The fireplace holds deep symbolic meaning for the human psyche. From the time humans first utilized fire in rudimentary means, such element has then become the center for many tribes and many 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.

Setting aside the changes in some of the structures of the fireplace, two of its primary parts remain intact over the years""the surround and mantels. Fireplace surround and mantels are the ones that borders the fireplace to make it aesthetically pleasing to the eye rather than just a plain black hole on the wall. These two parts are very common in traditional wood and gas burning fire features. But, as the electric fireplace has become the direct substitute for traditional hearth, these features are also made to befit this type of fireplace.

The primary purpose of the fireplace surround is to shield the walls of a room from the soot and heat coming from the fireplace. So, you're probably wondering, why would I need a surround if I am using an electric fireplace that does not produce damaging soot and heat? To simply put it, a fireplace without surround is generally unattractive. A surround would not only make a fireplace look more visually entertaining, it could also make a modern statement for the whole room where the fireplace is installed.

Parallel to traditional fireplace, your electric fireplace surround could become the canvass of your creativity. Although this type of fireplace is already equipped with its own surround, you could easily make changes to this by using your own design idea. As the electric fireplace doesn't actually produce real fire flames, a wooden surround would surely give you room for more decorative ideas, knowing that this material could be carved in differing shapes that could suit the room's interior design. Some materials that you could also take advantage of other than wood may include plaster, cast iron, marble, brick and limestone; just remember that some materials offer more advantages than the others so make sure that you'll pick the materials that you think would highlight your fireplace.

Together with the surround, electric fireplace mantels could also make significant aesthetic impact on your fire feature. Throughout history, mantels are symbols of domestic life that have captured the interest of both homeowners and fireplace designers. Similar to your surround, the mantels of your fireplace could also be designed with the use of different materials ranging from wood and metal, to natural stone and synthetic items. 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.

Among the most notable designs for electric fireplace mantels today are the period mantels such as colonial, Gregorian, Victorian and federal mantels. To add personal touch to your mantels, you could incorporate designs that are based from the places that have most inspired you or those memories that you are most fond about; the main point is for you to combine creativity and personal emotions in order to get the best finish that would represent your personality. 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.