COASTROAD Hearth & Patio Clearances from a masonry fireplace to a mantel, as required by code, define only your minimum, which is a little complicated because it is a sliding scale depending not only on the distance above the opening but the depth of the shelf.
Manufactured fireplaces are defined solely by the manufacturer's installation manual.
Having said all that, most folks would not want their mantel at the minimum height.
Average mantel height is 52-58" above the floor.
added by wallflower designs to Woodwards (2 weeks ago)
black floating shelves in the living area may be very cool...clean lines to go with modern furniture. also instead of staining dining set...maybe painting it black would allow for it to really stand out...