The fireplace holds deep symbolic meaning for the human psyche. Since the times when humans began to utilize fire in rudimentary means, such element became the center of tribes and many family activities. Accordingly, the fireplace was developed and has become the source of light, heat, security as well as food. At present, with the advancement in technology, the traditional wood and gas burning fireplace is now being replaced with portable flame electric fireplace.

Despite the significant changes in the structure of the fireplace, two of its most important parts never ceased existing""the surround and mantels. Fireplace surround and mantels are what borders such fire feature to make it appear more visually interesting rather than just a black hole on the wall. These two parts are very common in traditional wood and gas burning fire features. However, as electric fireplace is now considered as the direct and safest alternative for the traditional hearth, surround and mantels are now also available for this type of fireplace.

As we all know, a fireplace surround acts as a shield for the soot and heat that could profoundly damage the wall paint inside a room. This purpose of the surround might leave you wondering, why would I use a surround if I have an electric fireplace that does not emit damaging soot and heat? To simply put it, a fireplace without surround is generally unattractive. A surround could definitely make profound appearance changes on your electric fireplace and could also create a modern statement for the entire room.

Parallel to traditional fireplace, your electric fireplace surround could become the canvass of your creativity. Even if this fireplace already comes with its own surround, design changes are still possible as long as you have your personal design work that you wish to put into fruition. Considering that an electric fireplace does not emit real flames, a wooden surround would give you more opportunity to decorate as it can be carved into different shapes that you think would be appropriate to maintain the design continuity of the room where the fire feature is placed. Other materials that you could use to make your surround aside from wood includes plaster, cast iron, marble, brick and limestone; just always put in mind that there are materials that have more outstanding features than others, so pick the ones that exemplify flexibility.

Alongside the surround is the electric fireplace mantels, which also plays an integral role in enhancing the appearance of your fire feature. Throughout history, mantels are powerful symbols of domestic life that have since received the special attention of fireplace designers, both traditional and electric. Like your surround, the mantels of your fireplace could be designed using a whole range of materials including but are not limited to wood, metal, natural stone. The most important thing that you have to think about when you are designing the mantels of your fireplace is that it should reflect what you think inspires you about the space where your fireplace is positioned.

Noteworthy designs of electric fireplace mantels today are the ones known as period mantels such as colonial, Gregorian, Victorian and federal. To add a more personal touch to your mantels, you could simply integrate designs base from the places that you wish to visit or you have already visited, or the those things that simply makes you happy; the main idea is for you to be able to create an artwork that signifies who you are. Basically, there are no limits as to what you could actually do with the design of the surround and mantels of your electric fireplace. Overseeing the design aspects of your fireplace would not only warrant you a unique fire feature but would also pave way for you to exercise your creativity and a means for you to discover yourself in depth.