Fireplace Lowdown

Driftwood Fireplace Mantel

There are all sorts of materials you can use to build fireplace mantels, but don't rule out wood, even if you're into exotic home decor.  Wood can be made into interesting shapes by machines, woodworkers, or... the ocean.

Driftwood that is worn smooth and shaped by its journey through the water can be made into unique furniture pieces, and in the case shown here, it can even made a rustic mantel.

The piece shown here is the work of All Driftwood Furniture, and they've got everything from tables to mirrors to lamps to various sculptures made from pieces scrounged from the water. 

A nice touch for a rustic home or a beach side cottage.

Textured Glass Fireplace Surround Is Definitely Unique

Updating your fireplace surround can be a great way to change the whole look and feel of a room.  It can take the space from dated and blah to modern and wow.

But what material should you choose for your fireplace surround?  Marble?  Slate?  Brick?  Tile?  Glass?

Speaking of glass, we've looked at a couple of surrounds made from glass tiles and the like but nothing quite like this textured glass fireplace from CBD Glass. 

If you're looking for some unique and interesting ways to incorporate glass into your home, whether with the fireplace, in the kitchen or even as furniture, definitely check out the portfolio section of their site for some cool ideas.

Recycled Glass Makes Smart Fireplace Mantel

A fireplace always looks a little naked without a mantel.  Wood is perhaps the most popular material for mantels, but for a more modern look, there are other options. 

If you enjoy using environmentally friendly materials--or just like new and cool products--you might want to consider recycled glass for your mantel. 

Don't worry; glass mantels are a lot sturdier than they sound.  The stuff Vetrazzo makes is comparable in hardness to stone. 

The glass is made from recycled traffic lights, old bottles, windshields, and other materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. The end result is anything but used looking though.  This snazzy material is as classy as granite or marble--and easier on the environment.

Vetrazzo

Try Glass Tiles for a Fireplace Surround That Sparkles

Traditionally fireplace surrounds have been made of brick or stone and (more recently) marble or limestone tiles.  But to create a handsome, unique look that really draws the eye, try glass tiles. 

One example are the "fused bamboo" mosaic tiles shown here.  I couldn't fit a very big picture into the blog, but if you check out the page of the company that installed the fireplace, you can see some close-ups of these cool multi-hued tiles:

Designer Glass Mosaics

Glass tiles come in tons of pre-laid mosaic patterns, and any color you can imagine is available, so you can doubtlessly find something that fits in with the decor of your home. 

Also, you can find glass tiles that are made from 100% recycled materials, so your new fireplace surround can be eco-friendly.