| If you want to redecorate your living room, but feel | | | | safe distance from any flames. You can also install a |
| constrained by the design of your fireplace, consider | | | | fireplace mantel as a conventional shelf along any wall |
| a new fireplace mantel or mantel shelf. Adding a | | | | to add a flourish to any décor. Wherever you |
| fireplace mantel shelf or replacing your existing shelf | | | | plan to install your fireplace mantel, be sure that it |
| can revamp your fireplace, giving a whole new feel | | | | can be secured to wood studs or a brick surface. |
| to any room. | | | | Most mantel shelves are fairly simple to install and |
| Types of Fireplace Mantel Shelves | | | | come with installation instructions. However, if you do |
| There are two types of fireplace shelves: | | | | not feel completely comfortable or do not have the |
| * Mantel Shelves | | | | proper tools, you may want to consider hiring a |
| * Open Shelves | | | | contractor. |
| Open shelves typically flank the face of the fireplace | | | | Be sure to get a fireplace insert that can handle the |
| and can add an expansive look as well as lots of | | | | fuel you want to burn. The idea is to replace your |
| extra storage space. However, in order to add this | | | | existing fireplace opening with a unit that can handle |
| type of shelving you usually have to replace the | | | | hotter burning fuel. |
| entire fireplace façade, which can sometimes | | | | A fireplace can be warm and inviting, but a fire can |
| be time consuming and expensive. | | | | be extremely dangerous. Many tools you use for |
| It tends to be easier to add accent by simply | | | | your fireplace will be going directly into the fire, so |
| changing the fireplace mantel shelf. Most fireplace | | | | you need to make sure they are fire-resistant and |
| mantel shelves are made of wood, although it is | | | | safe for you to handle. Obviously, anything that does |
| possible to find mantels made of metal, stone, or | | | | go into the fire should be made of a durable material, |
| tempered glass. If you are interested in less | | | | such as wrought iron. But if you don't like the look of |
| traditional materials, it is best to find a company that | | | | wrought iron, there are plenty of other materials you |
| can custom design and install your shelf for you. If | | | | can choose from that include brass, copper, bronze, |
| you want to keep it easy, check online for a new | | | | nickel, graphite, stainless steel, pewter, and more. In |
| wood fireplace mantel that will fit your needs. | | | | addition, a good pair of fire-resistant gloves will |
| Fireplace mantel shelves come in a variety of | | | | prevent your hands from burning. |
| different sizes, colors and finishes. An unfinished | | | | Fireplace Tools and Your Home Décor |
| wood fireplace mantel allows you to paint or stain | | | | Safety and functionality are key components to |
| your shelf to fit your décor. | | | | choosing the right fireplace tools for your fireplace, |
| Buying a Fireplace Mantel | | | | but these tools are also decorative pieces that add |
| Before you purchase your fireplace mantel shelf you | | | | style to your fireplace and your home. As a result, |
| will want to measure the area where you would like | | | | you don't want to just choose the first set that you |
| your mantel to go. Ideally, your shelf should be at | | | | see. There are many different styles available, from |
| least as long as your fireplace. Most shelves range | | | | traditional to contemporary, that can complement the |
| between 50 and 90 inches. It is usually better to buy | | | | current design of your home. Use your current home |
| a longer shelf than a shorter one as it can also very | | | | décor as a guide when you choose the look |
| attractive to have a fireplace mantel that extends | | | | of your new fireplace accessories. If you're looking |
| beyond the edges of your fireplace, as opposed to | | | | for something with an antique feel, don't buy the |
| vice versa. Most fireplace mantel shelves are installed | | | | sleek stainless steel fireplace tool set. Wait until you |
| 5 feet off the floor, but the most important | | | | find the set that works for you. |
| consideration is whether your shelf is installed at a | | | | |