The mantel is usually the most prominent design aspect on a fireplace. In addition to being a focal point of the room, mantels serve as a display shelf that can hold ornaments, artwork, and other décor. If you are seeking a professional fireplace renovation or fireplace installation near Chantilly , Home Living Fireplaces has more than 45 years of experience to offer. To take a closer look at some fireplace mantel styles, read this article.

Natural

There are many natural materials that can be used to make a fireplace mantel . The most common materials used are stone, marble, and wood. Available in a broad range of colors, stone mantels such as limestone, granite, river rock, and concrete look great with a large fireplace. Marble mantels are elegant, hard, and long-lasting. They are ideal for a formally decorated room and fireplace. Wood mantels can be simple and rustic, carved and ornate, or somewhere in between. They come in hardwoods like oak, cherry, and cedar. Because wood mantels can be painted or stained, there are myriad colors and textures you can create.

Classic

Colonial mantels are charming and guaranteed to add visual warmth to any room. They look best with traditional furnishing and décor. Victorian mantels are more elegant and formal than colonial mantels. They are usually made of dark wood and feature ornate carvings and details. French mantels are known for being very decorative and opulent, which makes them look especially attractive in a formal setting.

Rustic

Rustic fireplace mantels are typically made from salvaged wood, old doors, wooden beams, and logs. To let the natural beauty of a rustic fireplace mantel stand out as much as possible, leave it uncluttered.

Antique

For a sophisticated, unique look, opt for a historic fireplace mantel. Just be sure it fits your fireplace or that it is trimmed to the proper fit—antique mantels are oftentimes too large for a modern fireplace.

If you recently installed a new fireplace near Chantilly , it’s important to keep up with maintenance so that it looks and performs well for years to come. At Home Living Fireplaces, we have more than 45 years of experience in fireplace installation, maintenance, and service. In this article we will take a look at some of the most important maintenance tips to follow. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an annual inspection, please give us a call for more information.

Remove Buildup

Some gas fireplaces experience debris buildup. Ceramic logs, in particular, have been known to slowly deteriorate, which clogs vents. If the outside chimney is cracked or the mortar joints are falling apart, moisture can enter the chimney, which causes the flue tiles to break and fall into the hearth. To reduce the chances of this happening, have the fireplace thoroughly cleaned once per year—inside and out.

Test Functionality

Over time, the equipment in a gas fireplace might start to show signs of deterioration. This is why it is important to have the valves and connections inspected regularly for leaks. The thermopile, thermocouple, and logs should be checked to be sure they are in correct placement and in working condition. If you ever turn the switch of your gas fireplace on, and notice that the pilot light is on but that the fireplace doesn’t ignite, turn it off right away. This indicates a malfunction that should be handled by a fireplace service professional.

Inspect Ventilation

Gas fireplaces burn clean, so they never create any creosote or soot buildup in the chimney. But the ventilation still needs to be inspected annually, because moisture problems can cause a serious safety hazard due to improper ventilation.

Follow Safety Precautions

Only clean your gas fireplace after it has cooled down sufficiently. Wiping down the fireplace glass door with a damp cloth while the unit is hot can crack the glass. Install a carbon monoxide detector next to your fireplace so that you know ahead of time if there is a malfunction that could potentially be life-threatening.

Installing a gas fireplace is a great way to make your living room or bedroom comfortable, cozy, and warm. If you are considering a gas fireplace in Chantilly , Home Living Fireplaces has what you need. We have serviced and installed fireplaces throughout the DC Metro area for more than 45 years. To learn more about the steps of ventless gas fireplace installation, watch this video clip.

The first step is to choose the material of the fireplace surround, doors, and shelf. Once the fireplace itself is installed, the surround, doors, and shelf are added. The great thing about a ventless gas fireplace is that it doesn’t require a chimney or outside ventilation source. This makes installation easy and ensures that the room is heated more effectively than it would be with a wood-burning fireplace.