Choosing a Fireplace Mantel: Which Look Is Right for You?

For a modern, handcrafted look, the fireplace at HGTV Holiday House 2014 is designed with a welded steel mantel. Sleek and clean, the silver tones of the metal complement the otherwise rustic look of the reclaimed barn siding covering the wall. Mantels made of welded metal are excellent for masculine spaces.

In order to create the seamless look of welded metal, a five-sided box is created using hardy plywood. This box is what gives the mantel its "floating" look. To affix the five-sided box to the wall, a cleat is cut and fastened into studs using heavy duty anchors. After cutting sheet metal to size and soldering its edges, the corners are heavily sanded and buffed for a slightly rounded, smoothed out look. This creates a casing which slides directly over the five-sided box.

American Craftsman homes, also referred to as Arts and Crafts and Mission styles, are characterized by a heavy use of stone and wood. Dedicated to materials left in their natural states, homes from this era are excellent fits for wooden slab mantels, which focus on the grain and variation of color in a natural slab of wood.

Wooden slab mantels are desired by architects and designers for what's referred to as "live edge" design, in which the uneven, natural shape of the wood is simply smoothed out, creating a sculptural edge along the front of the mantel. Since a good amount of skill is involved in creating this style, there are often hefty labor fees associated with fabrication. It's also wise to keep in mind that the wood will need to be oiled about every six months to protect it and maintain its finish.