Adding a Fireplace Mantel Surround

August 24th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

Do you have an outdated brick or tile fireplace that you’d like to update? MantelsDirect offers a variety of fireplace mantel surround facing kits that are easy to install, available in a variety of finishes and colors, and competitively priced. Whether you’re looking to increasing your home resale value or simply wanting to update your living or family room our fireplace surround kits are sure to give you an elegant, stylish look. We offer natural stone, granite and marble surrounds.

The fireplace is the focal point of every home. Look through any interior design magazine and you will always see a picture of the fireplace. Fireplaces are recommended by home building experts as one of the top three ways to improve the resale value of the home. In fact, the number one upgrade item chosen by new homeowners is the fireplace. If this is truly the focal point, then let’s upgrade from cheap ceramic or marble tiles to a slab surround.

  • Natural stone is recognized as one of the hottest building and design products currently available for upgrading the interior of the home.
  • The majority of new homes in the United States priced over $100,000 are currently using marble or slate fireplace surrounds.
  • Versatile in their application, stone products work beautifully with both traditional and contemporary designs.
  • Each piece of natural stone is unique in its characteristics; no other set is exactly the same.
  • Natural stone products bring years of enjoyment with very little maintenance.

Natural Stone will not only increase the value of your home, but will enhance the beauty of your fireplace for years to come. The facings we offer have been carefully selected, cut and polished. With proper care and maintenance, your natural stone hearth and facing will bring many years of enjoyment.

Marble and granite are natural stones that have has been blessed with a remarkable natural beauty that has captivated humans throughout the ages. Inherent in such natural products is a certain lack of predictability that sophisticated architects and designers celebrate. Consumers who are less acquainted with the material expect the marble ordered to be identical to the picture or sample they were shown. Although sample stones are intended to be representative of the quarry’s product, the material quarried at one time may differ slightly in color and veining from the sample. Moreover, even a single marble or granite slab will possess a certain amount of color variation from one end to the other. Interior designers and architects have come to view this tendency of natural stone as an advantage. Slight irregularities can be pleasing, introducing an element of the natural into human-designed spaces, whether residential or commercial.

Natural stone, granite, and marble can be used in various designs to create warm, inviting living and family rooms perfect for gathering and entertaining. Find more inspiration on our website, we show you how to take the beauty of natural stone, granite, and marble to a new level.


Posted in Fireplace Mantels | No Comments »

Product Spotlight: Outdoor Patio Heaters

August 22nd, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

Nothing brings a fabulous backyard party to an end faster than chilly night air that sends guests scrambling for jackets and shelter. But unless you want to limit your outdoor entertaining to the summer months, dealing with colder conditions at some point is a fact of life. Fortunately, all it really takes to solve this problem is the addition of a few outdoor patio heaters in strategic locations around your deck or yard.

Outdoor patio heaters are a stylish, unobtrusive way to heat your backyard without going to the expense of installing a full-sized fireplace or sacrificing performance. In fact, depending on the particular model you select, these units are capable of heat output that ranges from a modest 10,000 BTUs to a whopping 40,000 BTUs, which is enough to keep everyone comfortable in any season. Plus, outdoor patio heaters come in many shapes, sizes, and styles giving you a variety of options to choose from.

Here are the most popular types we sell at MantelsDirect.com:

  • Tabletop units. If your outdoor space is small and limited, then a tabletop heater would be sufficient for your needs. The tabletop units we carry are compact and easy to assemble. Using a standard 1 lb. propane tank, they are able to warm a 7- to 10-foot radius by up to 25 degrees.
  • Umbrella units. These clever units run on regular household electricity and attach to any standard umbrella pole to provide instant heat with the flip of a switch. They represent the ultimate in affordable space-saving outdoor heating solutions, and are a terrific choice for intimate gatherings.
  • Wall-mounted outdoor patio heaters. If there are walls or structural beams near your outdoor entertaining area, then you should consider installing a wall-mounted heater or two. These units are powered by a standard electrical current, making them more cost-effective than propane units, and their 5,000 hour lamp life ensures that you’ll be able to host hundreds of get-togethers before having to purchase a replacement.
  • Floor units. For the utmost in flexibility, we recommend floor units. These standalone heating appliances look like typical floor lamps, but because they are powered by LP gas they can be placed anywhere in your yard, regardless of whether or not there’s an electrical outlet nearby. We carry a large selection of residential and commercial models, both of which are capable of delivering tremendous warmth across a wide radius.

Most of the outdoor patio heaters featured on our site are made of highly durable type 304 stainless steel and run on standard electricity or propane gas for easy, no-fuss operation. We also have styles and models to fit any outdoor space and budget, so be sure to browse our entire collection to find one you like. Once you add an attractive heater to your yard, you can keep the party going all night long!

Posted in Outdoor patio heaters | No Comments »

Simply the Sweet Life: Tips on Building A Fire Pit

August 21st, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

Simply the Sweet Life is a home & garden lifestyle magazine with features on great food & recipes, fresh creative ideas, stylish entertaining & lifestyle tips, and family travels to create lasting memories. It is the place to find Simple little things to make Life Sweet! MantelsDirect was featured in their No. 3 Summer Issue. Our team shares tips on building an outdoor fire pit and gives step by step directions to creating the perfect outdoor fire! Gather around your family and friends there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy the outdoors! Click below to read the full article, we’re featured on pages 42-43.

Posted in Fire Pit, Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Fireplaces | No Comments »

Sleek, NEW, Modern Patioflame Linear Outdoor Fire Pit

August 20th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

Its back-to-school time but they are still plenty of outdoor evenings to enjoy! MantelsDirect.com now offers the Napoleon Linear Patioflame outdoor fire pit. This fire pit features a slim, sleek, modern design, which adds style to any outdoor décor. There’s nothing more enjoyable than spending time outdoors with family and friends, outdoor fire pits allow you to keep you loved ones comfortable even as the seasons start to turn. This Linear Fire Pit features 60,000 BTUs of powerful heat output and is designed to run on liquid propane however we include a natural gas conversion kit for those who prefer gas. Installation and set up is a breeze, start your fire pit with the equipped electronic ignition. This fire pit is safe to use on wooden decks, stone, or brick patios. Keep warm this fall with this stylish outdoor fire pit focal point!

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Autumn Mantel Design Tips

August 18th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

As the weather begins to turn and your family gathers around the living room fireplace, create a beautiful autumn mantel design to welcome the changing of the seasons. Richly colored leaves, warm fall candles, and classic pumpkins make these mantel designs as fun as they are stylish.

Leaves: One of the classic icons of fall are leaves, which makes the perfect, living room fireplace mantel decoration. While it may be tempting to simply grab a handful of brightly colored fallen leaves from outside, real leaves often crumble and can leave a mess around your home. We recommended opting for fake, craft leaves available at craft and home improvement stores. Here are a few ideas from the MantelsDirect.com team:

  • Scatter single, loose leaves across your mantel, our idea is to make the leaves look like they gently fell from a tree. Be sure to mix up the colors and arrange them in slightly different positions to appear natural.
  • Place large leaves under candle holders, small clocks, vases, and other accessories on your mantel.
  • If leaves are not loose, rather attached to faux branches, gather the branches together like a flower arrangement and place in a clear glass or autumn colored vase to place on one end of the mantel.

Pumpkins: The pumpkin may be the most recognized fall icon! This gourd is easily styled to fit any home decor, from casual kid-friendly, to formal, to ultra modern pumpkins add color and warmth. Selecting the correct size of pumpkin, along with color, shape and finish ensures your fall decorated fireplace mantel blends perfectly into your home. While you can use real pumpkins, but after a week or two they can become soft and lose their shape. Try decorating with plastic, fabric or glass pumpkins to have a mantel design that will last year after year. Here are a few simple ideas:

  • Place one small, orange pumpkin next to a candle or clock – simple and elegant.
  • Place a line of small orange pumpkins down the line of your mantel.
  • If you have children, let them paint faces on the pumpkins or paint the whole pumpkin in yellow, brown, green or gold autumn colors.
  • Taller, thinner pumpkins make great end pieces for each side of the mantle.
  • Painting your pumpkins white or finding certain varieties of pumpkins that naturally occur in white, allows them to easily blend in with modern or nautical themed home styles.

Candles: Candles always make a beautiful addition to any mantel and fall is a great time to use scented and colored candles to enhance your decorative style. Finding scents that match the season and are enjoyed by you and your family is the first step in decorating your autumn mantel. Here are our affordable, easy ideas:

  • Choose candles in colors like brown, tan, gold, orange, and dark green – these are all natural fall colors.
  • Some of the best autumn scents include pumpkin, wood scents, and apple cider.
  • Use darker colored, rustic looking candle holders and lanterns for an autumn harvest theme.
  • Tall, thin candlesticks work well in formal living rooms, while thicker, tall candles offer a stylish and dramatic look.
  • Small tea lights or votives can be slipped inside glass or ceramic pumpkin decorations to mimic the look of jack-o-lanterns.

Mantel Extras: You don’t need to completely remove all the items you currently have on your mantel to decorate for fall. Pick specific pieces to remain on the mantel and incorporate them into your design. Leaving some of your “year-round” accessories will help blend your home’s style with the seasonally themed decorations. We recommend working some of these common mantel accessories into your fall setup:

  • Clocks are a common décor piece placed on the mantel and can easily have leaves placed around them, vines draped over them, or a small candle placed next to them in a contrasting color.
  • Existing candle holders can be used if they are in darker, autumn colors, or covered with leaves or pumpkins.
  • Pictures are great mantel display items, simply update your frames with photos of your family and friends during the fall season – this is an expensive way to update your mantel.

Decorating your mantel for fall is a fun, simple process that beautifully incorporates the colors, scents and symbols of autumn into your home. Using warm tones likes brown, gold, green and tan mimics the colors of the changing leaves, while candles and pumpkins bring the season inside.

Posted in Fireplace Mantels, mantel designs | 1 Comment »

Outdoor Gas Fireplace Inserts

August 15th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

Is it time to remodel your outdoor living room? Have you just moved into a home where the previous owners didn’t know the first thing about taking care of outdoor fireplaces? If so, then you might think replacing that old unit is the best way to improve the area. But before you spend a ton of money tearing down all that brick and masonry, you should consider installing a gas fireplace insert instead.

Gas fireplace inserts fit into your existing fireplace framework to give the unit an all-new look and feel. They require no chimney or special ventilation system, so installation is fast and easy. Gas fireplace inserts even work in wood outdoor fireplaces, which means you can transform an inefficient, labor-intensive model into a convenient, energy-efficient source of heat and warmth in your yard.

And that’s just the beginning. Gas fireplace inserts also provide you with these fantastic features and benefits.

  • 100% stainless steel construction for supreme durability even in the face of the harshest outdoor conditions and weather elements.
  • Exclusive PHAZER log set that produces the most realistic looking flames available in gas outdoor fireplaces.
  • Between 40,000 and 65,000 BTU output (depending on model) and 99.9% energy efficiency for extra savings on heating bills.
  • Remote control access and piezo ignition for ease of use.
  • Safe Guard gas control system to automatically shut off the gas supply if you forget to do it.
  • Fully adjustable flames for more control over heat levels in your outdoor space.
  • Numerous styles and finishes to complement the rest of your outdoor furniture.

As you prepare to renovate your backyard, you should weigh all available options in regards to upgrading your fireplace. The right gas inserts can make outdoor fireplaces look and function as good as new while improving energy efficiency and saving money, so we encourage you to give these products a look before shelling out major cash for a complete rebuild.

Posted in Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Fireplaces | No Comments »

Inspiring Fireplace Mantel Designs for Summer

August 10th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

Who says you can’t use your fireplace in the summer? MantelsDirect has put together decorating ideas to keep your fireplace and mantel looking great even in the off-season. Often time’s simplicity is key in living spaces, especially in the summer when outside surroundings are alive with color and texture.

By adding a fireplace surround you add an element of design without needing much else. We suggest adding a few punches of color and you’ll create an inviting space to enjoy!

Do you have an old, dated brick fireplace? A quick and easy makeover includes a can of white paint and an affordable mantel shelf. By painting your brick a lighter color you’ll open up the room and make it feel bigger. Adding a wood mantel shelf will add warmth and elegance to your fireplace mantel design. Adorn with a few of your favorite accessories and you’ll have a fresh, summer look!

Updating an older, basic fireplace is easy with a MantelsDirect mantel surround. Our mantels are available in both standard and custom sizes and a variety of colors and finishes. Adding a mirror above your fireplace mantel is any easy way to open up your space and make it feel bigger. Adding accessories like candles create a warm, inviting space – even in summer.

A rustic fireplace mantel design adds natural charm to a traditional living space. MantelsDirect offers a variety of rustic mantels, which are high quality, handcrafted and can be made in Hemlock, Pine, Douglas Fir or Oak. Add a few accessories and this fireplace mantel becomes the heart of your home.

MantelsDirect.com offers the most extensive selection of high quality fireplace mantels, fireplaces and fireplace accessories you will find. Our experienced team of customer service professionals is available to assist you with measurement, special situations and selection issues.

Posted in Fireplace Mantel Designs, Fireplace Mantels, mantel designs | No Comments »

Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Fire Pit

August 9th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

With the temperatures cooling down, MantelsDirect.com shows you how to extend the outdoor season with our kick-off to fall entertaining guide. By creating a beautiful focal point to your outdoor room you’ll add seasons to your outdoor living. Fire pits have been on the rise that last few years with people spending more time outdoors entertaining and relaxing. MantelsDirect has highlighted a few of our favorite outdoor firepit designs giving you the inspiration to create your own oasis!

Create a Outdoor Room:

This outdoor gas fireplace serves as the centerpiece of the patio. Picture late evenings or crisp fall nights outside with your friends and family relaxing by this elegant outdoor fireplace.

Customizable Fireplaces:

Transform your backyard into a warm, inviting outdoor living area with one of our Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Kits. Add value to your home and create a place to share warm memories with friends and family for a lifetime! Each outdoor fireplace has interlocking pieces that can be assembled in an hour or less without glue or mortar. They are simple, safe and designed for a custom built look.

Classic Fun Style:

These hand-made, artisan fire pits are crafted by a skilled metal artist and built to last from solid carbon steel. Add a stunning outdoor fire pit sculpture to any space to transform it to an outdoor oasis.

Elegance & Functionality:

Our exquisite collection of stone outdoor firepit tables is offered in a variety of honed composite limestone finishes and colors. These are of the highest quality and style. Each fire pit table has variations in color and texture that captures the true essence of natural stone. Its unique color and natural veins are simply breathtaking.

Combining Warmth & Cooking:

Buschbeck outdoor fireplaces are the perfect solution for staying warm while meeting all of your grilling and cooking needs. Cook with wood or charcoal or simply enjoy a warm fire with our Buschbeck outdoor stone fireplaces. Built to last, these German made outdoor patio fireplaces will retain their good looks after many years of intensive use.

Posted in Fire Pit | No Comments »

Product Spotlight: Tabletop Fire Pit Options

August 8th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

Outdoor entertaining is about creating a distinctive ambience. You want your guests to have all the comforts of the indoors, while at the same time providing a few unique touches that make the al fresco experience memorable. That’s one of the reasons why many hosts and hostesses choose to use a tabletop fire pit as a centerpiece instead of more traditional flowers or candles.

A tabletop fire pit is a compact unit that is as functional as it is beautiful. Not only does this product instantly add a touch of elegance to your outdoor dinner party, but it is also capable of keeping the immediate area warm thanks to its 9,000 to 12,000 BTU output—approximately the same amount as a small space heater. Plus, each piece is designed to occupy a prominent spot on the table without obstructing your guests’ views, thereby facilitating conversation and conviviality throughout the evening.

Here is a brief look at some of our most popular tabletop options.

  • Newcastle Tabletop Fire Bowl. This item has a lovely stacked stone base (which also cleverly hides the gas source) and lava rock design, while the propane fueled flame provides easy starts and clean-burning heat without smoky emissions. The Newcastle is made of durable materials that will last through many years of outdoor entertaining.
  • Havana Tabletop Fire Bowl. The Havana model is perfect for those that want the look of carved stone at a fraction of the cost. The lava rocks completely cover the fire ring, which helps displace the gas for more realistic looking flames. This unit features a stainless steel burner to ensure long-term performance, as well as a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.
  • Apollo Tabletop Fire Pit. This stunning unit uses special technology to produce a swirling flame effect that is visually enchanting and sure to wow your guests. It runs on eco-friendly, nontoxic gel fuel, which burns clean and produces zero smoke or other harmful emissions. The Apollo model is portable, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Allure Silver Vein Tabletop Fire Pit. The Allure model boasts the same great features as the Apollo, but comes with an ultra-sleek, modernistic base that would look terrific with your contemporary décor.
    If you don’t have the space required for a full-sized hearth product or if you simply want the portability and convenience of a smaller unit, then you should consider purchasing a tabletop fire pit. We offer several other styles in addition to the ones mentioned above, so you’re sure to find a wonderful match for your outdoor space.
  • Posted in Fire Pit, Tabletop Fire Pit | No Comments »

    Fireplace Mantel Design Ideas

    August 5th, 2011 by Emily Hulsey

    MantelsDirect.com offers decorating ideas for stunning fireplace mantels designs. Decorating inspiration includes easy-to-install mantel shelves, custom stone mantels, hand-carved marble mantels, and traditional wood mantels. Our ideas help create an outstanding fireplace mantel.

    Mantel shelves are available in many types of wood, timber, and cast stone. Mantel shelves are the perfect, affordable update to any room. Our mantels shelves are easy to install and available in standard and custom sizes. Simply hang a favorite picture above your mantel shelf and add a few accessories; you’ll add a beautiful focal point to any room. Below is one of our most popular mantels, the Commodore.

    Stone mantels designs add elegance and class to any room. MantelsDirect.com has 31 styles of mantel designs to choose from. A large stone mantel fireplace becomes a work of art and focal point on it’s own.  Below is our bold Venetian Stone Fireplace Mantel from the Majestic Series:

    Marble fireplace mantel designs are hand-sculpted and made one-at-a-time by the hands of a skilled master craftsman. Our marble fireplace mantels are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Adding a few accessories like, candles and greenery finishes a marble mantel look in any room.

    Traditional wood fireplace mantels add a classic styling to any décor. We offer wood mantel surrounds for every style and budget. The Heritage Fireplace Mantel is a classic mantel design and available in a variety of custom sizes. The Heritage is easy to install, with only a few tools and limited skill required. Adding a few pictures leaning against the wall with a couple of added accessories can create a comfortable, effortless look.

    Posted in Fireplace Mantels, Fireplace Stone, Fireplace Surrounds, Mantel Shelves | No Comments »

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