Tips to Consider Before Buying Antique Fireplace Mantels

The fireplace mantel system considered an element of elegance and its detail that makes a home feel comfortable and warm. The fireplace is the focal point of the room, and thus the fireplace mantel must be decorated accordingly. Do not decorate the mantel for just one month of the year but use décor elements like tool set and fireplace screen all throughout the year. If you are remodeling your home, you must buy a new fireplace mantel to improve the décor. The material choice for the fireplace mantel is dependent on the décor of the home. If you visit a local salvage company, you will find the antique fireplace mantels.

Choosing a fireplace mantel is never easy. Fireplace mantels are available in hundreds of styles and thus choosing a perfect one is overwhelming. It is even more confusing to choose a wooden mantel as there are various wood options such as oak, cherry, walnut, etc. Thus, it is good to choose antique fireplace mantel that can blend with any of the interiors. The word ‘antique’ implies old and something that belongs to the bygone era of 17th and 18th century.

Get Assistance from An Interior Designer

There are various things you need to consider when buying a fireplace mantel. Hire an interior designer to help you out with the purchases. He will consider the overall theme of the home to give you options. You cannot just consider rough timber beam for the fireplace mantel oozing out French provincial architecture. You may use the rough beam only in some rustic décor room or the log home.

Choose the Appropriate Design and Layout of The Fireplace Mantel

You need to decide whether the mantel will be horizontal shelf staying above the fireplace or will it form the part of the surround. Stunning designs of fireplace mantels can form the surrounds of the fireplace where the legs connect to the mantel’s horizontal aspect. Many homeowners choose antique fireplace mantel above others since the mantels are easy to restore. It may be stripped and then refinished by the company.

An Antique Fireplace Mantel Should Pass the Building Code

Before you buy any antique fireplace mantel, make sure it passes the building code. The modern building code is mostly concerned with the combustible material above the opening of the firebox and how far is it accessible to the left and right of the firebox opening.

Antique Fireplace Mantel as Per the Budget

Depending on the budget and the time you may devote to the purchase of fireplace mantel, you may explore the option of woodcarver guild in the area. If you want, you may choose a custom build fireplace mantel as per your needs. A woodcarver is a versatile option that is available in many designs and patterns. A woodcarver may also come with the grapevine design to simply represent the family tree. You may buy creative and innovative mantels nowadays.

Choose A Fireplace Mantel of Adequate Size

Besides the design, the material and the pattern, there are various other things to consider when you buy an antique fireplace mantel. Pay attention to the size and scale of the mantel. The scale of the mantel should match the size of the room and the opening of the fireplace. Only those rooms having tall ceilings can support the overly sized mantel.

When you shop for the antique fireplace mantels, do find out how the mantel will mount to the wall. It must allow you to hide all the fasteners so that the product appears glued to the walls.