Maybe install a larger mantle over the current one. It seems the fireplace is substantial enough to handle it and it would give you more decorating options.

lovely fireplace, less is more !! the stone is the star here. I'm not sure you need much at all, what is the rest of the room like? What other colors are in the room ?

What about placing a large graphic print or piece of art on the mantle? Either on a canvas or framed. It can bring in some color while giving your eye only one thing to look at.

I'd love to put something above the mantle, either a mirror or something round. But hubby isn't sold on that idea, his reasoning is that we paid so much to do the stone, he doesn't want to cover it up.

The rest of the room is in progress and will be another post as soon as I get it cleaned up. My dream rooms are light aquas/creams/tans/whites but am having the hardest time. We have a dark brown leather couch (which isn't the problem) and a black Ikea entertainment center with huge black speakers. All the dark is giving me problems when I want to do all the light colors.

So simple might be the way to go? Just seems like so many mantles are pretty busy, I never considered keeping it simple.

Your mantle is too small for this fireplace. Either remove it altogether and replace with a piece of art work, or install a larger mantle. I would also replace the small candles with some beefy logs.

HI --- I like the stone but not the mantel . I don't think this fireplace needs a mantel . Just one simple big decor item like a wall hanging or some kind of shield or a big round metal sculpture or a big round mirror, or if your into Asian decor , a beautiful Kimono . Or if you don't want to remove the mantel then darken it so it 's in balance with the black firebox, also the top molding or just remove that ,-it's really not needed .

I agree, simple is important here. How about a simple mirror with two clean white vases of varying sizes? I don't love the sculpture in this photo, but the two vases would be perfect. I also love the birch styling inside the fireplace if it is not in use anyway. Simple and natural. Can't go wrong... Good luck!

The mantle support is built into the stone. I hadn't considered taking down the top molding, but looking at this old pic, I really like it. What would be the fix for the 2x4 supports?

Cypress, would you suggest some logs laid in there in the traditional sense, or something like this, which I seem to see everywhere on the internet.

The stone is beautiful. Without seeing the rest of the room, I would suggest one large photo to balance the accents. I did a quick mock up of what it would look like. Let us know what you decide to do, can't wait to see how it turns out.

Find larger accessories and either a large piece of art or mirror. This way the large items will balance with the busy looking stone.

Hi Jenfur427, I would prefer the logs placed in the traditional way, not so busy looking, but play around with it. I like your picture showing no top molding, looks cleaner and more contemporary. I think the existing supports could support a longer mantle. Good Luck!

Thank you everyone. I've always liked this, but would a mantle like this work? Something big and chunky?

Agree with cypress above about longer mantle - or with lefty47 who suggests darkening it to match firebox - Adding accessories does not diminish the beauty of the stone - it will enhance the entire look - try any of the above suggestions and start getting a feel for what appeals to you and hubby -

love that big chunky look. my husband took out 160 year old floors from a mill and made ours. this is how it looks. the stone goes all the way to the ceiling but the beam hides it in this pic.

Thank you for the pic! I really like the simple beam.

i keep it simple most of the time. but is is substantial enough to dress up for the holidays

i would paint the mantel and the top molding the color of the stone.

the "before" picture actually looks really nice, just need a plan for the supports... frame them out add a glass shelf ?? Simple will win you over, I'm sure

Jenfur the big and chunky beam that you posted a picture of would be a big improvement. The scale of your current mantle is too small... and I don't think the style of it is a good match for the more rustic style of the stonework. I would also say that the top molding should be removed. The stonework looks good, and is not enhanced by the top piece.

Great looking mantle you've created! It has the look of an old barn beam.

Thank you!

Perfect!

Much better ! Looks great.

That is much better, i agree with others who stated it was the scale of the mantle that was off. i would add two pieces of art one medium, one small on the left side or two vessels on one side only for some asymmetry to contrast the symmetry of the mantle

Hubby did a fabulous job! Simple but right proportion.

A lot of work on the stone, it needs to show. However, it's a bit overbearing in my opinion. Placing art above the mantle will help, but a single framed painting will perhaps block too much of the stone work. Maybe you could consider a triptych art arrangement - each section spaced 2-3" apart., letting more of the stone show.

Beautiful! Good Job!

how bout a medium size wreath, that matches whatever season it is....
beautiful just the way it is, and I do like the mantle.....

you want something that will draw the eye up to show off that height but you dont want something that will dominate the upper part either....we have a beautiful picture with autumn colors and a dark blue canoe that would be just beautiful hanging there...about 24 in wide and 32 in long...if you like outdoorsy things