Fireplaces are often overlooked when it comes to home decorating and design. It's easy to get caught up in thinking about furniture, flooring, and wall coverings. However, a well-designed fireplace can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your living room and can easily become the focal point of the entire room.

Give your existing fireplace a facelift

You don't have to be stuck with an existing fireplace that looks outdated. Cast stone fireplace mantels can transform even the dreariest fireplace into a beautiful work of art. Whether your decorating style is contemporary or colonial, you will be able to find a cast iron fireplace mantel to fit your decorating style.

Do you love the fireplace you already have? A cast stone fireplace mantel will enhance the lovely features of your existing fireplace. For instance, if your current fireplace is constructed of brick or natural mountain stone, an ivory cast stone mantel will only highlight the natural beauty of your fireplace.

When you visit a cast stone fireplace mantel distributor, you should take a photo of your existing fireplace along to help you decide which mantel would look best. You may also wish to make an appointment with a distributor to visit your home and help you find the best option for your design needs.

Think outside the traditional fireplace

While a crackling fire is lovely and comforting on a cold night, it does have disadvantages. Firewood and ashes are messy and require additional work, and you have the risk of sparks leading to a fire hazard.

Electric fireplace inserts will give you the appearance of a natural fire without the hassle. They are maintenance free and look like the real thing. You can also fill the fireplace with candle lanterns containing flame-less candles in a variety of sizes. This is becoming a popular decorating trend because of the elegant beauty it provides. Flame-less candles are often equipped with timers that will turn the candles on and off at the same time each day, which makes them hassle free.

Choose simple accent pieces

Nothing distracts from the beauty of a fireplace like a mantel crammed with objects. You want the focus to be on the natural beauty of the fireplace. Your accent pieces should enhance the look rather than distract from it. Think about the things you love and select a few items to display on the mantel of the fireplace.

Blend shapes and sizes for good eye appeal. For instance, if you want to showcase photos of your children or family, use a combination of oval frames and rectangular frames. If you like a rustic look, choose rustic wood frames in dark and light woods to complement each other rather than selecting one color.

A large vase of dried flowers on one side of the fireplace hearth will add a nice touch of color. Select flowers that blend in with the colors of your living room and furnishings to create a calming atmosphere or bright colors if you want to add a pop of color to your living room.

Making your fireplace the focal point of your living room only requires a few small changes that will make a big difference in the look and feel of the room. Whether you are sitting by the fireplace relaxing after a long day at work or entertaining friends on the weekend, your new fireplace is sure to be an enjoyable addition to your living space.