Definitely add a mantle

Please don't put the tv on the fireplace. ; ) I vote no mantel if you want an ultra modern clean look. But, here is a sample of a modern fireplace with a mantle. If you chose a mantle, I would do a very clean line, white floating "shelf" style.

No t.v! Float a mantle, the same color as that top trim. It will look gorgeous decorated during the holidays. Love the tile.

Wonder how a stainless steel floating shelf would work for your mantel?

Yes but make it asymmetrical to one side with two levels and not the full length so it appears to be floating.

The crown moulding bothers me at top of fireplace wall. If possible I'd remove the moulding, get more tile while it's still available and tile to the ceiling. Your fireplace is one of the few over which I think a TV would actually work pretty well as it is low enough, as long as you don't place it too high. But is there a connection in the wall for the TV? No mantel.

I like the idea of a stainless steel mantle, and I'd have it go the entire width. I'd also look for some great artwork to fill the space. Not sure what colors you have, but you could bring in some color or if you want to stay monochromatic, then look for something in muted tones. I also agree to not put the TV there, unless you get one that has a remote cover. Chrysteen

I'm with Carolyn on this as far as the crown goes, since the fireplace is ultra mod and the crown is traditional. If you don't have a better place for your TV, and it fits your lifestyle and room, I don't mind the TV above fireplaces at all. You just need to remember all the other equipment that goes with the TV and where to put it. I actually ran all my equipment into a cabinet in a separate room since I didn't want clutter. The thing is, I did all this before my tile job. I decided not to go with a glass tile to the ceiling because I have crown at top and don't want to remove the crown moulding at top. Maybe you could add more pix for the designers to look at (other options for your TV layout, etc).

Agree , no TV. Why not try a beautiful round mirror. Something w/ a finish that is iridescent , whether pearl or golden to pick up the pearl in the tiles.

http://houzz.com/photos/533143

I would leave the crown - mixing modern and traditional has a new name...transitional. :-) The fireplace looks completely overwhelmed by the tile, so I think you need a mantle. I think adding a TV would further throw off the balance of the small fireplace.

Thanks so much for excellent suggestions. Definitely no TV and am investigating potential of stainless steel mantle as suggested and will post after pix!

Adding a mantle will definitely help or a large frame around the fireplace.

Here is mock-up of a floating shelf mantle in the color of one of the dark tiles. Steel or a brushed silver looking mantle sounds great. Either way, don't put anything on the mantle. Let the tile shine.

Wow - thank you so much for that! Much appreciated :)

looks really good.
Might try changing the surround speakers to flush ceiling mounts.

Thanks for the update! Looks awesome.

well done!

Looks fantastic.

Mantel for sure

I would add a mantle. It's beautiful!

Mantel made with reclaimed wood...perfect 10!

Great Job...

I have a few blog posts that may help you.

www.timothyriversinteriors.com/blog

I say "no mantle" because the tile is MOSAIC ART. I was just in Ravenna Italy and there was an mosaic artist who did work like this. I think the "no mantle" look is a huge statement. Very clean. If you decide to add a mantle... I would put it right over the fireplace, even if that is low. Don't break up the beautiful visual of this gorgeous mosaic. Would need to be same color floating shelf. Perhaps even tiled with the same tile?

Folks, this is a 2013 dilemma....

How funny! I just realized that!

Add a small ornate dark wood mantle

I have two votes of no I would add some artwork

On January 25, 2015 the poster gave us a photo update of the finished product.