Fireplaces have long been an attractive feature of any home, and while their original purpose may have been solely practical, both the fireplace and its’ mantel still provided a focal point in a room, and continue to do so to this day.
If you want to add an attractive mantel to your concrete fireplace, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Clearance
If you plan to use your fireplace to heat your home, it’s essential that it has plenty of space to generate heat, so that it can function safely and effectively. This is generally referred to as ‘clearance’ and can have a direct impact on the type of mantel you choose.
When shopping for fireplace mantels, when you find one you like, check the requirements provided by the manufacturer outlining the distance necessary between the mantel and the fireplace.
Room to mantel proportions
Finding the ideal mantel for your fireplace often means thinking carefully about the rooms proportions. A big mantel in a small room, for example, may not produce the desired effect, and ceiling and room layout should also be considered.
Choosing between a surround or a mantel shelf
When it comes to fireplace mantels, there are typically two kinds:
- Surrounds
- Shelves
A mantel surround has a mantel (the pieces that go in a horizontal position above the fireplace), and a pair of legs that go either side of the fireplace, looking as if they’re holding it up. Surrounds form a three-sided frame around a fireplace, and while they often offer a more traditional look, they do vary in style.
Mantel shelfs, on the other hand, have only a horizontal piece going over the fireplace.
Ultimately, what you choose will come down to personal taste, and your style preferences. Mantel shelfs often suit a more modern, minimalist setting, while mantel surrounds tend to flatter a room with more traditional décor.
Materials
Mantels of all shapes and sizes are available in a range of materials, and here are some of the most common:
- Marble – strong and low maintenance, marble mantels offer a classic, timeless look, with each one being unique.
- Precast concrete – with a sleek and clean design, precast concrete mantels are suitable for interiors and exteriors, and with their hollow construction but thick walls, they are lightweight but exceptionally robust.
- Wood – this classic mantel material comes in a wide range of styles, sizes and colours, and can be painted or left natural, according to your taste.
- Cast stone – cast into a mantel shape from natural stones, cast stone mantels can be customized and are much lighter and more affordable than solid stone.
- Metal – metal mantels offer a very modern look and are generally installed over the fireplace as a floating shelf. They give fans of minimalist design an opportunity to make a real statement in their home.
- Non-combustible – made to resemble stone or wood, mantels made from non-combustible materials like stone, concrete, cast stone and metal, are fire resistant.
Size
It’s very important that the fireplace mantel in Calgary that you choose, is in proportion to the room in which it will be installed. Carefully check the height and width of the fireplace opening, along with its depth, to ensure that the mantel is going to be the perfect fit for the room.
A precast concrete mantel and surround is a practical and cost-effective choice that can suit a wide style of rooms, but with plenty of materials to choose from, finding the right mantel for your fireplace, shouldn’t be difficult.
