Help me with my fireplace and mantel!

11 years ago

Two things: 1) I'm used to much taller ceilings than I now have, so this short vertical space above my fireplace has me stumped. How can I best maximize this space when decorating my mantel? The metal sculpture can stay or be moved. 2) I don't like the brick. Should I whitewash it or solid paint it entirely a different color? I plan to paint the wood white. Thanks for your help!

Featured Answer

Nancy Ingram

11 years ago

Here's a few idea. Just don't let your "chotchkees " go past the vertical piece on front of fireplace. It give the feeling they're about to fall off.

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Comments (18)

bluedogdecorating
11 years ago
I like the idea of white washing the brick, I think solid paint might be a little too much white and will lose some of the character of the fireplace. I would go with a simply framed round mirror over the fireplace to distract the eye from the narrowness of the space.
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susan2494
11 years ago
I think that the sculpture might be a little bit too tall for the space. It is drawing the eye up and accenting the low ceiling. I might suggest something horizontal 'and not quite so tall. The piece is quite interesting. I agree with not painting the brick.
imaseeker
Original Author
11 years ago
All great feedback, thanks! The photo-shopped pics were especially helpful. And thanks for the compliment on the piece. My boyfriend made it!
susan2494
11 years ago
Don't know the size of your space, but maybe this 24" high and 35" wide. With a green plant next to it and your box and the 2 other items you have on mantle on the other side.
susan2494
11 years ago
Or the plant on one side and the 3 other pieces on the other. I think the sculpture is very unique and really hated to have you remove it, but just not right for mantle. I might also suggest that you replace the plant with one that does not have such long stems running down the side. :>) Something more like this
imaseeker
Original Author
11 years ago
No worries about moving the awesome sculpture. It will find the perfect place somewhere in our home. Doesn't have to be the mantle. ;)
Joanie Coleman
11 years ago
I think your room would seem taller without the dark crown molding....can you paint that? It might make you feel better about the fireplace ( which is classic and looks to be really nice wood).
imaseeker
Original Author
11 years ago
Joanie, that's a good point. I actually am seriously considering painting ALL the wood trim and paneling around the room white. I posted another design dilemma about just that. Here's a pic of the other side of the room. Would you paint the fireplace surround too?
susan2494
11 years ago
Sorry I missed that, I do think painting the crown molding is a good idea, but would not suggest that you do all the wood. Others might disagree, but I think it does give the room some character.
Susan Fisher
11 years ago
I personally love the wood, seems a shame to paint it! Sure it will look nice painted though. Looks like cherry to me but not an expert. Good luck!
imaseeker
Original Author
11 years ago
So you ladies think we should paint just the crown moulding to make the room feel taller, but leave the fireplace, paneling and all the trim around the windows and doors in the natural wood?
imaseeker
Original Author
11 years ago
Here's a link to my other post on the painting subject so you can see the pics. http://houzz.com/discussions/3339422
susan2494
11 years ago
I would start with just the crown molding and see how you like it. Live with it for a few days and if you still are unhappy with the room, then paint some more wood.
susan2494
11 years ago
There are a couple of things that will improve the looks of the space. Replace the fan with a better light fixture and get a console for your TV. And put a nice red glass bowl on the coffee table :>)

Every room need something black

Both are corner cabinets
susan2494
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
If you have 10' ceilings this will work

You can always put mini shades on for a new look.
imaseeker
Original Author
11 years ago
Definitely need a TV console, I agree. As for ceiling height, it's only 8 feet and we use the fan a lot in the hot Atlanta summers.
susan2494
11 years ago
That's why I asked about the ceiling height. I looked at the room and the issue with the crown molding and thought it might be too low. I am terrible, as I live in Fl and took out all my fans to put in pretty chandeliers. I miss the fans sometimes, but I enjoy my chandeliers too much to care :>)