Choosing a Fireplace and Fireplace Mantel

Fireplaces do so much more than simply provide heat to a room. (If that was all they were used for, they would have become obsolete with the invention of the space heater.) Fireplaces also add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your home. In fact, when searching for real estate, a fireplace is a luxury that is often at the top of many homebuyers' lists.

And I have my own personal affection for fireplaces. The home I grew up in featured a wood-burning fireplace with a stone mantel. I recall sitting around the fireplace with my parents, roasting marshmallows on cold, winter days. Today, my parents' home has an electric fireplace that my mother has decorated with candles, and I now live in a condo that has gas fireplace. There is something relaxing and comforting about a fire in a fireplace that draws people toward it. It can create a romantic ambience or make a room appear cozy and relaxing.

I love fireplaces, and I believe that choosing the right type of fireplace and the right fireplace mantel are important considerations. Each type has a little something different to offer, and the best option for a large house is usually not the best option for condominium or apartment living. So for fireplace-lovers like myself who are interested in installing or updating a fireplace, the following describes some of the most common types of fireplaces and mantels to choose from with recommendations for which option would be best for your home.

Masonry fireplaces are most often found in older, large houses and are designed to absorb the heat of the fire and then emit that heat into the room. A person burns natural wood in this type of fireplace, while keeping the chimney damper open to let the smoke out. Masonry fireplaces are usually made of elaborate bricks or stones and have a large mantel. These fireplaces are best for larger houses as they do take up quite a bit of space and require a quality chimney flue. Masonry fireplaces also need to be cleaned on a regular basis, and children should be careful around these fireplaces as the outside surface can get very hot.

As gorgeous as masonry fireplaces are, gas fireplaces are much more common in homes. In fact, they are probably the most common type of fireplaces today. And for good reason. Gas fireplaces are easy to use, they can be installed almost anywhere, and they don't require a chimney. To light the fire, a person only has to turn a knob or flip a switch. There is no wood, no matches, no smoke, and no mess.

The best feature of electric fireplaces is the price: they are the cheapest type of fireplace to purchase and install. They are also ideal for smaller living spaces as they don't require a chimney and don't create any kind of mess. In fact, electric fireplaces are particularly ideal for apartments and condominiums because they provide heat that can cut down on utility bills and are convenient and easy to use. And they are also safe for children as the outside surface of the fireplace does not get hot.

Once you've decided on the type of fireplace you want in your home, the fireplace mantel is the next thing to consider. In fact, many people consider the fireplace mantel to be more important than the actual fireplace because it is usually the most noticeable design element in a room. A fireplace mantel can express your personal style, display your treasured items, and/or create a variety of period looks. They range from simple and discreet to intricate and decorative, and it's important to examine a variety of materials and styles before making a decision.

Common materials used to make fireplace mantels are stone, wood, ceramic, and metal. The type of material you choose for your mantel largely depends on the style you want. A wooden fireplace mantel is great for a rustic look, while a stone fireplace mantel creates more of a cottage-like style. Fine wood finishes or metals such as chrome, copper, or steel are perfect for more modern styles. And wood and ceramics are ideal when creating Victorian fireplace mantels. For those who want an antique Edwardian or Renaissance-type fireplace mantel, marble or granite are the materials to look for. Oak, mahogany, and cherry woods are other traditional and timeless materials to consider when choosing your fireplace mantel.

Fireplace mantels can feature a variety of different designs or no designs at all. They can include columns or be distressed to look like antiques. Whatever you choose for your fireplace mantel, it's wise to consider all of your options before making a decision. As the major design focus of a room, it's worth the extra attention.

So whether you live in a large house or a small apartment, anyone can have a fireplace. By choosing the right fireplace for your home and accenting it with a fabulous fireplace mantel, you will always be able to enjoy the warm, comforting ambience of a fire in your home.