Fireplaces, if utilized correctly, can do so much more than frame a glowing fire. Although that is sufficient, why settle when the space can truly be maximized.
In the previous post on Fireplace Design Ideas,we covered a fairly quick and inexpensive way to use balance and symmetry to make a fireplace standout.
Read Fireplace Design Ideas here.
Ornate mantels are perfectly suited for showing off collections of books, trinkets and other small items. The key is to arrange them in such a way that it appears to be organized chaos.
For instance, stack 3-5 hardcover books and place next to 3-5 hardcover books placed vertically. The stacked books are great spaces to place small, framed photos or other wares.
For the best effect, remove the dust jackets so the artwork and flamboyant lettering won’t take away from the charming feel of the mantel. The end result will look as though you randomly use the mantel to store miscellaneous items, but the organization and flow will add to the room.
Mantels by Pearl Mantel, like the Deauville Mantel pictured here, are handcrafted and carved from an Asian hardwood called Choi. Choi is light in color and tight grained, similar to American White Oak, which means it takes very well to staining and coloring.
The Deauville Mantel is available unfinished or in the fruitwood finish pictured here. For the serious do-it-yourselfer, purchasing the mantel unfinished will truly open up some opportunities to transform the room.