Interior design can be a little bit tricky when it comes to your fireplace. It is such an important centerpiece of most people’s homes. You want to ensure it catches the eye while matching the room’s design. You could hire an interior designer, but we are here to help you. With 15 ideas that you just might want to run with yourself. Whether you already have a built-in fireplace or you are thinking of installing one, we are here to help you decide how you may want to decorate your fireplace mantel.
In regards to home décor and fireplace mantel ideas, should a fireplace focal point be a wood, gas, or electric fireplace?
Unfortunately, there is a long list of issues that wood and gas fireplaces come with. This ranges from safety concerns, being a hassle to use or being a big expensive project to install. Luckily, electric fireplaces have none of the disadvantages and downsides that wood and gas fireplaces have, and they have a lot of benefits and advantages in their favor. Here is why you should get an electric fireplace for your home:
- No Added Fire Risk – Electric fireplaces aren’t a fire hazard because there is no real flame.
- No Harmful Emissions – No carbon monoxide or smoke. No smoke also means no smoky smell or stains.
- Using it is Easy – Electric fireplaces are effortless to use.
- Easy Installing – They are easy to install. You can put them in any room like the dining room, family room, and more. You can use them in apartments and condos.
- TV Safe – It is safe if you want your TV mounted above.
- Heat Efficiency – Infrared quartz is an incredibly energy-efficient heating device.
- Flame Effect Ambiance – The flame effects can be incredibly realistic with a quality electric fireplace.
If a homeowner already has an existing wood or gas fireplace, is there a DIY fireplace conversion so that it is electric?
If your architect and home builder have already built you a wood or gas fireplace, or you simply want to convert it into an electric fireplace during your remodel, you’re in luck. With an electric fireplace insert, you can place it into your existing fireplace’s firebox. Now you have a completely electric fireplace at home without wasting your old fireplace. It’s a straightforward DIY project. Just make sure the insert you buy fits the fireplace you already have. Even after doing the conversion, you can still do a makeover of the mantel or other home improvement.
What are the common electric fireplace types, and which of them should be used for a fireplace makeover?
Many different types of fireplaces will work well for this project; however, not all electric fireplaces are created equal. Here are the different types and which ones you should lean towards:
- Flat Wall Mantel Package – These are the most like traditional ones and are perfect for decorating.
- Corner Fireplace – A corner fireplace is another great fireplace for decorating.
- TV Stand Fireplace – Issues with fireplace quality. Some mild decorating you can do with their shelves.
- Corner TV Stand Fireplace – These are just a corner version of the above fireplace.
- Wall Mount Fireplace – Can be an interesting modern take with a more modern floating mantel.
- Electric Insert – Can be used to build your own mantel as well as convert your existing fireplace.
- Freestanding Fireplace Heater – Portable devices work poorly and don’t have mantels.
- Electric Stove – These look like wood-burning stoves, they aren’t really set up for a mantel.
Where online can you find a tutorial or example of good fireplace mantel ideas and fireplace surround styling tips?
With an easy Google search, you can find a blogger that might specialize in your particular style of decoration. However, an even better place to look might be Pinterest or Instagram due to the many amazing inspirational pictures available. For step-by-step guides, you can try to look up video tutorials on YouTube. This is especially helpful if you are trying to build a custom mantel or want to craft specific items for your mantel.
What are the different fireplace mantle styles and fireplace mantel décor styles?
There are several styles of fireplaces, including the fireplace mantel and fireplace mantel decorating. There is a brick fireplace for a classic and traditional look. You can get a fireplace that is white with clean lines and shapes for a more modern look. You can install a modern farmhouse-style fireplace with a natural wood mantel that has a rich grain. With a stone fireplace, you can take it in several different directions depending on the mantel décor ideas you use. A stone fireplace can be more minimal, or you can add a lot to it for more of a glam, look depending on the mantel decorating ideas you apply. Keep in mind that an important aspect of these design ideas is the color palette that you choose. You want to make sure that your design styles match the colors of your other furnishings. Another thing to consider is seasonal and holiday decorating. You can change the décor for each season or add special decorations to celebrate specific holidays like Christmas.
Here are 15 DIY fireplace mantel ideas:
For this list there is a basic definition of different design elements when it comes to decorating your mantel. Under each design element, we will also share some specific examples. Keep in mind that certain elements will work better with others. So it is important to keep the entire mantel in mind and how it will all work together. Here are the 15 ideas for the mantel area of your fireplace:
- Anchor – An anchor is the main piece of your mantel. While there are exceptions, an anchor is almost always in the center of the mantel. And it will almost always be the largest piece. Some people only have an anchor piece if they want to keep things more minimal. Others fill the mantel with more items. If you choose additional objects, the anchor should still be the main focus..
- Wall Art – One anchor piece can be a piece of art that hangs on the mantel. This can be a replica of a famous painting, a painting you bought at a gallery, or even a piece of art you or a family member has done. If your home has a mostly minimal design with many white surfaces and walls, this can be a great excuse to add a splash of color to your home.
- Large Piece of Sculpture Art – Another great piece of art can be a large sculpture in the center of your mantel. A sculpture can be representative of something, or it can be completely abstract. Try to pick a piece that speaks to you and matches the room’s style. This is a great opportunity to go antique shopping and hunt for that perfect piece for your mantel.
- Family Portrait – One piece that many people with families might like is a big family portrait. For best results, hire a professional photographer to take a portrait of your family outdoors. Wear some matching colors. If you have pets, you can consider having them in the photo too. While a classic smile staring at the camera is endearing, you can also try some sillier photos. You might find something memorable to put on your wall.
- Clock – If you don’t already have a clock in the main room of your house, consider making a clock your focal point. Just like the sculpture, you can go antique hunting for this piece and look for something special and unique. For a more authentic and traditional look, choose something with an older-style clock face. You can choose one that sits on the mantel or a large one hung on the wall above.
- Balance – Objects that help balance out the larger focal anchor piece. While an anchor piece will be one item, and, in the center, pieces that add weight to your composition will often be separate pieces on the ends. They will usually be identical or somewhat matching. Either way, it’s a good idea if they’re the same size and no more than half the size of the anchor piece.
- Candlesticks – One great thing to add on either side of your mantel is candlesticks. You can get some beautiful candlestick holders that perfectly match other items in the room. For the candles, choose a color that stands out from the wall and matches the colors of your décor. For a little added bonus, if you plan on using your candles instead of just having them on display, purchase scented ones.
- Family Photos in Picture Frames – Whether your anchor is a family portrait or not, you can easily add some photos of your family on either side of your anchor piece in some smaller frames. While you want to use two different photos here, you will want them to be the same or similar size with similar frames on either side. Choose frames that fit the décor style of your home. Just like some of the other items, you can look for some interesting frames in antique stores instead of whatever your local big-box retailer has.
- Sconces – Similar to the candles, you can add a sconce on either side of the wall above the mantel. Not only do these add an extra layer of depth and sophistication to your fireplace area, but they also are two extra sources of light. With the wall sconces on and the fireplace on simultaneously, you get an interesting triangular composition with the light. The glow of the fireplace is the star, but each sconce acts as a guide pointing to the fireplace.
- Matching Statues – You can get a pair of statues on either side of the mantel that also adds balance. It is best if you do this if your main anchor isn’t a statue. While the statues don’t need to be identical, they should be of similar size and color to properly balance the composition.
- Filler – Filler items are any other little extras you add to the mantel space or around it. These should be smaller or more subtle items and elements that don’t overpower the anchor. For filler, less is more. If you have a lot of filler, you may want to consider scaling back or removing the weight items. Try it both ways and see how it looks.
- Greenery – Adding plants is a great way to add some filler to your home. This can be live plants, but it is usually better for the long term if you go with very realistic fake plants. This can be vines along the mantel and more.
- Shelving or Shiplap Wall – Your filler doesn’t have to be on the mantel. It can be the walls above or around the fireplace. Consider building some shelves that surround the fireplace and are embedded in the wall at the same depth to show off your book collection. You can also just do a simple shiplap wall or combine the two, depending on your layout.
- Figurines – This is a good opportunity if you have some small figurines that mean a lot to you. Again, keep in mind that less is more.
- Other Collectibles – If there are any other types of collectibles, consider displaying them on your mantel.
Is there a good electric fireplace brand that produces a minimalist white fireplace with a white mantel and realistic-looking flames?
One of the best electric fireplaces on the market regarding to realistic fire effects is MagikFlame. MagikFlame has several beautiful models that feature a beautiful white color in their design. One of these amazing models is the Athena. MagikFlame also features an electric fireplace insert if you decide to convert an existing fireplace or build your own mantel. Regardless of which of their different wonderful models you go with, all MagikFlame fireplaces come with these great features:
- Ultra Realistic 3D Fire Effects – The HoloFlame technology used in MagikFlame fireplaces allows them to holographically 3D project flickering flames that dance about the physical log set inside. There are 30 variations of flames that can be switched between at the touch of a button.
- Crackling Log Sounds – In addition to their immersive flame effects are their equally immersive crackling log sounds. As you hear the flames’ pops and snaps, you will truly feel you have an authentic fireplace atmosphere. Nature sounds are also available if you want to add to the relaxing feeling.
- 5,200 BTU Heater – A high-quality infrared quartz heater is the heart of MagikFlame fireplaces. These efficient heaters can quickly warm an area of up to 1,000 square feet while keeping your heating bill low.
- Smartphone App – The highly intuitive app that comes with MagikFlame fireplaces can be installed on your smartphone or tablet. With the app, you can control your flames, sounds, temperature, and more.
