Fireplace mantle and hearth decisions

11 years ago

Two sided fireplace that will be stone all the way to ceiling. One side faces kitchen other side great room.

Question 1: should I have the mantle on both sides be the same color? I was thinking of great room being egret white like the trim and crown and then kitchen side being walnut stained cherry wood like the cabinets. Ideas?

Question 2: hearth. One side or both sides? Height and depth?

Featured Answer

Michael Lemay

11 years ago

Is the fireplace gas or wood fired? The codes for hearths and mantles differ depending. You can do totally different things on each side. Might I suggest that you put a piece of Granite flush with the floor in the Kitchen. In the living room, if you are the type that might like to sit on the Hearth, then I would put in a raised one. If you go raised, remember to lift it more than one course of bricks. Make it high enough so you can sit on it without feeling like you are sitting on the floor.

I just tried to log on as a pro but it keeps giving me error messages. Take a look at my website: www.lemaycustomfurniture.com

We make Custom furniture, built-ins, fireplace mantles and surrounds. There is a nice Western Red Cedar mantle on a Stone fireplace you may like. With Black Walnut edging and Maple pegs.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Colorado Kitchen Designs
11 years ago
I don't think they need to be the same at all. But I would do one on each side. The height should be dictated by the fireplace specs. I just installed one that specified it had to be at least 10" above top of fireplace.
PRO
Colorado Kitchen Designs
11 years ago
About the hearth, depends if you want to sit right next to it. if you don't, I would just put stone below fireplace on wall.
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sdestache
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for quick advice. Do you think I should do the same hearth design on both sides? Would it look off if I did no hearth on kitchen side but did put one on the great room side?
PRO
Colorado Kitchen Designs
11 years ago
I think you could do completely different things on each side. Each side is its own room. I think you would be more likely to use a hearth on the living room side for sure.
sdestache
Original Author
11 years ago
The fireplace is gas.
Felix Pradas-Bergnes
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Consider no mantles at all. Cleaner lines. Consider also that the two mantles do not have to be made of wood. Depending on your style preferences, a stone, marble or terracotta mantle from a salvage store, in a color contrasting the stone surround could create a very powerful effect.
Laurel
8 years ago
Dear owner, what did you decide to do regarding this design dilemma and are you now happy with your choices? Thank you, Curious Person with a Similar Dilemma :-)
owensound
8 years ago
Would love to know what you decided. Same question on how to treat 2 sided fireplace. Looking for a more contemporary feel. It also is kitchen and great room. Thanks