How Rustic Fireplace Mantels Can Highlight The Country Look

The rough appearance and unfinished look of rustic decor appeals to many homeowners. Walls and chairs with textured paint, a twig trellis and other pieces with a country style look can be personally made by homeowners, or bought online or from retail outlets.

This creativity and market availability also covers rustic fireplace mantels. Materials for rustic mantels are available in most home improvement or do-it-yourself stores. Some retailers also offer pre-assembled mantels. However, some prefer to install and build their own, as this generates savings and allows a personal touch.

Homeowners who wish to personalize their fireplace mantels should remember the following:

• Since the look is richly textural, the addition of rustic furnishings should be tempered to prevent the room from being 'saturated'. This approach will allow greater appreciation and impact for the few pieces that are used.
• Fabric is an element that has the ability to link rustic furnishings with all other items in the room.
• Homeowners also have the option to add pieces beside the fireplace. An Adirondack-style chair to one side of the hearth can also provide that homey feeling rustic accents bring.
• A small painting can be framed above the mantel using a paneled chimney breast. Putting the picture frame above the mantel puts an emphasis on the tone or setting of the room.
• A vase, candlestick or other objects treasured by the owner can be placed on the mantel in groups of three to create a pleasing effect. Adjoining spaces can be used to enhance focus on the mantel by hanging items in increasing sizes such as pottery on one side.
• The mantel's hard edges can be offset by hanging or leaning a mirror, especially a round one. This mirror can be accentuated by having candlesticks of different sizes and shapes, but made from a single material such as wood, on the sides of the mirror.
• For homeowners who prefer collectibles and art on their fireplace mantel, framed family pictures mixed with trophies and other memorabilia would exude that homey feeling one experiences in rustic or country settings.
• A decorative bowl or any other small piece, combined with candlesticks or vases, can be used to cover bare spots in case large frames or artwork are unavailable for the mantel.
• Candlesticks themselves can be combined with hurricane lanterns to effect a romantic atmosphere.
• Porcelains and other treasured collections can be combined to dress up the fireplace mantel.
• Naturals such as magnolia tree branches, which remain green over a couple of weeks, can be placed in fireboxes during the warm season.
• For custom fireplace mantels, homeowers can consider caulked edges and the use of primer and paint to create a desired look.

Selecting Rustic Fireplace Mantels 

The fireplace often serves as the focal point or 'heart' of the room. This is because it is definitely that part of the home that everyone sees - when the fire is lit, most everyone is pulled toward the fireplace and lounge around for warmth and comfort.

The fireplace mantel serves as the basis for room decor. Since they are permanent, all other movable pieces in the room are set to effect a preferred design. Owners therefore have to have the pieces that match and also complement the mantel.

The wood mantel is arguably the favorite due to its flexibility in terms of custom design. Maple, oak, cherry, cedar and other choices are available in the market. Since the attraction of a rustic or country setting is drawn in part from having that unfinished look, wood fireplace mantels would be a perfect complement that may no longer require any touch-ups or alterations.

Marble or stone fireplace mantels give consumers another option. Beyond evoking beauty and strength, stone mantels are better able to handle wear and tear compared to wood mantels. Other styles available are colonial, concrete and precast, and Victorian and French fireplace mantels.