Should I replace this mantle with something bolder

Iwa14215215
by Iwa14215215
  14 answers
  • Do you want something bolder? The white certainly draws attention to it. I think something that is the entire width of the stone would provide more presence. When you watch so many home shows, they put up large reclaimed beams as mantles.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on May 01, 2017

    Paint it chocolate or black.

  • William William on May 01, 2017

    I agree with Elizabeth! The white stands out and is undersized for the fireplace. A dark wood beam type mantle across the width with corbels supporting it would be a great look.


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  • Linda Gleisner Rappin Linda Gleisner Rappin on May 02, 2017

    You need something wider to anchor that large tv. Not white. When I look at your fireplace the first thing I see is that white strip. Good luck


  • Kate McCormick Klebanski Kate McCormick Klebanski on May 02, 2017

    Can it be removed entirely? There would be more balance with the TV and fireplace. Because of how close the two are, there isn't much you can do as far as decoration on the mantle anyway.

    • Iwa14215215 Iwa14215215 on May 02, 2017

      That is a thought I would rather have it down than be that close that's what I het for letting my husband and his friends mount it without my input lol

  • Lisa Lisa on May 02, 2017

    Your mantle is too high and so is your TV. Lower them both. A longer mantle made of wood that is 6" x 6" and stained a dark color would look great! Good Luck!

  • Marsha Marsha on May 02, 2017

    I think you need something chunkier because of all of the stone. I agree with a few others that the television and mantle are too high.

  • Adluv41 Adluv41 on May 02, 2017

    Chunkier and lower both tv and mantle.

  • Devon Thibeault Devon Thibeault on May 02, 2017

    I also agree that the mantle should be longer -- almost the full width of the stone. Also, I'd check with the local building inspector to find out if you can lower it. The mantle has to be a minimum distance from the fireplace opening, but, visually, it seems too high off the ground. A dark color would also help. And since you seem to have a nautical theme going on in that corner of the room, try to tie that into the new mantle's design.

    • Iwa14215215 Iwa14215215 on May 02, 2017

      Good idea I have found some one that has a saw mill I have just have to figure out some nautical accents for it it wood be nice to find someone that can carve

  • Cynthia Whitney Cynthia Whitney on May 02, 2017

    I'd say go with a very thick beam recovered from an old barn or warehouse--something at least 5 inches thick. And put it lower so you can put something taller on it. It appears that this is a corner fireplace so it would be good if the beam could be mitered to fit to the walls instead of being squared off.

    • See 1 previous
    • Cynthia Whitney Cynthia Whitney on May 03, 2017

      I understand. This may not be a DIY job at all. I have an old house with a tiled fireplace surround and a fairly large mantle. It's pretty old-fashioned but I think changing it would be more work than it's worth. But it's balanced in size and form and yours just looks like an afterthought. And that's a shame because it's a beautiful fireplace. I wish you luck with whatever you decide.

  • Mindy Mindy on May 02, 2017

    you have a beautiful fireplace. The mantle should accent not detract from it. I think it is too high. I would suggest a much larger and longer piece. stained, not painted.

  • Judith Watson Judith Watson on May 02, 2017

    I agree, the mantle needs to be lower, only around 4 inches or so above the fireplace opening. It also needs to be the entire width of the fireplace and a chunky piece of distressed or reclaimed wood stained a dark stain. Have the TV at least 6 inches or higher above the mantle, so you can decorate the mantle. Put tall candle sticks on the ends and lower items below the TV. Old boxes, some other things. You will figure it out. I used to decorate model homes and also am a semi retired floral designer. Hope this helps.


    • Iwa14215215 Iwa14215215 on May 02, 2017

      Thanks I will check the code it is a has fireplace with a blower so I may be able to lower it and replace it that was the only choice the contractor gave me

  • Linda Fraser Linda Fraser on May 02, 2017

    yes, the one up there looks lost. You need a larger one that stands out and says look at me, I'm the head


  • Violet Violet on May 03, 2017

    I would do a large wooden beam across the entire length from wall to wall.. It is a lovely fireplace, just needs a bigger mantle.. A rustic old beam would be beautiful with a med - dark brown stain.. Please post pictures of update..