Create an inviting focal point in any room by bringing out the hidden potential and true beauty of your fireplace.  A Fireplace Mantel upgrade or update isn’t hard to do and is an easy way to take advantage of the latest style trends.

The Cambridge wood fireplace mantel is a perfect example of a classic, traditional mantel.

Classic styles are almost always the most popular and are available in a wide variety of materials to suit most any home.  Wood fireplace mantels offer great looks depending on the type of wood, the grain of the wood, and can be painted or stained to your specific color needs.  These mantels are available in either mantel shelf or full mantel surround styles.

A Fireplace Mantel Shelf is a great way to instantly update a tired fireplace or add visual interest to a fireplace with no adornment.  Their unique mounting system make them incredibly easy to install, giving you a great new look with very little effort.

Mantel surrounds, on the other hand, are perfect if you are trying to completely update your room décor.  They are available in a variety of materials – wood, stone, or marble.  Wood Mantels can be custom sized to fit almost any pre-existing fireplace.  They can come either fully finished at the factory or unfinished to be painted or stained at the job site.  Mantels Direct offers custom color matching where your mantel will arrive ready to install pre stained or painted to perfectly match your exiting room color.

A fireplace mantel shelf is a perfect alternative to a full three-sided mantel.

Stone mantels are quickly becoming the strongest trend, and for good reason.  You will be amazed at the variety of styles – from clean and simple lines, to classically ornate or modern and bold.  Stone Mantels can also be customized to fit almost any fireplace size or shape. Elegant stone ages gracefully and will add beauty and value to your home for years to come.

Custom Stone Mantel and Overmantel with TV and Media

For another option, adding an overmantel for height and visual interest is a unique way to finish out a fireplace. An overmantel is basically a mantel or additional framing over the lower mantel surround.   A current trend is to incorporate a television to fit within the overmantel.  There are several overmantel styles available in matching material to stone mantels.  Almost any wood or stone mantel can have an overmantel created to match.

Make the most of your fireplace year round by adding decorative touches that draw the eye to one of the largest features in any room.

One of the most popular products on MantelsDirect.com is the Fireplace Mantel Shelf. Many folks will order a standard fireplace shelf (by standard, I mean fixed size), but many more have situations where a standard mantel shelf will just not work. Fortunately, we are able to create custom lengths (D) and heights (H), as well as special shapes including ‘L’ Shape and ‘U’ Shape Wrap Around Shelves to meet situational challenges.
Each of the Traditional Wood Shelves that we offer can be ordered in a custom size and shape, in addition to the wood type and finish of choice.

Even cast stone shelf can be made to fit, send a drawing call for quote the swear they can do anything…

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.

For a truly rustic feel to add to your new or existing home, consider installing a Timber fireplace mantel shelf. MantelsDirect.com offers New England Timber Works designs exclusively. The company has been working with timber for over 30 years and is a leader in the Timber mantel industry. Their distinctive timber fireplace mantel shelves are handcrafted, following the tradition of authentic timber framing.

Finishing Options And Wood Types

Each mantel shelf design is available in your choice of four unique, solid wood types and comes completely finished in your choice of stain color. Available in custom sizes, below are the available wood types:

• Hemlock
• White Pine
• Douglas Fir
• Oak

Colors available are Fresh Sawn, Autumn Leaf, Pinecone, Clear, Honeytone, and Birch Bark. Colors may vary with the type of wood chosen. TimberJack® is a specially-developed product used for the application to interior and exterior log and timberframe homes. Formulated to add beauty and protection to your investment in wood, TimberJack conveys remarkable natural hues to augment the rustic character of most types of logs and wood surfaces.

Installing a Timber Fireplace Mantel Shelf is one of the easiest ways to add a rustic centerpiece to your home. When considering updating your home with one of these mantel shelves, contact MantelsDirect.com to provide their expert advice on all-things fireplace for your home.

As the weather starts to change and we switch our focus from outdoor living to indoor living updating your fireplace mantel can bring new life to a tired looking room. A fireplace is the focal point of any room; it creates a warm, inviting gathering spot for friends and family. At Mantels Direct we offer mantel shelves, fireplace surrounds, stone mantels, and everything in between to help you create a restful retreat.

Mantel shelves are one of our most popular items; our shelves are available in a variety of styles, sizes, wood options and paint or stain finishes. Adding or upgrading a mantel shelf above a fireplace adds dimension, style, and creates a more finished focal point. You will find our fireplace mantel shelves are easy to install and in most cases, include adjustable brackets to complement your selection.

Weston Mantel Shelf shown with black paint. Offered exclusively from MantelsDirect.com – starting at $188

Create a statement with a wood fireplace mantel made from poplar, cherry, maple, or oak with the finish of your choice. A mantel surround is easy to install and adds a dramatic effect to any room. Bring a boring, tired fireplace to life by adding one of our elegant, stylish fireplace mantel surrounds.

Lancaster Wood Fireplace Mantel shown in Knotty Alder starts at $863

Adding a stone mantel to your home is the ultimate way to change a room’s ambiance. Our stone mantels are exquisitely designed and offered in a variety of stone finishes and colors. The Chelsea Stone Mantel design features clean lines and simple elegance. The Claire Stone Mantel design is a beautiful way to make a bold statement and features rich, artfully designed columns. All of our stone mantels are available in standard or custom sizes and feature a lightweight design.

The Claire is a popular stone mantel from our Classic Stone Mantel Series.

MantelsDirect.com is the leading online retailer of fireplace mantel shelves, fireplace mantel surrounds, stone mantels, timber mantels, and marble mantels. We also offer an extensive collection of fireplace accessories, including log holders and tool sets.

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.

Traditionally your fireplace is the focal point of any room, people are drawn to the comfort and beauty fireplaces emit. Weather you have a wood burning fireplace or electric fireplace, decorating your mantel is a great way to add a pop of color to your room.

Add a fresh look with flowers and greenery to your fireplace mantel surround. Arrange floral vases in a unique pattern to add color and dimension to a classic fireplace.

Turn your elegant stone mantel into an easel for your favorite piece of art. We recommend leaning or hanging a large painting for a dramatic effect.

Add a collection of old books, paintings, and antique accessories to a simple mantel shelf for added color and dimension. The key with this tip is have your decorative items appear as though they belong on your mantel – no need to have items displayed straight and narrow for this design, the more angles the more fun!

MantelsDirect offers quality wood mantel shelves, fireplace mantel surrounds, marble mantels, timber mantels, and cabinet mantels.

According to top real estate agencies home sales stay strong from late April to early August. If your home is for sale and you haven’t had a buyer come knocking it may be a good idea to make a few small, affordable updates that get people excited about your home and make your home stand out.

MantelsDirect.com has been helping homeowners update their fireplaces making a elegant impact on their family rooms and living rooms for nearly ten years.

Buying a home is an emotional decision and fireplaces affect everyone, even if they never throw a log on the fire. A buyer imagines it being used, whether it is a mental image of an old Norman Rockwell painting, Christmas stockings hung on the mantel, or a romantic evening snuggled up to a loved one in front of a flickering or roaring fire.

Homebuyers will focus on your fireplace. Your fireplace could affect whether they make an offer on your home. Or not make an offer. Or offer less money. You might want to update your fireplace.

Fireplace mantel shelves are available in several wood types, including: Alder, Cherry, Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Maple, MDF, Oak, Pine, and Poplar. MantelsDirect.com offers several finishes to compliment each wood type. Mantel Shelves are available in standard and custom sizes. You will find that all of our fireplace mantel shelves are easy-to-install. In most cases, adjustable brackets are available to complement your selection. Adding a fireplace mantel shelf is a easy, affordable way to bring elegance and décor to any family room. See our before and after pictures:

If you are looking to create a statement than you should consider updating your home with a fireplace mantel surround. Mantel surrounds are available in wood, stone, marble, timber, and cabinet styles. Mantel surrounds are designed to overlap your fireplace facing material and provide a finished transition between wall, facing, and firebox. Fireplace mantel surrounds are easy to install, with only a few tools and limited skills, you can quickly install your mantel kit and makeover your living space. Adding a fireplace mantel surround will not only make your home standout from others potential buyers will be looking at it could help close the deal!