An unadorned fireplace really is an ugly thing. Why would anyone want to stare at a hole in the wall that has some lit logs inside of it? Fireplace mantels really do make or break the concept of a hearth in your living room. Having the wrong one is just as bad as not having one at all. Conversely, choosing the right mantel for your fireplace will brighten the entire space up considerably.

Picking the wood that is right for your firebox is the first important step in choosing your ideal mantel. Cherry, poplar, oak and maple are all commonly used, though some people might prefer to get even more refined by getting a mantel made out of marble or another kind of stone. Most people’s budget only really allows for wood, though, and that’s perfectly fine because the right lumber will look just as classy as stone any day of the week.

Many online retailers and hardwood stores sell economic mantels that come without the wood being treated. This is actually a good thing because you can easily apply a finish yourself and save considerable cash compared to paying for pretreated wood. A bucket of varnish and an hour or two of labor proves very satisfying for some mantel owners as they feel they had a part in making it. It also gives it a homelier feel, which is the point of having one anyways.

Do a little research on the Internet and figure out how much you’re willing to spend. If it isn’t a lot, be ready to do some work in order to make your fireplace mantel look as good as it can.