What should I do with this old mantel?

Question

I'm thinking of making the bottom into a headboard or a bookcase (and painting it). And actually taking the top apart and making it into a big mirror and the maybe a shelf?? I'm not sure.  It doesn't fit in my house at all - I salvaged it for a Victorian in San Francisco. I'd love to hear ideas.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

It's gorgeous. Would sell it rather than dismantle it or paint it. Even if it doesn't match your style, you could use it as a feature in your décor to create 'tension'..

Robin · Answer

I tried - nobody wants to buy it! I would like to keep original parts together, but that's apparently not practical here. So I would like to give it as much life as it can have. I think I will keep the mirror part. But find a use for the columns. Maybe as lamps? More importantly, I don't know about the bottom. A headboard would be nice but it seems like everyone is doing that.  What else is there? A bookcase?

Jane · Answer

Do you have a ReStore for Habitat for Humanity or an Architectural Salvage store? It would be a crime to tear this beautiful thing apart.

Sandra Walker · Answer

I think that it would make a beautiful shelf somewhere, even if you had to repaint it. Or if you have a little girl, hang it above her bad and let her hang things from it. That's for the middle part. For the other part, you're right, it would be beautiful to use as lamps. I know you said that you would like to keep it together, but sometimes you get the most good out of something when you separate it. Good Luck on your decision.

Heidi · Answer

Just saw this post while looking around and fell in love with the idea...

Heidi · Answer

Hope the photo comes thru to show you the idea.... :)

Kim |Exquisitely Unremarkable · Answer

I've seen people turn the mirror portion upside down so the bottom moulding becomes a shelf. It's very lovely.

What should I do with this old mantel?

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What should I do with this old mantel?

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