Unlike decorative accents such as picture frames or small vases, mantels are major assets and are often the primary showpiece of a room. Because of this, it is important to choose a mantel that fits in with your decor but also makes the right statement. With over 100 mantels and mantel shelf designs, plus a variety of finishes and custom sizing, Mantels Direct is sure to have the perfect fireplace mantel for your home.

Hampton Traditional Wood Mantel, shown in Poplar with white finish, Emperador Marron Marble facing kit

Traditional Wood Mantels Our wood fireplace mantels come in 5 unique collections. The Prestige Collection mantels are characterized by elegant fluting and detailed carvings that pair well with marble or granite facing kits. The Traditional Design Collection includes classic, versatile designs, and the Valueline Collection is composed of value-priced mantels in a variety of basic styles.  We offer adjustable Cabinet and Corner Mantels for unique needs and spaces.  Additionally, the handcrafted Timber Mantel Collection is perfect for a cabin or any rustic decor style.

Marble Fireplace Mantels  We offer 7 high quality imported marble fireplace mantels. Each marble fireplace is hand-sculpted by skilled master craftsmen. They are available in a variety of fireplace sizes and return depths, and they are available in white, black, beige and green marble.  These marble fireplace designs exude culture and class.

Stone Fireplace Mantels  Our stone fireplace mantels are true showpieces and exquisite additions to any room. The Majestic and Classic Series stone fireplace mantels offer over 50 beautiful designs ranging from simple to extravagant, and each is available in 8 stone colors.  They include options for facing, hearths and overmantels. The Builder Series and Standard Mantel Kits include hearths and offer simpler, budget-conscious designs. All of our stone fireplace mantels are lightweight, so installation is quick and simple.

Clark Stone Mantel Shelf

Mantel Shelf Designs  For those who are on a budget, have limited room, or just need extra shelf space, our mantel shelf designs are a great option. We offer traditional wood, Timber, and stone mantel shelves.  Ranging from traditional to contemporary in design, each mantel shelf is easy to install, and each wood and Timber mantel shelf is available in custom lengths.  Many are also available in custom U and corner shapes.

No matter your style and budget, one of our mantels will be a perfect match for your home.  Want more information? View our previous post, and then explore your options at MantelsDirect.com.

Mantels Direct takes pride in offering fireplace mantels to fit all styles, needs and budgets.  For this week’s post, we compiled a short list of some of the most creative spaces to install our fireplace mantels and shelves.

In the Nursery, in the Kitchen (or any any room on any wall) Modern electric fireplace technology offers safe-to-the-touch heating options. You can now provide the soft glow and warmth of an electric fireplace mantel package. Set-up is simple and no venting or special wiring is necessary. Just plug in and enjoy the flickering flames and the on demand heat option.

On the Patio Mantels and shelves look great above an outdoor fireplace such as the Napoleon Outdoor Gas Fireplace Insert or any of our Rockwood Outdoor Fireplace Kits.  Our line of Timber Fireplace Mantels offers a rustic, natural feel that is the perfect addition to your outdoor fireplace.

Above an Entryway Fireplace mantel shelves such as the Madison or Hunter Fireplace Shelf models look fantastic above an entryway. If you are thinking of installing a mantel shelf in this space, you’ll want to order a custom shelf size to ensure that it fits into the entryway seamlessly.

Mantels Direct customer Pat Todaro installed a Madison Custom Mantel Shelf above this entryway. How creative!

Part of the fun of purchasing a new fireplace mantel from Mantels Direct is decorating it once it’s been installed.  Here are five creative suggestions to keep in mind when planning your mantel decor:

Make it seasonal. The fireplace mantel is a natural family gathering place that is easy to reach and accessorize, making it a great spot to celebrate the season. Reflect an upcoming holiday with simple touches such as lining the mantel’s edge with seasonally-appropriate ribbon, or placing holiday items like ornaments or Easter eggs in a tall, clear vase.  Another way to add a seasonal touch to your mantel decor is to incorporate accents from nature.  For example, welcome summer by enhancing your mantel with seashells, starfish, and a lantern.  Also consider purchasing a natural timber mantelto achieve a year-round natural look.

Timber mantels make for wonderful holiday decorating in the right setting.

Embrace the fire, even in the summer. Just because it’s summertime does not mean that you have to ditch the fire.  With most electric fireplaces, you have the option to activate the beautiful flame feature without the heat.  These products provide four-season enjoyment and have options to fit every style and budget. So remember to light your electric fireplace to complement the mantel and add a soft, welcoming ambiance to your home.

Try layering. Layering the decor on your mantel is easy to do and works on just about anything, whether it is frames, candles, vases, or other accessories. The trick is choosing items that represent a variety of sizes and share some characteristic such as color family or basic shape. Then, place (or lean) the smaller, more detailed accessories in front of the larger, plainer items. This picture demonstrates how proper layering can transform a cluster of objects into a lovely, consistent design.

Be bold. Use the fireplace mantel to make a statement and set a fun tone for the rest of the house.  The simplest way to do this is to use bold colors.  For example, frame the mantel with an orange and yellow wallpaper, or paint vintage vases a bright blue and set them on a contrasting white mantel.  You can even paint the mantel itself! Purchase an unfinished mantel shelf from Mantels Direct (select “unfinished” option at checkout) and color it however you’d like.  Be sure to coat it with a protective sealant once it’s been painted.

Get personal. Your mantel is a centerpiece of your home, so use it to tell your personal story.  Incorporate vintage family photos, frame heirloom jewelry, or place a stack of favorite books on the shelf’s corner. These possibilities are endless, and they give an instant dose of character to your fireplace mantel.

Fireplace mantles represent the center point of almost every home. Fireplace mantles are considered by many to be a place of gathering, a central spot in the home for a family to gather around the warmth of a fire. They represent in many ways, a time before families gathered around televisions or even radios, a time when conversation drove family relationships. It is hard not to picture family when one thinks of a mantle. We think of stockings hanging above a fire on Christmas Eve or a group of friends chatting about the passing days as they sit in their formal living room. A spot to sit around with the people who are important to us and talk without the distractions of the technological world.

For many people who wish to upgrade their existing fireplace the task of putting in a fireplace mantle seems daunting, but the process can actually be quite simple. When trying to decide what type of mantle one wishes to put into their home the sheer variety of fireplace mantles can be intimidating. What type of material are you interested in, stone, marble or a wood mantel? What style best suits your home? Are you looking for a more contemporary style or a more traditional look? All of these questions can seem daunting, however, a mantle can provide a central focal point for a home that is unique and unlike any other piece of furniture. Fireplace mantles represent a place to gather, which is one of the most important aspects of a home. Above all things, most people want their home to be welcoming and inviting, fireplace mantles are an important component for creating that environment.

There is a common perception that fireplace mantles have to be professionally installed and that installations must involve many hours of hard labor. The fact of the matter is, most fireplace mantles can be installed very easily by ordinary individuals in a single afternoon. Whether you are looking to install cast stone, marble or traditional wood, a fireplace mantle can be installed by following the few simple steps found here.  Not to be forgotten, one of the most crucial aspects of fireplace mantles are the fireplace facing kits. These marble, granite, limestone or travertine accents provide the perfect compliment to any traditional wood mantle.

Heritage Mantle with Red Mahogany Finish and a Verde Oriental Dark Marble Facing Kit

Often remodeling aspects of your home can seem like a daunting task. Whether you are simply interested in adding a bit of shelf space to your living room, or you are looking for a full stone surround as part of a larger remodeling project, the prospect of a fireplace remodel can be intimidating. Fortunately, the process of installing everything from a wood mantel shelf to a large marble mantel can easily be divided into a series of simple steps. The fact of the matter is, with the right tools and a bit of dedication, almost anyone can successfully complete a mantel installation as part of their fireplace remodel.

Most mantel installations involve only a small set of household tools and a little bit of time and dedication. Traditional wood mantels offer a simple yet substantial way to add sophistication and beauty to any fireplace remodel. Wood mantels such as the Hawthorne and Newport styles can transform a room, adding the traditional look of a wood mantle in only a couple of hours.

Here is an example of a Hawthorne Mantel

Here is a recent review discussing the ease of installing a mantel during a fireplace remodel.

“Just wanted to say that we are COMPLETELY satisfied with our purchase at MantelsDirect. Our shipment arrived on a Thursday and the following Saturday we installed it. The instructions were great, the construction “dead-on”, and the ease of installation a breeze. We were so very thrilled at the finished product, which now looks like it was built at the same time the house was. It totally transformed our somewhat-less-than-desirable fireplace into the focal point of our room. The “return” worked perfectly for our raised hearth and the corresponding lip. Thank you for such a good remedy for our “problem” area! We will share your site with all who view our newly installed mantel.”

Carol & Juan Cajigas

Before

After

With reviews like this the evidence is clear that anyone can transform their room with a fireplace remodel in just a few easy to follow steps.

Now that the holidays are behind us we have a launched a sale on all wood and stone mantels. This limited offer saves 5% on all standard or custom mantels. MantelsDirect.com has the largest selection of traditional wood mantels, wood mantel shelves and classic stone fireplace mantels. Period!. Each style is offered in both standard and custom sized to fit almost any situation. Now is the time to get your remodeling project started — we promise it will be painless. Our terrific staff can help with size specification, just provide us with some actual measurements of your situation and we will do the rest. Installation is simple and can be done by the homeowner in most cases (even stone mantels), or if help is needed, a general handy man without specific expertise.

Fireplace mantels can provide an inexpensive way to add immediate value to a focal area in your home. A typical project can be completed within a few hours. So get started!

Traditional Wood Fireplace Mantel

Claire Classic Stone Mantel

Updating a tired, worn out fireplace mantel is a terrific way to bring new life to your home. Mantels Direct has a variety of mantels options including wood fireplace mantels; cast stone fireplace mantels, and marble mantels. Ordering a fireplace mantel is easier then you may think. We’ve broken this into step that are quick and easy to follow (using wood mantels as an example).

1.) Select Style – this part if fun, browse through our fireplace mantels and choose the style that best fits your home.
2.) Check Size Availability: Will a standard size work for my mantel?
a. If your answer is “Yes” proceed to Step 4.
b. If your answer is “No” we will need three simple measurements to determine the cost of a custom mantel including your required inside height and width as well as the thickness of your facing. [If you have any questions we are happy to do the work for you by phone or via a measurement/quote form]
3.) Select Wood Type: Choose from Poplar, Red Oak, Cherry, Maple etc.
4.) Select Finish: Choose from paint and several stain options
5.) Calculate the cost of your mantel by selecting “Get Estimate”
6.) Review and place order [Note: for any custom sizes we will review measurements with you to confirm you have made the right choice]

MantelsDirect.com offers a complete selection of fireplace mantel surrounds and mantel shelves including Wood Mantels, Fireplace Mantel Shelves, Thin Cast Stone Fireplace Mantels, Cast Stone Mantels and Marble Mantels. We also offer a select collection of granite, marble, and travertine fireplace surround facing kits that complement our fireplace surrounds. In most cases, our mantels fit a variety of firebox dimensions. We can also create a custom fireplace mantel sized to fit most special situations.

Looking to update the look of your fireplace or a way to incorporate your fireplace into the design of your room? With so many options of both materials and looks available, it’s hard for many homeowners to decide on the right one. We recommend choosing a mantel that can be adapted easily for a new look (particularly if you would like to change your surroundings), or the more permanent variety such as big logs, heavy beams or even stone shelving.

Fireplace Mantel Shelves

Mantel shelves available in several wood types including: Alder, Cherry, Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Maple, MDF, Oak, Pine, and Poplar and many different finishes are available to compliment each wood type. The designs vary from traditional to timber which is considered more of a rustic design. These shelves can come in standard or custom lengths, so the possibilities are virtually endless. If you are a ‘do-it-yourselfer’ you’ll find that fireplace mantel shelves are easy-to-install. In most cases, adjustable brackets are available to complement your selection.

Traditional Wood Mantels

If classic and timeless is your taste, a traditional wood mantel is a viable option for your home. Available in standard or custom sizes, each mantel is offered in Poplar for painting, Poplar, Pine, Maple, Red Oak, and Cherry for staining.

Cast Stone Mantels

Fireplaces no longer have to be constructed of wood. You can choose from many materials, including a variety of stone finishes and colors. Classic Stone Mantels (A MantelsDirect.com exclusive) are lightweight, and provide a quick and easy installation. Each stone mantel is fire resistant and allows for zero clearance from combustible material (no space required between firebox and mantel) making it the perfect choice for gas or wood fireplaces.

Marble Mantels

If you are looking for a unique Victorian-style surround, consider looking into a marble mantel. MantelsDirect.com offers the Imperial Selection of high quality, hand carved marble surrounds. The selection is available in a variety of fireplace opening sizes and return depths and four distinctive fireplace marble colors.

No matter what your style or price point, we recommend gathering lots of ideas and photos of features that appeal to you, and enjoy planning that focal point of warmth for your home.

Is your fireplace looking a little tired? Or does your builder’s mantel still look as dull as it did when you moved in? You know the fireplace is the perfect focal point in any room. However, if your not happy with your current fireplace, it can be hard to design around it. By updating and re-facing your current mantel, you can give your fireplace and overall room a facelift.

• Cast stone mantels are lightweight, easy to install, and much more affordable than traditional solid stone mantels. Stone mantels are fire resistant and allow for zero clearance from combustible material (no space required between firebox and mantel) making it the perfect choice for gas and wood fireplaces.
• Marble mantels are classically designed and will add a touch of elegance to any space. Marble mantels are available in a variety of sizes, designs, and colors.
• Traditional wood mantels create a statement of style and craftsmanship. MantelsDirect.com offers wood mantels in cherry, maple, and oak. Wood mantels are designed to overlap your facing material and provide a finished transition between wall, facing, and firebox. Wood mantels are easy to install with just a few tools and limited skill, you can quickly install your mantel kit.

Replacing your fireplace mantel is an easy, affordable, and a quick way to bring style and spark to your home. See real before and after pictures from our customers:

Before

After

Real estate staging helps a home seller make their home more attractive and appealing to potential buyers. The goal of staging is to make your home look its best while on the market. This may include repositioning furniture, adding plants or a new rug. While these elements create a warm attractive atmosphere, the buyer will look beyond these soft furnishings to the bones of the house. An investment into the home’s architectural features could have an immediate impact when that buyer walks into the door. Features like crown molding, built-in cabinetry and fireplace mantels are features that remain when your rug is rolled up and moved out.

Studies show staged homes sell for more money than un-staged homes. Where could a short term investment in your home have the greatest impact? The first step is getting buyers to actually come to see your house. Staged houses look better on the MLS pictures. Naturally these photos of your home would include a living or family room. The fireplace mantel is the focal point within a space that draws the eye and makes your home stand out. Beef up or update the mantel fireplace and surround could be what makes your home memorable during a showing.

Review competing listings and compare your fireplace mantel to others found inside homes in your market. This may help determine the extent of work the fireplace mantel needs. Out with the old shiny brass fireplace accessories. A new updated fireplace screen may be the only staging needed. A do-it-yourself update of the fireplace mantel shelf, replacing the facing on the fireplace mantel surround or complete remodel of the wood fireplace mantel with the help of a contractor may be in order. Putting a little work toward to stage your home and make-over the fireplace mantel may be what gives your home the edge over competing properties.