Molly Acorn, owner of Mantel House DC, shares her insights on how to choose the perfect mantel:
Respect the architecture—but feel free to mix eras. A period-appropriate mantel creates harmony, while a thoughtful contrast can bring a level of surprise to a space.
Scale matters. Make sure it’s proportional to the ceiling height and fireplace opening so it feels balanced.
Invest in lasting materials. Marble and other natural stones stand the test of time.
BLACK BEAUTYIn Nero Marquina marble, the Hudson mantel offers a fresh take on Old World charm. It can be installed as a decorative accent or used with a wood-burning fireplace or Valor’s Windsor gas and electric units. mantelhousedc.com
POURED PERFECTIONWith its clean lines, Trueform’s Beam fireplace surround can work in traditional or modern settings. Each of its three pieces is handmade in the U.S. and sealed to protect the concrete’s distinct patina. Available in eight colors and three finishes. trueformconcrete.com
A FINE RIBBINGDreamCast’s Adagio surround features a fluted front and curved sides that lead your eye to the dancing flames of a roaring fire. Made of high-performance concrete with glass-fiber reinforcement, it’s suitable for gas, electric and wood-burning fireplaces. dreamcastdesign.com
CHALET CHICDesigned as a statement piece in steel, Ortal’s new Oval gas-burning fireplace provides a mod, ski-lodge vibe with its sleek, midcentury shape. It can be fully suspended or wall-mounted (shown here). ortalheat.com
ARCH APPEALEvocative of classical Grecian columns and modern masterpieces such as the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, Chesney’s Wallace mantel has a style that’s both lyrical and architectural. Executed in limestone, it would boost the ambience of any room—with or without a fire. chesneys.com
ROYAL TREATMENTCeramic stoves have been used for centuries to heat homes in northern Europe. The Kungsholm, an Art Nouveau-inspired design, is handcrafted by Gabriel of Sweden. Its tiled surface doesn’t get too hot to touch and it provides constant radiant warmth. ceramicstove.com
HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.
The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.
The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.