Fireplace Mantels Articles and Advice

How to Choose Fireplace Tools

A working fireplace is often a big selling point for a home, but many people who buy a home with one don’t often realize that it requires a certain amount of upkeep. To keep your fireplace the inviting centerpiece of your home, you’re going to need plenty of fireplace tools.

What Fireplace Accessories do You Need?

Did you just buy your dream home with a beautiful, wood-burning fireplace? Before you light your first fire, make sure you have all of the fireplace accessories you need to make your fireplace unique and keep you and your family safe.

Fireplace Screens

Fireplace screens serve the dual purpose of protecting your home from sparks and accenting your living room décor. Fireplace screens come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that fits your fireplace and your room perfectly.

Fireplace Accessories

When you start shopping for fireplace accessories, you'll find a wide range of options. Some are necessities if you have wood-burning fireplace, some help conserve energy, and some are simply for convenience and decoration.

The Advantages of the Electric Fireplace

If you have a non-functioning fireplace or have always wanted a fireplace in a specific room, but don't want to go to the expense of installing or repairing a wood-burning fireplace, than an electric fireplace is perfect for you.

Stone and Wood Fireplace Mantel Advice

Once you've decided you would like a new fireplace mantel, the hardest part is deciding if you want a stone, metal, or wood fireplace mantel.

Expand Your Home with an Outdoor Fireplaces

An outdoor fireplace can be as simple as a fire pit or a chimenea you set up for parties, or it can be a permanent outdoor feature complete with hearth, chimney, and mantel.

Gas Fireplace Logs

Gas fireplace logs are an excellent alternative to wood logs if you already have a gas fireplace starter. Gas logs are available in vented or ventless versions.

How to Maintain Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces with gas logs require little cleaning or maintenance throughout the year. Because they don't use wood, there are no ashes, partially burned logs, or soot to deal with.

How to Clean Wood Burning Fireplaces

You should clean your wood burning fireplace at least once a year to get the most out of it and ensure your safety. If fireplaces aren't cleaned, the built-up soot and creosote inside the firebox and the chimney can release carbon monoxide or start a fire in your chimney.

How to Maintain Outdoor Fireplaces

Depending on the type of outdoor fireplace you have, maintenance can be simple or complicated. By taking proper care of your fireplace, however much work it involves, you can ensure that it will remain useful and attractive for several seasons or more.

Fireplace Mantles or Fireplace Mantels?

Technically, using the word mantle instead of mantel for your fireplace is still correct. In architecture, you can use both terms to describe a shelf protruding from the wall above your fireplace, although mantel is the more common usage.

Fireplace Inserts

When your masonry fireplace is letting too much heat out of your home, it may be time for a fireplace insert. Fireplace inserts fit right into the firebox and use the principles of air convection and fans or blowers to re-circulate heat back into your home.

Enjoying Electric Fireplaces

New electric fireplaces can be great focal points at casual parties and dinners. Use your new fireplace as inspiration and invite your friends over for rich hot chocolate, toasted s'mores, and hot apple cider.

Mantel Decorating Ideas

Adding a breath of fresh air to a room can be as easy as revamping your fireplace mantel décor. Even if you don't have a fireplace you can add a floating mantel as a focal point or an accent.

How to Make a Fireplace Mantel

A fireplace is nothing but a space to build a fire. Once it's framed by décor - a surround and mantel - it becomes attractive and entertaining.

All About Fireplace Doors

Fireplace doors can help you control your fire and save energy, as well as being an attractive complement to your living area.

Pros and Cons of a Gas Fireplace

If you’ve picked out your fireplace mantel, you may be thinking about revamping your whole hearth. You could redo the wood burning fireplace you have now or you could install a brand new gas or electric fireplace. This article will give you all the pros and cons of gas fireplaces to complement your mantel.

Stone Fireplace Mantel Buying Guide

Stone fireplace mantels are an elegant way to add class and character to any room in your house. By understanding the different types of stone used in the construction of the mantel that you like the best, you will be able to pick the best stone fireplace mantel for your home.

What are Corner Fireplace Mantels?

Learn what corner fireplace mantels are, how they fit your fireplace and decor, and what options you have.

How to Ruin Fireplace Shelves

Fireplace shelves are beautiful accents to fireplaces. However they are easy to ruin. Here are some of the easier ways to ruin your fireplace mantel.

Stone Fireplaces, Mantels, and Surrounds

When most people think of stone fireplaces, they picture rustic lodges with field stone or river stone mantels and surrounds. A stone fireplace doesn’t have to be rustic, or made of individual stones, however.

Fireplace Mantel Décor and Accessories

Most people only think about fireplace mantel décor during the winter holidays, when they’re likely to pull out all the stops to make it gorgeous. But why decorate your mantel for one month of the year and leave it bland the rest of the time?

Log Holder Options

Looking for a log holder? Discover what options you have when it comes to fireplace log holders.

Firewood Rack vs. Log Holder

Learn about a firewood rack and how it differs from an indoor log holder.

So What is a Fireplace Insert?

You may have heard of fireplace inserts and how efficient they are. But do you know what they really are and how they work?

Fireplace Mantel Shelves Add Charm

If you want to redecorate your living room, but feel constrained by the design of your fireplace, consider a new fireplace mantel or mantel shelf.

Fireplace Mantels and Surrounds

Fireplace mantels and surrounds come in several sizes and styles. Learn how to measure your hearth and find the right mantel for your needs.

Fireplace Mantel Installation

Learn all about fireplace mantel installation, the materials you need, and the steps you need to take.

Fireplace Mantel Glossary

Discover many fireplace mantel design terms and get a better understanding of the type of styles involved.

Fireplace Mantel Shelf – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about their fireplace mantel shelf. Read through these FAQs and get answers to your questions.

Fireplace Mantel Ideas – Fireplace Mantels 123 Buying Guide

Welcome to the wonderful world of fireplace mantels and fireplace mantel ideas. A mantel shelf is more than just a piece of wood mounted above your hearth. It’s the perfect accent you place on your home.