Modern Fireplace Mantels for Contemporary Homes

If you have a contemporary style home, you will undoubtedly want your fireplace to have a contemporary style as well as opposed to the look of the traditional brick fireplace. Technological advances have widened the range of options for modern fireplace mantels, giving homeowners a variety of materials, finishes, textures and shapes to consider.

This HGTV video shows a modern mantel makeover:

Although wood is generally associated with traditional mantels, bamboo and painted and stained woods are used for modern fireplace mantels. A dramatic effect can be created by using contrasting woods in combination. Bronze, stained concrete, copper, glass, mosaic and stainless steel can also be used, along with granite, limestone, marble, slate rock and other natural stone. If you have a traditional mantel and are looking for an affordable way to transform it into a more contemporary style, you can also upgrade your current mantel by painting the mantel and surrounding wall with a bright accent color.

In terms of mantel shape, you are not restricted to the traditional rectangle. It’s possible to install a circular, triangular, or even an octagonal-shaped fireplace with a companion mantel. Mantels can be cast, carved or finished in unique ways to create your own distinct look. You can update your traditional rectangular mantel with a semicircular one. For something completely different, you can install a rotating suspended steel firebox that can be directed at any part of the room.

You may want to do away with the mantel shelf altogether and install a shelf-less mantel that surrounds the fireplace and adds color and texture. The area above the fireplace is a great location for a large flat-screen TV or for displaying decor and personal items in cut-out areas in the wall. You can also get way from the wall completely and install a glass or stone fireplace in the middle of the room.