With winter here, you may be ready to light up your fireplace if you haven’t done so already. According to Bob Vila, a fireplace installation will cost an average of $2,314. While an investment, one of the great things about having a fireplace is the beautiful mantel above it. A custom mantel can be a great accompaniment to your fireplace and serve as a focal point in any living room. If you’re unsure how to highlight this custom feature, here are seven ideas that may inspire you.

1. Go Rustic

There are various styles one can use when designing custom mantels. However, having a rustic style on your mantel can give your fireplace a cozier ambiance than it provides on its own. The rustic feel can start with the design of the mantel itself. The Spruce states that one particular mantel design involves the use of a live edge. In other words, even if you live in the heart of the city, when you step into your living room and view your custom wood mantel, you can easily be transported back into the cozy countryside.

2. Keep It Slick

Are you into more minimalist design? If so, you can incorporate such style into your custom mantel. The mantel can be a perfect spot to incorporate the use of metal. Even if the mantel itself is made from cement casting or stone, you can focus on metal ornamentation like metal vases or metal frames for pictures.

3. Make It Rock Solid

What better way to incorporate an everlasting feature in your home than by the use of stone? Your custom mantel manufacturer can likely use a beautiful stone casting to create the mantel of your dreams. Stone is beautiful and durable and can add value as well as beauty to your interior.

4. Create a Showcase

Once custom mantels are created, you can use them as a showcase for your travel exploits. Do you have some cool artifacts from various countries ranging from mugs to bowls to mini statues? By using custom mantels as a display, you can easily create a talking point based on some of the places you have journeyed to. Impress guests when they come over for holiday gatherings and other get-togethers by showing off your mementos from various continents right over your fireplace.

5. Display Books

Whether it’s cast in cement, stone, or wood, rest assured that your mantel has a sturdy build. As a result, it’s the perfect place to show some of your favorite books. Even if you have bookshelves to house most of your books, you could use your mantel to highlight some special ones you want to quickly grab before you sit in front of the fire. You can keep it eclectic by choosing at least one book from each of your favorite authors!

6. Turn Back Time

With so many computers and digital devices to tell time, some people may erroneously think that traditional clocks are no longer useful. One couldn’t be more mistaken, as antique clocks are still as popular as ever, especially in high-end homes. A great way to highlight the beauty of custom mantels is with a giant clock that you can put right in the middle of it. You can find a clock with a frame that matches the material or color of your custom mantel.

7. Go Green

You can always keep things simple but beautiful by using your mantel to display beautiful plants. Find a vase or two that matches or contrasts your mantel. Between the earthiness of the plants and the fire of your fireplace, you have two beautiful elements that breathe life into your home.

As you can see, there are many mantel designs to consider. The first step you should take is finding the right contractor who can build the ideal mantel over your fireplace. Look no further than our experienced team at Stone Mountain Castings & Design! We can create standard or custom mantels of your choice. We’re experts in working with stone and cement and look forward to creating a look you’ll be proud to show off any time of the year. Contact our experienced and reliable team for a consultation today.