Blog entry by Roslyn Floyd
Adding a Mantel Over Electric Fireplace
A mantel added to an electric fireplace insert with mantel fireplace gives it the appearance of a traditional fireplace. This feature is easy to use and is available in a variety of styles. Some come with touchscreens like the MagikFlame HoloFlame.
When you are putting up a mantel over an electric fireplace, it's essential to consider the height of the other elements in the space. This will stop it from looking too low or obscuring other wall art or TVs.
Mantel Shelf
The mantel is the center of an area, its emotional core. It is the first thing we see and it is able to warm our hearts in a moment as it melts away our worries. Furniture is arranged all around it. Treasures are displayed. It adds stability and balance to the space. It is where we return to after a long day, to relax and unwind. It is where we celebrate our triumphs and grieve our loss. It is an expression of our culture and heritage.
In the 20th century and the advent of mechanized, contained heating systems, fireplaces were the primary source of heat in many homes. In many cases, the fireplace was the center point of a room, an architectural masterpiece with intricate details. Fireplaces are used to embellish living spaces. The mantel is a central element in this decor. The options for design are infinite.
In general, the choice of material for a fireplace surround and mantel shelf is left to the homeowner or installer. The first step is to read the manual for your fireplace to determine the distance you can place a mantel made of material that is combustible to the firebox. There will also be requirements for clearances for different sizes of fireplaces, and they should be observed closely.
Wood mantel shelves can be utilized for any space in your home that requires additional storage, a decorative touch or both. They are available in many styles and designs including contemporary, traditional transitional, transitional, and many more. They are available in a broad range of species and stains. Some even come with decorative corbels. Some are not combustible, and can be positioned over an electric fire or other fire.
In addition, they are furniture pieces of high of high-quality that can go with most any decor style. Some are customizable, and a few offer different ways to mount TVs. If you will be mounting televisions over the mantel, it is important to follow the recommended heat clearances set forth by the manufacturer of the fireplace insert into which the mantel is installed, as well as local building codes.
Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace is a beautiful option to bring warmth and comfort to any room in your home. These fireplaces have many advantages over traditional wood-burning ones which include the fact that they do not require a chimney, or a gas line and pose no fire risk. Installing them is easy and requires only a flat wall and power outlet. They can be installed even in rooms that don't have ventilation since they don't produce sparks or emit smoke.
Electric fireplaces are available in different styles, depending on the type you pick and your needs. They include standalone models that look like the traditional fireplace, wall mount and recessed models that can be attached to the wall or integrated into the wall and inserts that can be installed inside older fireplaces to alter their fuel source.
All of these types of electric fireplaces come in different colors and styles to match your decor. Some models of electric fireplaces have more realistic flames than others, however they all provide warmth and comfort without smoke or ash. The LED lights reflect the heat produced by the heating coils in the unit. These lights can be programmed to turn on or off independently of the flames. Some models can be controlled with an remote while others can be connected to your smart devices so you can control them from any location in the world.
tall electric fireplace with mantel fireplaces can also be mounted in 2x4 walls or built into the wall, thereby saving space. These slim models, which measure less than 4 inches wide have multi-colored flames that produce an impressive and realistic display. Some models have three sides, which means you can watch the flames in any direction.
The security of an electric fireplace is another major benefit, particularly for families with young children or pets. Electric fireplaces do not emit sparks or smoke, nor do they emit harmful gases. They are therefore a safer alternative to a wood-burning fire. They are designed to be safe for children with features such as cool-touch exteriors and automatic shut-offs. These units can be turned off and on by pressing the button on the remote control, making them convenient for busy families.
Corbels
Corbels are an architectural bracket that adds interest to the design of your home. Wood corbels, originally used to support the structure and supports, are now carved with unique designs and can be used to decorate. These decorative features are perfect for cabinets, walls and for displaying artwork. These decorative features are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you are certain to find one that fits your needs.
Corbels can add a unique look to the design of your electric fireplace. These decorative elements can give the room a an old-fashioned look that will complement the rest of your decor. The brackets can be matched to the color scheme of your space by painting or staining them. You can also choose natural finishes to let the beauty of the wood shine through. The selection of wood is crucial, as each species has its own unique texture and grain pattern that affects the appearance of the corbels when finished.
If you're looking to add a unique flair to your kitchen or make your mantel look more elegant Corbels made of wood are a great choice. These architectural structures are comprised of 90-degree brackets which can be used to support or decorate rooms. Outside, they decorate porches and eaves, and can even draw attention upwards to make a room appear larger. They can be carved inside to appear like decorative columns. They are often used to support mantels, island bars, and countertops.
A corbel should account for at 70 percent of the overhang, so it is essential to determine the amount of depth you require before you purchase a product. Be aware of the weight of items that will be placed atop a bracket and choose a solid wood that will ensure it is able to hold them without becoming sagging.
Besides being a great accent piece, corbels could also be used as legs for an old table or to decorate a plain-front shelf. They add a touch elegance to any space and are particularly popular in dining rooms. Kathleen from Faded Charm utilizes a pair of beautiful corbels in the photo to divide her living and dining spaces.
Decorative Items
A fireplace is an important focal point in any room that encourages guests to gather So, make sure you decorate your fireplace to increase the atmosphere. Incorporating decorative elements into the space is an easy and affordable way to alter the look of your house. You can improve the look of your fireplace with vase, picture frames, mirrors and small decorative objects.
You can also add some personal design to your mantel by adding an accent piece such as an artwork or sculpture. Sara Ligorri Tramp, a homeowner, put a frame on a fabric that she inherited from mother to display on her mantel. The modern, textured piece adds warmth to a living room.
An electric fireplace can be given a a more authentic feel by adding logs or stones to the area around the firebox to help blend it into the surrounding decor. It will also draw attention to the ambient LED fires. Some electric fireplaces include imitation crackling as an additional feature that can subtly change the mood of the room.
Other decorative objects, like a extra large electric fireplace with mantel bowl of river rocks are a great addition to the fireplace. This is an easy and effective accent which can be customized to fit any style of décor. The varying color and size of the rocks will create a lively appearance that showcases an intelligent design.
Add a wood mantel if you have an electric fireplace and a traditional wood or gas fireplace to give it a more balanced and authentic look. It will also enhance the existing design.
Another option to make an electric fireplace appear more natural is to use the stone surround or brick-like façade that is compatible with your fireplace. You can also add an imitation fireplace using brick panels that peel and stick or MDF board and roman clay to create a stone-like facade. Brexton Cole Interiors utilized this element in this open-plan living/dining space to create a contrast.
Decorated items can be the perfect final touch to an electric fireplace, but you can also beautify the wall in front of it with wallpaper that is textured. Kirsten Blazek of A1000XBetter used a dark teal color for her mantel to complement the bold color in the wallpaper. She hung art and family photos on the wall as well as a small decor display.