If you have a fireplace in your home, the ideal way to complete the aesthetic is by encasing it with a wood mantel. You can find wood mantels carved from a number of woods, such as maple, linden wood, and other hardwoods. You can purchase mantels made from these woods that are sanded and ready to be finished however you choose. If you prefer the natural color of the wood, a simple sealant can protect your wood mantel.

Features of Wood Mantels

Many wood mantels feature intricate designs with classical elements such as vines and leaves, flowers, scrolls, and shells. Though mantels are traditionally sculpted from marble, a wood mantel does not seem as cold in its appearance. The elegant designs provide the perfect frame for a warm hearth. It is unlikely that you would hang a bare painting on the wall with no frame. Similarly, an unframed fireplace is missing an element that is essential to complete it as a focal point of the room.

If you already have a simple mantel that you do not wish to change, you might consider adding a wood mantel shelf. Using the same delicate features found in wood mantels, this can provide a shelf near your fireplace that can be used as a display. They are very easy to install, and wood mantel shelves can be stained or painted to match your room without sacrificing the beauty of the underlying design.

Sometimes, a beautiful wood mantel is not the last piece that will be added to complete the design for a room. You might want to purchase a fireplace screen or tool set to round out that area of the room. You may also want to place wall sconces on either side of the fireplace above the mantel. The more beautiful you make your fireplace and the surrounding area, the more you and your guests will be inspired to relax in that area.