Mantelpiece can be great addition without fireplace
Mantelpiece can be great addition without fireplace

A fireplace typically adds much more than just warmth. As the central gathering place, the fireplace is often the focal point of any room. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to have a fireplace.

If you're in an apartment or a home without a chimney, having a fireplace used to be something you only dreamed of. However, there are ways to get the feel of a fireplace without actually adding a fireplace.

The architectural flair of a fireplace is what sets it apart from anything else in the room. But it is the mantelpiece in particular that stands out as the true eye-catcher. So, one way to give your room a sense of oomph is to simply add a mantelpiece to any wall you choose.

There are a number of options at your disposal. Our preference is to recycle old materials. You might be shocked to find that most cities, probably including yours, have construction yards that are dumping grounds for all sorts of

treasures. We're not telling you to go Dumpster diving. But, these areas often hold gorgeous items including used mantelpieces that can be cleaned and made to be the perfect addition to a room.

In a salvage yard, you may not be able to find the perfect mantelpiece — or any mantelpiece, for that matter — so think outside the box. If you find two arches or carved brackets, you can create the look of a mantelpiece. By joining the two pieces into an arch on your wall, you can have a one-of-a-kind mantelpiece.

Another option is to buy a new, prefabricated mantelpiece. These usually adhere to walls. You have your choice of stone, marble or wood, or you can often find mantelpieces made of lighter materials such as plaster or plastic. You can paint, faux-finish or stain them as desired.

Here are a few ideas for a prefabricated mantel:

•It's important to consider the size of the room you're going to be placing it in. Scale is an important concept with a fireplace. How large is the fireplace in proportion to the rest of the room? Is it a large room with high ceilings? Consider going with a big mantel for added drama. If it's a small room, be aware of the proportion of the mantel and how much of a focal point you want it to be. Write down the measurements of the mantel you want before going shopping. This often saves time, energy and grief.

•Because your new mantelpiece won't have the support of a fireplace, it will have to be securely fastened in place. L-brackets attached to wall studs can be used to mount it to the wall. Use a stud finder to find the wall studs.

•If you're using two pieces to create a mantelpiece, you may consider mounting each piece separately to the wall. If you can't find the studs, use wall anchors. Wall anchors can only hold so much weight, so take this into consideration.

Once your mantelpiece is in place, you can decorate it however you see fit. We love the effect that a set of candles of various sizes can bring. There are also screens that you can add that have beautiful votives placed throughout. If you use the opening of your mantelpiece for candles, be absolutely sure that you take precautions. You may want to lay a few floor tiles underneath the candles to ensure they don't ruin your carpet as they melt. Be sure there is enough clearance between the top candle and the mantelpiece that the mantelpiece will not catch fire if it is made of wood or other flammable materials.

Don't feel that you're relegated to using your mantelpiece as wall decor. A mantelpiece can be used as a headboard, a TV cabinet or whatever your imagination allows. Have fun with it!

Another option if you absolutely must have a fire is to look into buying a portable fireplace. These aren't new, but the styles have come a long way in recent years. Initially, they looked like old televisions with their screens replaced with a fire. Now, manufacturers have greatly expanded the styles, colors and materials.

A portable fireplace works with a gel-type fuel that emits no smoke, no ash and, most important, no harmful fumes.

These are a great alternative if you live in an apartment or a home without a chimney where the cost of adding one is prohibitive.

Because these freestanding units don't require a chimney to vent smoke, you are free to move them to any room of your house.

These units are relatively inexpensive and require no labor except bringing them into your home.

For more information on these systems, go online to www.electricfireplacesource.com, www.furnitureonline.com or www.realflame.com.

Regardless of the route you choose, we know you'll love the aesthetic benefits you'll get from adding a mantelpiece or portable fireplace to any room of the house.

Heidi Baker and Eden Jarrin are co-founders of BeJane.com, an online community and resource for women interested in home improvement.

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