It is definitely that time of year when we feel like staying home and getting snuggly. As the weather turns chilly, I often daydream about having a fireplace in my living room – or even better – the bedroom! A fireplace adds heat to be sure, but it also adds so much more. A fireplace elicits instant atmosphere; somehow it brings the outside in, taking us back to the campsite or the beach. It offers nostalgia and tradition and warmth all in one…
Types of fireplaces
The classic fireplace is wall-mounted, built flush against and into the wall. Usually there is a decorative upper or lower mantle for display purposes. The fireplace is connected to a chimney or vent to funnel the smoke out of the fireplace to the outdoors. Wall-mounted fireplaces can run on real wood (my favourite!), gas or even electricity.
The second type of fireplace is free standing. The best thing about a free-standing fireplace is that it is much easier to install and requires less modification to your home. As with wall-mounted fireplaces, free-standing fireplaces run on wood, gas or electricity and require ventilation to the outside.
What look is right for your home?
A fireplace becomes the focal point of any room, so it’s important that it complement your décor and furnishings. Think carefully about the materials you choose and the style of mantle.
Modern: Think clean and simple. Slate or simple wood is perfect. Maybe instead of a mantle, use a single shelf embedded in the design.
Elegant: French styling is gorgeous. Go with curves and graceful architecture. Bigger may be better. Make a statement! A beautiful screen adds even more grandeur.
Traditional: Bricks or wood are suitable for a fireplace in a traditional home. Go for contrast against your walls, or blend in the fireplace by painting the mantle the same colour as your backdrop. White is a perfect choice, allowing the items on the mantle to take centre stage.
Casual: Stone or earthy materials set a casual or country tone. Try a slab shelf or one made in reclaimed wood. Consider going floor to ceiling with stone or brickwork.
How to decorate a mantle shelf
First things first – there are no rules! Display what you love and what suits the mood of the room. But if you’re seeking some guidelines, these suggestions may help:
Lighting: Sconces, candles or small lamps, even antique oil lamps, provide a source of illumination and of beauty. One on either end of the mantle creates pleasing symmetry.
Art: Display something large over the mantle that draws the eye upward. A piece of art, a spectacular mirror, even an antique window or door! Of course, these days you may have a TV over your mantle, and that’s fine too.
Smaller items: Create interest in texture and height with smaller items that echo your theme – trinkets or leather bound books or plates or photographs – whatever you like.
Are you feeling inspired? I hope so! Remember; don’t be limited to the living room for a fireplace. If you can, consider your bedroom, family room or dining room – and then relax in the glow!
I appreciate your tip on how a traditional fireplace can go well when blended into the backdrop. It would seem that this is an elegant way to frame a fireplace without making it stand out too much. My wife and I want to put a fireplace in a home we are building. If we do we will be sure to consider it’s coloring to try to blend it into the backdrop it is set against.