Fires and stoves look beautiful in homes of all shapes and sizes, but they need something decorative to help them along. An oak mantel is the perfect fireplace surround, giving you a stylish centrepiece for your fireplace, and also a practical shelf space that you can make use of. It is a largely decorative feature that will go a long way towards improving the appearance of your room, drawing your fireplace into focus and making sure that people look at your lovely stove or fire.

There are few things as inviting as a real fire. Whether you are burning smokeless fuels, wood alternatives or seasoned firewood, you can create a stunning fire that will feel so homely. Oak is the perfect complement to this. Beautiful and rustic, or modern and stylish, oak can be adapted to give it many different looks. It will really help a room to stand out when you use an oak mantel.

What is an oak mantel? 

An oak mantel, or mantelpiece, is a beam or shelf that is set over a fire. It might be used to support masonry around the fire, or it might simply be used as a decorative feature. If you would like to include a mantel in your fireplace design, you should think about how it will work with your particular fire. A lot of people who choose oak mantels have very traditional homes, and the fireplace may be very large. If this is the case, you need to make sure the mantel is positioned correctly and if far enough away from the fire to ensure safety at all times.

You can use the mantel as a shelf for storage, though usually it becomes a real design feature and you will usually use it for displaying ornaments or photographs. You may even just leave it bare, enjoying the beauty of the natural wood.

Is an oak mantel right for you? 

Oak is one of the most premium woods you can buy, and it shows – oak is beautiful. You can choose untreated oak, as well as oak that has been given different stains or finishes to make the colour more similar to wood that you already have. If you are concerned with the aesthetics above all and want your mantel to blend in with other oak furniture, then an oak mantel might well be the best option. If you don’t want the price tag that is associated with wood, you may want to choose a different hardwood or choose a stained wood that will take on a different appearance.

Sourcing the right mantel for your home 

Many people simply but the beams and then make a mantel themselves. It is very easy if you do want to do this. You can buy planed sleepers and beams, which already give you a head start. Once you have decided on the wood you want, it is simply a case of buying it in the right size. Affix the mantel to the wall yourself, or employ a professional builder to make sure it is secure.