childhood on the mantel. When individuals get closer to get a better look at the fireplace they will instantly see the pictures and marvel at how notable your children are or how lovely you looked on your wedding day. This also makes for a remarkable conversation starter.

Other people prefer to be more decorative with their brick fireplace mantel and will instead add a wide range of of candles and spices. One exceptional thing you can do is to add the same types of candles at distinct heights and in a descending order. You can also place some greenery on it to offer it a bit of an earthly look to it.

The best time to adorn your fireplace mantel is during the holidays. During this time the possibilities are continuous. Christmas is the time where many of us like to decorate as much as we can. When decorating for this time you can place lighted garland around the surface of the fireplace mantel and let it hang a quarter of the length down every side. On the top of the surface of the mantel you can place the manger set or scented Christmas candles - which will be enclosed by the garland.

The greatest thing to do when decorating your mantel fireplace is to set on it the things that reflect who you are. This is a part of your home and you must feel comfortable with it.

Article Source : Pg. 143

About Author

Both Lisa Becker & Naomi are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Lisa Becker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jewelry, Home Management and Jewelry. Lisa Becker is an avid home decorator and writes for : Shop For Your Perfect Fireplace Mantel and Surround. Her expertise regarding fireplace. Lisa Becker's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.

Naomi has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Ford and Cellulite. Find a good way to show off your with the perfect. Naomi's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.