Help design my white washed brick fireplace mantle

Carla
by Carla
I need ideas for my white washed brick fireplace mantle. Every day decor.
  18 answers
  • LibrarianTellsAll LibrarianTellsAll on Jan 26, 2015
    I like the contrast between the white brick and black grout. It's difficult to choose decor without knowing more about your style, and what's in the rest of the room. But I think I'd paint the mantle black, so that something else matches the grout. Then I'd choose a favorite family photo, and have it enlarged and printed in black and white, and frame it with a white mat and black frame. I'd casually lean it up in the center of the mantle, and flank it with one tall green moss topiary on each side. On one end of the mantle I'd place your lantern, and on another side I'd place one knick-knack item that's about the same height as the lantern.
  • ..I like your mantle white, as it is easier to incorporate different decor ( seasonal) on it. I have a large clock hanging on the FP above the mantel, but a large photo or any other piece that helps ' draw you into the room' will work also.I have some greenery ( in a glass vase), some frames and a few other ' pretties ' ..candles and crystal always look nice and add sparkle. :)
  • Belinda Todd Belinda Todd on Jan 26, 2015
    If you don't have a television in the room it would look nice above the mantel. If you do have a television in the room a boxwood wreath above the mantle would also be nice with some distressed lanterns maybe a mirror leaning against the wall, some family photos in mismatched frames and something tall on one end, maybe a vase in an accent color with some spray painted branches.
    • Rosalie chow Rosalie chow on Jan 28, 2015
      @Belinda Todd Is the Mantle is not sturdy. The TV will not hold up. Make sure the Mantle is strong enough hold up a heavy item.
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Jan 27, 2015
    Hi Carla! Since the fireplace is black and white and the mantel is white, how about a pop of color? An old large window frame painted and distressed and then mirrored would look amazing. That little black lantern could be painted in a similar color and adding a vase or clock or some other art or statue to the opposite side would tie it all together.
  • Lisadoll Lisadoll on Jan 27, 2015
    Depends on who YOU are.. I spy some soft, traditional draperies there.. And it looks like taupey walls.. 1) traditional: spray the screen brushed nickel; stain , or paint the mantel a lovely shade of grey. You know, a soft tone on tone look. 2) funky : mantel : charcoal or distressed black.. Some fun bold, graphic signs. Some canvas ( drop cloth?) draperies, with big grommets, hung higher. ( use rod type/ color to balance screen, whether black or nickel) ALSO: looks like you have great light in that room! You COULD go darker on the wall color..beautiful greys and greiges out there now.. Personally, I'm DYING to do a BLACK wall ... U could get away with it.....
    • Lisadoll Lisadoll on Jan 27, 2015
      ps: love the grout contrast w/ the brick. I like the idea of black/ white photos.. I love a leaner mirror.. Also great to leave space for seasonal change/ boredom!
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Jan 27, 2015
    Here's my 2 cents...I would frame the brick parts on both sides floor to ceiling w/ plain white trim work I would make it thick as the brick so it's flush. Then to dress up the mantel, I would find 2 decorative corbels to place under the mantel then distress. I would also put up 2-3 small pieces of artwork on the brick face w/ lots of color.
  • Taylor @ TayRose Design Taylor @ TayRose Design on Jan 27, 2015
    I agree with @Librariantellsall and darken the mantel so it matches the grout color, so it recedes. Mantles are some of the hardest items to decorate for there are so many variables. Layering the mantle with large framed art that leans against the fireplace, or a large clock layered with the small lantern you have plus purchase a larger lantern along with a trailing plant on one side with the large framed art behind to the side some old stacked books maybe 3 with a vintage instrument, or pedestal pillar candlestick, old camera etc to sit on top on the other side. I would then pull a color from what you do on the fireplace to the curtain panels, or accent pillows in the room. You have a good base to start with! Just start pulling items around the house and start to stage it...odd numbers of things usually work best. Have fun!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jan 27, 2015
    The black and white contrast is striking. I think it just overwhelms when the fireplace is so high. I might cover the part above the mantle and paint it the same colour as the walls. Then I'd hang a large piece of art on it, etc.
  • Yolanda Geddie Yolanda Geddie on Jan 27, 2015
    mosaic broken tiles for mantle ~ incorporate all your favorite colors to bring your overall picture together
  • Lisa Jenkins Lisa Jenkins on Jan 28, 2015
    I would paint the brick all one lighter color. Use substatial pieces like two lanterns anchoring a large mirror or clock
  • EmmaO EmmaO on Jan 28, 2015
    I would paint the whole fireplace white or off-white (to match you trim) & install a larger shelf using some nice crown moulding. I large mirror above the shelf would also look very elegant (if that is the look you are going for).
  • PattyV PattyV on Jan 31, 2015
    I suggest you make the mantel more substantial (perhaps by attaching a board that is 3" thick, paint the whole mantel a charcoal color and place a rather large size in black, white and red colors in it for a pop of color
  • PattyV PattyV on Jan 31, 2015
    Oh...one more thing, to make the fireplace blend in more, I would create a bead board look along the wall to make the fireplace blend in a little.
  • Susan Rawlings Susan Rawlings on Dec 28, 2015
    If you want a neutral tone, there are products that are made for brick fireplaces, that will cover those ugly lines between the brick and give you an all-over neutral tone that is very pretty.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Dec 29, 2015
    Here's my 2 cents...I would add 2 narrow floor to ceiling bookshelves paint it white, add some crown molding. Add books & decor items. You can add lighting for each shelf. I would add more white paint to the bricks. Don't make it a solid color. Let some of the brick show thru. I would do it in patches. I would paint the mantel black. Hopes this helps.
  • Margi Chambers Margi Chambers on Mar 17, 2016
    Big clocks are the thing now. Pier One, Kirklands, TJMaxx have them. Also big candlesticks at these places. I put some boxwood topiary es on mine. Start with something large in the middle and then work down o both sides
  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 02, 2022

    Hi Carla, how about painting the brick a darker color like a grey? Add a deeper color to the mantle for some contrast, you could go black or even a color to match your decor. Hope this link gives you some inspiration

    https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/red-brick-fireplace-makeover-ideas/

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 04, 2022

    Chunky wood mantel that would add some color and warmth.