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It is Thanksgiving and you are getting ready to leave your 1000 square foot apartment and go see your family for the holidays. You know as soon as you get home mom is going to have you go to the basement and pull out all the decorations. Then it dawns on you, "Why can't I have a mantel to decorate for Christmas? Just because I don't have a fireplace does not mean I can't have a mantel." fireplaces and mantels are at their best around the holidays. Fully decorated, they bring back childhood memories of the good old days at Christmas.
So let's get started trying to determine how to get a mantel for this Christmas. One of the best ways to search for a fireplace mantel is to look online. Many mantel manufacturers can help you with this, as most of these sites always seem to have a clearance page. Another great place to find mantels is on eBay. Some of my best purchases have come from eBay. Remember when you're shopping to take shipping charges into account.
What size will I need? The mantel should not have a large inside opening width and height: about 40" to 46" inside width and about 39" to 42" inside height. 52" to 55" is a good overall height for a mantel surround. With so many design styles to choose from it may be hard to determine what style is right for you.
Now that you have ordered your mantel it is time for your installation. Usually installation instructions and hardware are included in the box. One obstacle you might have to overcome during installation is deciding whether or not to cut out your baseboard. If you don't cut out your baseboard you can notch the bottom of the outside mantel leg or the return so your mantel will be flush with the wall.
Next, paint the wall on the inside of the mantel black. You can even purchase a fireplace screen and place it in front of the mantel for a realistic fireplace look. Fireplace mantels, fireplace mantel shelves and other fireplace accessories do not always end up around a fireplace, be imaginative. Don't be afraid to explore other options when it comes to decorating. You can find plenty of decorating ideas on the web and in home magazines.
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