Fireplace Mantel Designs...
Country Rock To Heavy Metal!

The broad range of style and material options for fireplace mantel designs is mind boggling and can seem downright overwhelming at first . . . . .

However, if you take your time and follow the sim-
ple steps below, you'll be well on your way to find-
ing the one that's "just right" for you . . . . .





whether your style is laid-back and casual . . . . .


                                             . . . . . or high spirited and adventurous!

More "Heavy Metal" Designs

More Stone Fireplace Designs

To help you choose the perfect fireplace mantel design, let's take it one step at a time . . . . .

Step #1:

Begin by looking at the architectural style of your room. If you're unfamiliar with the various architectural styles, then take note of the overall look and feel of your room. Either approach will work just fine.

Assuming you are comfortable with the current style or "look" of your room, use that as your starting point in selecting a fireplace style. In other words look closely at the existing door and window trim, as well as other mould-
ings or trim in the room.    Take inventory of wall and ceiling surfaces and finishes including any paneling, wainscoting, and built-ins, along with cor-
nice moldings and ceiling beams, if applicable. Also note the floor surface or surfaces, and furnishings in the room, including draperies and rugs.

Step #2:

After going through the exercise in Step #1, you may discover (as many of us do) that the architectural style or "look and feel" of your room is some-
what eclectic, i.e., a mixture or blend of different styles. However, at this point you should have enough information to determine in which of two broad categories it will best fit . . . traditional or contemporary.   In other words, which style or look is more prominent? Does your room have more of a contemporary look and feel, or is it more traditional?

Step #3:

Now that you've determined which of the two categories best describes your room, you can begin to break it down further, as each category en-
compasses a wide variety of different looks.   Fortunately, this gives you
a great deal of latitude in selecting a fireplace mantel design that not on-
ly complements the style of your room, but one that reflects your person-
al style, as well.

For example, a room with a predominately traditional look can vary from casual and laid-back - even rustic - to very formal and classical in detail-
ing and arrangement.

If your room has more of a contemporary look, click here . . . . and here.

If your room is rather casual and laid-back, a cozy country look with a painted wood mantel and dry-stacked granite surround and hearth may be a good choice . . .

as will this two-sided fireplace with a rustic stone surround.

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If your room calls for a less rustic - albeit
casual - look, then this weathered-pine
mantel with limestone surround may be a
better fit . . .

or even this limestone mantel with traditional detailing.

For a more formal look, this Tuscan Style mantel, made of cast stone, may be the answer . . .

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or, perhaps, this elaborately carved walnut mantel with a stone hearth and surround.

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A highly formal setting will readily accom-
modate this imposing French Style cast
stone mantel and hearth . . .

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as well as this monumental surround with overmantel from Mantels Direct.

A note about period rooms: If you have a home or room from an earlier period or of a specific period style, you may want to install an antique fireplace mantel for greater authenticity. Fortunately, with a little effort, you can still find some incredible period pieces in the marketplace today, such as the striking antique fireplace mantel designs pictured below.

More Antique Fireplace Mantel Designs

For more information about any of the fireplace mantels pictured above, please let us know and we'll be happy to provide it for you.

Also, please check back often or subscribe to our RSS feed, as we continually add new images of fireplace mantles to our website.

Wood Fireplace Mantels

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Stone Fireplace Mantels

Man Made Stone Fireplace Mantels

Contemporary Fireplace Mantle Designs

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