A fireplace can be designed so that it becomes the centerpiece of a room. This can be achieved in several ways. One of these ways is through mantel selection. The style of the fireplace mantel will greatly influence the remaining décor and furniture that will occupy this space. The theme created by the mantel will be achieved by the types of materials selected for its 
construction as well as the design that is created with these materials. Because this is a permanent aspect of a room, the design should be carefully selected. Modification to a completed fireplace surround can be difficult and expensive. Getting it right from the start will save time and money in the future.
Traditional Style for a Conservative Theme
One popular traditional style includes a brick fireplace mantel. This has been a common theme in the United States for much of the nation’s history. Brick is a great material for fireplace construction because of its ability to withstand high temperatures for extended 
periods of time. This design provides a consistent look when the complete structure is built from bricks. Having the face material, mantel, and fireplace interior constructed with brick adds a consistency that is not possible with some other material options.
Old World Style for an Elegant Theme
If the intention were to create a room that is going to display classical or elegant furnishings, then an antique fireplace mantel would be perfect for this space. This design theme is capable of bringing old world charm into a modern environment. Antique 
mantels can be built as large powerful structures that would be unattainable by other methods. This is a great style for the avid collector of antiquities and other worldly treasures. It also works great in home libraries.
Contemporary Style for the Modern World
There is no limit to the creations that can be made for a modern theme. When choosing a contemporary design style it is a good idea to consider a custom fireplace mantel. The custom aspect allows the homeowner to get creative with the fireplace design as well as the entire room theme. This is why the contemporary design is limitless. Only bound by the imagination, these can be constructed using any number of materials that would likely appear completely out-of-place in a more traditional theme.
Choosing the right fireplace mantel can be both challenging and fun. It is always important to consider the room design around this because of the more permanent nature of these structures. An atmosphere created by a design theme has the ability to affect a person’s mood when he or she occupies this space, so it is important to plan for what purpose the room will serve. The fireplace is such a large aspect of a room design that it should be the first thing considered and have the remaining details draw from there. When finishing off the room, the type of furniture and décor will be determined by the initial theme created by the fireplace mantel.