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Design Dilemma
imsuzz

Mantel or no Mantel

11 years ago
Hello. Need to make a decision ASAP. I have a 3 sided gas fireplace which separates kitchen from family room. Beam runs through the fireplace so stone will go up to ceiling. Ceilings are 8'. Stone is slate. I was wanting to do a wrap around mantel to be in all four sides. Sending a pic if what I was thinking. But now I'm not sure. Should I have a mantel or no mantel. Please help me

First pic is of fireplace. 2nd is stone purchased 3rd pic is what I was thinking for mantel
Featured Answer
  • 11 years ago

    Maybe this will help:


    Comments (82)

    • 11 years ago

      I do not have a post to the side. Fireplace is not attached to anything on either side

    • 11 years ago
      Was thinking this

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    • 11 years ago
      I absolutely think 3 sides. I actually didn't care for the inspiration pic (agreed w the tutu comment) but I really like Grover's design. Wrapping all 4 throws off the balance. Not sure what you mean about side posts though?
    • 11 years ago

      i dont like on 4 sides either, and definitely not enough to set a wine glass on. if you want a wine counter... dont do it wrapped even on 3 side. grovers 3 sided wrap looks good only because its a narrow piece of wood placed vertically, not a flat shelf.

      ymmv, but thats my opinion.

    • 11 years ago
      Can you draw me a picture? I'm not sure how I would do this on my fireplace. Thanks
    • 11 years ago
      I don't see grovers pic that your mentioning
    • 11 years ago

      can someone please send me Grovers pic with with narrow shelf, I do not see this for some reason

    • 11 years ago

      you thanked him on it. its the upper of the two in that post.

    • 11 years ago

      Thanks, yes I see the 2 pics, one with mantel one without, I do not see it on three sides, or a narrow piece of wood vertically, or am I misunderstanding. To me it looks like mantel drawn is just showing maybe a bit off center.

    • 11 years ago
      I think if it was 3 sides I would need to cut it in more on the right side. Probably half way in ( where the smaller section stone is on the bottom right side). This would look more contemporary I think. Any thoughts
    • 11 years ago
      We may be talking about different things, idk. In the pic from Grover, see that the mantle projects out a few inches (looks less than 5 but I could be wrong) on the left but not at all on the right. I like that because it makes sense with the off-center FP to wrap the 3 sides it is on with the mantle.
    • 11 years ago
      Ok. Yes I see. I was thinking the front horizontal across to be about 5-5 1/2 inches thick (the section that faces you). And Where it comes out from the stone ( the top ledge ) to be about maybe 3 inches at the most. So it does not stick out much. I may have not been explaining right. Lol
    • 11 years ago
      Haha. 3" deep seems narrow for wine glass? Mess around with some blocks to find the perfect depth, but you have the right idea. Not too much projection. And no mantle on the right wall is my vote-just the sides that show fireplace.
    • PRO
      11 years ago

      I also like the idea of the mantle on three sides, but what if you shorten it to follow the line of the hearth. So, the mantle would end where the hearth ends.

    • 11 years ago

      For clarification: I intended the mantel to wrap three sides. The mantel I show is a bit less than three stones thick. I have shortened the mantel so you can see how that looks. Three versions below:

    • 11 years ago
      Groveraxle your visuals are always great! I really like image 2.
    • 11 years ago
      I don't think a mantel is needed. The slate is busy. Let it stand alone.
    • 11 years ago

      I like Grover's middle picture the best, where the mantel extends beyond the opening, but not all the way to the edge. Be careful with the details - it could look really good if proportions are right. It shouldn't be too thick, nor should it extend too far out from the wall (wineglass width seems good).


    • PRO
      11 years ago
      Wrap the fireplace with stone, but do not add an mantel. A mantel would make the space around the fireplace a bit tighter considering your other furniture in the area.
    • 11 years ago
      Thanks Groveraxle! I love option 2. What would you make it out of. Smooth surface and paint it ?
    • 11 years ago

      depends if you use a "scandal" sized wineglass or not ; )

    • 11 years ago
      If you do a mantle, put it only on the 3 sides over the fireplace. It will look awkward and pointless on the fourth side where there is no fireplace.
    • PRO
      11 years ago

      People are obsessed with these open floor plans. Problem is they create a lot of issues in a room when added afterward. The header running across the top of it will take some planning to finsih Off.


      I agree with going with a flatter stack stone design to loose that box store look. The wood strip or mantel looks fine and can be done with wood, stone, etc.


      I think Grover has given you what you need but notice the header goes away in the rendering. Good luck!!



    • 11 years ago

      The header goes away in the rendering, wannabath, because she said they were taking the stone all the way to the ceiling.

      imsuzz, I would make the mantel out of a really nice wood, walnut maybe, and stained.


    • 11 years ago
      I think you're asking about a mantel shelf.

      I would not put a mantel shelf on the fireplace.

      I would ask the slate installers how they plan to deal with each corner. will they have corner pieces so that it looks stone or will the tile just but up to each other at each corner.
    • 11 years ago
      Hi Kelly. The stone does have corners pieces and will go up to the ceiling on top of header/beam
    • PRO
      11 years ago
      Your fireplace will look much cleaner without a mantle. Especially given the ceiling height and surface product. That's what you want to show off, not the mantle.
    • 11 years ago
      Fireplace looks smaller in the picture. Actual size is 45" front 22" on sides. Does this make any difference.
    • 11 years ago

      I think it would look good either way, with or without a mantel.

      Parade 2008 · More Info


      Rustic Glam · More Info


    • 11 years ago
      For the fireplace going with a tiled surround say gray slate vs the picture you sent would be nice and definitely the dark mantel with it black or dark brown as your picture. See picture this is on one wall. But totally doable for your place.
    • 11 years ago
      For the tile it can very light cream
      Beige as that would provide soft undertones to your home and complement the dark wood,
      What Color is your furniture?
    • 11 years ago
      Thank you Sdhami. I do like this look however slate stone has already been purchased to cover entire fireplace . Picture is in my first post
    • 11 years ago
      We have an almost identical 3 sided FP in the house we just bought. It has dark slate tile to the ceiling and no mantel. I think we are going to install a wood mantel, like maybe rustic wood beam, on two sides. We have young kids and want a mantel to hang Christmas stockings and to display a few family pics, etc.
    • 11 years ago
      If you don't have kids to trim a Christmas mantle for, then don't bother. Your modern fireplace will look better without.
    • 11 years ago
      Wisel, I would consider 3 sides, as in the pics above.
    • 11 years ago
      Wow many great points. I agree that 3 sides mantel is better than wrap around. I can see how it would be off balance. Comments are close between mantel and no mantel.
    • 11 years ago

      Let us know what you decide, and better yet, show us!


    • 11 years ago
      Yes I will for sure. Thanks everyone !
    • PRO
      11 years ago

      OBVIOUSLY STONE LIKE IN THE EXAMPLES YOU ALLREADY RECIVED ! ! ! BUT TV OVER OR NEAR FIREPLACE = "PEASANTS" = BUMPKINS ! ! ! OR I ENJOY BEAUTIFULL ROMANTIC MOMENTS IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE OR I FIX MY EYES ON TV ! ! ! SHORT , CLEAR AND CONCIS ! ! ! PERIOD = FULL STOP ! ! !


    • 11 years ago

      no! don't put a mantle or anything - the stone will be more pleasing without interfering details with no purpose.

    • PRO
      11 years ago
      Obviously you have now gotten so many comments you are probably confused! Go with your gut! And let's end the discussion
    • 11 years ago
      Yes I'm torn between the two. It was to start today but not till Saturday now. I will send picture when complete.
    • 11 years ago
      I would go for a rustic weathered barn beam on three sides and end the beam on equal distance from edge on right side.
    • 11 years ago
      All done! No mantel. I decided once we got to that point Just need to seal the stone!
    • 11 years ago
      Looks awesome and so homey!
    • 11 years ago

      Well you settled your own dilemma. Looks splendid & so warm & comforting.

    • 11 years ago

      Beautiful!

    • 11 years ago

      i think you went the right way on it.


    • PRO
      9 years ago

      On another project, we work by specification and can creates any design you imagine

    • 8 years ago

      Stunning fireplace, very close to what we had in our last home... ❤️

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