Help design my white washed brick fireplace mantle

Question

I need ideas for my white washed brick fireplace mantle. Every day decor.

LibrarianTellsAll · Answer

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.

Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio · Answer

..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 · Answer

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.

Country Design Home · Answer

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 · Answer

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.....

Kayo Frazier · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

mosaic broken tiles for mantle ~ incorporate all your favorite colors to bring your overall picture together

Lisa Jenkins · Answer

I would paint the brick all one lighter color. Use substatial pieces like two lanterns anchoring a large mirror or clock

EmmaO · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

Chunky wood mantel that would add some color and warmth.

Help design my white washed brick fireplace mantle

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Help design my white washed brick fireplace mantle

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