Home & Design

Hearth of The Matter

These mantels and fireplaces bring the heat—literally and stylistically
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 BEAUTY  In 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 PERFECTION  With 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 RIBBING  DreamCast’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 CHIC  Designed 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 APPEAL  Evocative 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 TREATMENT  Ceramic 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


 

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