It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home - food is prepared, guests are served, and the family comes together in a central location. However, the hearth of the home is another place of communion and peace. A symbol for hospitality in ancient Greek & Roman cultures and even today associated with friendship, the hearth is the place where friends gather over coffee or the family curls up on chilly nights. Ample thought must be put into making the space as homey as possible, but equal energy has to go into the central piece - the fireplace. There are multiple and varied elements to this quintessential home feature - fireplace, surround, mantel, mantel brackets, and accessories - and a variety of techniques to making it blend into the overall theme of the home.

Consider your choices. Even most modern homes have chosen to stick with the traditional open hearth fireplace. It’s a centuries old technique for heating a home or cooking. However, newer fireplaces, such as an enclosed fireplace, fireplace inserts, or gas, electric, or ethanol-burning fireplaces may be more feasible for certain homes or more effective at heating your specific space. Doing some research prior to deciding on a specific model is advised.

Accessorize. Now that you have the fire taken care of, it’s time to make it pretty. Make the space yours by customizing it. Decide between a beam-style mantel or a full surround. Surrounds may get hot to the touch so be aware of nearby wiring or any curious hands. Both a beam or a surround can be made out of metal or wood and take on any look from raw and industrial to ultra-sleek and modern to rough-hewn and craftsman. Also consider accessorizing the space with other fireplace tools, such as mantel brackets, a brush, and iron tools, and a place to put logs or chunks of wood if you’ve selected a wood-burning fire.

Sourcing your space. Buying the right materials for the job can be difficult without the know-how. Sourcing and supporting a mantel or surround could be as simple as heading to Lowe’s, taking a quick online trip to Amazon, or checking out mantel brackets from Federal Brace. But if a specific, unique look is desired, using a reclaimed wood beam or opting for a craftsman mantel is the way to go. Head to your local quarry or granite dealer to get a unique stone that fits your look. Reclaimed materials may be available at a nearby restoration lumberyard or materials supplier. Do some online research before you purchase to ensure that you are getting a hardwood, which will weather better and take on less dents and scratches over time. Use supportive metal mantel brackets to complete your project.

Regardless of your look, support your space with Federal Brace. Learn more about our mantel brackets online at www.federalbrace.com or contact the team at customerservice@federalbrace.com.