Proportion is important in designing your fireplace surround. Do not build a huge surround for a small fireplace simply to have an extravagant decorative focal point in a room. In most modern houses, a large mantel and surround would be out of place and would be overwhelming. A sense of proportion is vital. You can choose more formal or informal materials and designs to accomplish luxury or simplicity. 
Most home improvement and home remodeling stores will have in stock several very basic fireplace kits. These will include the surround and the mantel and everything you need to install them. You just have to take them home and follow instructions carefully. This can be a do-it-yourself project for many homeowners.
Premium fireplaces can also be purchased through home improvement or home remodeling stores. The cost difference is usually to be accounted for in the options included in the model you choose. These might be options like a heat-circulating blower, fireplace tools and accessories, andirons or grate, or it might be made of plate steel instead of cast iron. Accessories might be made of wrought iron or brass, for example. Premium materials, such as granite, marble or slate will also increase the price of your surround.
Oddly enough, a custom fireplace surround and mantel can either be very costly or very inexpensive. The materials used, particularly the metals, can quickly add up to skyrocketing cost for your fireplace. A unique hand-carved mantel will also cost significantly more than a stock design. Combining several different materials for your surround can also increase the cost (both because of additional materials and because of additional labor). The size of your surround and mantel will also affect price.
Shopping some antiques stores or home construction salvage stores can often uncover the perfect mantel and surround for your needs at a fraction of the cost of something new. Take a great find in a salvage store, add a little elbow grease to sand and clean up, paint it, and install a perfect surround and mantel that will also be a great conversation piece in your home.
You can also take the surround and mantel you have and redecorate or reface them into something that is more to your taste or more consistent with today’s trends. If you are going ultra-modern, you can even remove the surround and mantel and install drywall for a clean sharp look.
Whatever your style, whatever your taste, whatever your needs, you can find or create the fireplace surrounds and mantels that will be a perfect fit for every fireplace in your home. With some time, thought and creative shopping, you can have the fireplace of your dreams.
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