| Adding a breath of fresh air to a room can be as | | | | traditional option if you're having trouble with your |
| easy as revamping your fireplace mantel | | | | fireplace mantel décor. |
| décor. Even if you don't have a fireplace | | | | Mantel decorating can give you the opportunity to |
| you can add a floating mantel as a focal point or | | | | add your personality to any room with a fireplace. |
| an accent. Simply find a mantel that you like and | | | | By experimenting and looking for unusual touches |
| install it according to the manufacturer's | | | | to complement the rest of your room, you're |
| instructions. Then comes the fun part: adding a bit | | | | sure to come up with an arrangement that is not |
| of your personality to your fireplace mantel. | | | | only the focal point of the room, but a reflection |
| Ideas for Decorating a Mantel | | | | of who you are. |
| Whether you have a wood-burning, gas, or | | | | Safety First for Fireplace Tools |
| electric fireplace, these ideas can inspire you: | | | | A fireplace can be warm and inviting, but a fire |
| * Pick a Theme - Your fireplace mantel | | | | can be extremely dangerous. Many tools you use |
| décor should blend with the rest of your | | | | for your fireplace will be going directly into the |
| room. If you pick colors that will stand out, stay in | | | | fire, so you need to make sure they are |
| the same color tone as your current decorations. | | | | fire-resistant and safe for you to handle. |
| Pick pieces that complement the style of the | | | | Obviously, anything that does go into the fire |
| room, whether it is a contemporary, rustic, or | | | | should be made of a durable material, such as |
| modern design. | | | | wrought iron. But if you don't like the look of |
| * Start from the Bottom Up - Fabric or lace | | | | wrought iron, there are plenty of other materials |
| accents add romance when draped on your | | | | you can choose from that include brass, copper, |
| mantel. Be sure not to hang your drape too low, | | | | bronze, nickel, graphite, stainless steel, pewter, |
| as it may burn or catch fire. | | | | and more. In addition, a good pair of fire-resistant |
| * Use Symmetry - Fireplace mantel décor | | | | gloves will prevent your hands from burning. |
| has changed from the days when you needed | | | | Fireplace Tools and Your Home Décor |
| two matching vases to create symmetry. Try | | | | Safety and functionality are key components to |
| balancing with color, shapes, or sizes; for example, | | | | choosing the right fireplace tools for your |
| balance a vase with candles of similar height at | | | | fireplace, but these tools are also decorative |
| either end of the mantel. | | | | pieces that add style to your fireplace and your |
| * Try Layering - You don't want your mantel to | | | | home. As a result, you don't want to just choose |
| look cluttered, but by using items of different | | | | the first set that you see. There are many |
| heights and shapes you can create texture and | | | | different styles available, from traditional to |
| depth. | | | | contemporary, that can complement the current |
| * Prop Up Art - Instead of hanging mirrors or art, | | | | design of your home. Use your current home |
| try propping them against the mantel for more | | | | décor as a guide when you choose the |
| casual, interesting fireplace mantel décor. | | | | look of your new fireplace accessories. If you're |
| * Use Nature - Driftwood, shells, pressed leaves, | | | | looking for something with an antique feel, don't |
| and dried flowers can give you striking fireplace | | | | buy the sleek stainless steel fireplace tool set. |
| mantel décor look for less. | | | | Wait until you find the set that works for you. |
| * Back to Basics - A mantel clock is always the | | | | |