A fireplace should not only be a source of warmth for your home, but it should also act as a focal point, a statement feature and a reflection of the overall style and ambience of your house.
Therefore, choosing the right mantel is essential; otherwise, you will end up with a fireplace that diminishes, rather than enhances, your property.
Before choosing a fireplace, you need to consider a number of key elements:
- Is this going to be a working fireplace and what fuel are you looking to burn?
- What is your home décor like, is it modern or traditional?
- What size do you need? What is the width of your chimney breast if you have one?
- What would you prefer your mantel to be made of – stone, marble or perhaps wood?
After thinking about the above, if you are still unsure about what type of fireplace mantel you would like for your home, keep reading to explore the pros and cons of each option available to you.
Marble
Arguably the most luxurious type of fireplace, marble is a unique type of stone, which means that no two marble mantels will ever be the same. Ideal for a classic or traditional home, you can find pieces inspired by most historic periods including Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian. Marble is not even as expensive as you may think.
The only downside is that marble may crack under intense heat from an open solid fuel fire so if you would like your hearth to be in matching material to your mantel and you plan to burn coal in a basket or a cast iron insert, marble is not the best option. Consider using granite which it is available in numerous colours and finishes and it is a more durable stone for hearths.
Cast Iron
Perfect for period properties, cast iron mantels are durable and incredibly impactful in your home. Admittedly, they are not the budget option but they are very sought-after by people who like original features, so purchasing a cast iron mantel for your home should be seen as a solid investment.
Be careful of moisture though, as cast iron is susceptible to rust. If your polished cast iron mantel needs a bit of spruce up, buffing it with a little WD40 will work wonders.
Antique Stone, Bath Stone and Limestone
An antique fireplace is suited to contemporary and traditional homes alike, with an opulent and grandiose feel to them. Built to last, strong and incredibly elegant-looking, an antique stone mantel will be the show-stopping feature of your home.
The only downside is that limestone is porous and stains easily, so be careful with spillages. Stone can be sealed with an impregnating sealant to improve practicality of the material.
Wood
A cost-effective option you could consider is wood. The great thing about this type of material is that there are different types of timber to choose from that will suit every budget and the look of the property. Wooden mantels come in a wide variety of period designs and can be supplied with traditional waxed finish or painted any colour you want. Some of the main advantages of timber mantels are easy installation and being non-imposing, making it ideal for first-time homeowners or those who are not yet sold on the idea of a fireplace in their home. Most of the designs can be made to measure to fit very narrow chimney breasts.
However, care should be taken when opting for a wood surround with a large format high efficiency gas fire or with a wood burning stove. Expert guidance is essential.
Slate
Slate is dark in colour and perfect for those who favour having something a bit different. You can add a minimalist feel to your home by choosing a simple and modern design or pick one of the antique slate mantels with period properties for authentic classic charm. Slate is 100% fireproof so it is compatible with all fire types including electric, gas and wood-burning.
If you would like more information on how to choose a fireplace mantel for your home, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us here at Stonewoods, where our professional and highly knowledgeable team are waiting for your call.