If you have a fireplace in your home, then odds are it already has a mantel. But if you are building a new home with a fireplace, then choosing a mantel should be an important decision for you. You may also be stuck with a mantel that you are not happy with and are looking to replace it. Whatever your situation, there is sure to be the perfect fireplace mantel out there for you.
The first thing that you need to take into consideration when buying a fireplace mantel is the measurements of your specific fireplace. Buying a mantel that is the wrong size for your fireplace will be a costly mistake; as most mantels must be custom sized per order they will not be considered returnable. If you use the wrong measurements then you are stuck with it. For this reason we always suggest that you triple measure. It's also not a bad idea to use some masking tape and, using the dimensions that the finished mantel will be, tape it out on your walls so that you can see exactly how it will sit. This could save you a great deal of time, money, and frustration.
The next thing that you will have to do is decide on the style of mantel that you would like. What you need to do is choose a style that already fits the decor of your living room. Whatever the design of your living room, be it modern, traditional, or whatever, make sure that your mantel reflects this. You also need to consider what type of wood you would like to have your mantel made out of. Today's most popular choices are oak, birch, or MDF. When you are deciding the style of mantel and the material that it is to be constructed of, try to find something that compliments the rest of the room.
Once you have decided on the style, size, and wood type you will also need to decide if you want the mantel to be finished for you or if you would prefer to do the finishing or painting yourself. If you have a very specific stain color in mind it may be best for you to do the work yourself. However, of you are only choosing to paint the piece you can save a great deal of time by having it delivered pre-finished.
Select a mantel today and in no time you can enjoy the adding warmth and appeal it will add to your fireplace, your room, and your overall home.
