Your mantel does not make sense to me it’s scale is all wrong if you don’t use the fireplace what do you want it for. I wouuld have put a very simple mantel with the T.V mounted above.

First, please help me better understand about the scale being all wrong. Secondly, my wife likes the look of having a fireplace but doesn't not want the tv above the mantel. The mantel is 60" wide, 15" high and 10" deep. It is mounted 53" from the top of the hearth. Thank you for your reply and am very anxious to read your reply.

Your mantel is very pretty. Objects on it and art above it will help to make it connect with the fireplace. The new paint color sounds perfect, too. The only thing glaring to me are the white blinds. They are what my eyes are drawn to. I would either remove them ( my preference) or at least get drapes to add color and soften the look.

I agree the mantel needs to be lowered. In the advertisement it is hung over a curved firebox and yours is straight - that's where I agree that a simple, straight mantel running the entire width would perhaps be better suited. Try lowering it and sitting the art on it to see how that looks. I have seen unused open fireplaces set up completely full of stacked wood on here so you don't see inside the cavity and I love that.

Your mantel appears to be floating. This is because it does not extend to the edge of the stone horizontally. Also a real mantel would have vertical boards running down to the hearth. Even the mantel in the promo photo appears to float.
If you research what historic fireplace mantels look like you can start to see the differences.
That being said, I agree the mantel is to high so that it doesn't visually tie in with the fireplace opening. Also, if you add some really tall matching vases (or tall plants) on the hearth on either side it might help to tie the mantel with the fireplace opening. It will add some vertical lines to it.

Thank you all.

We do agree the rectangular firebox is an issue. So much so that I have given thought to building a faux black firebox frame like the one shown on the mantel's advertisements image. The only difference would be that the view of the firebox's interior would not be obstructed by heavy gauge mesh. The mesh would be much thinner.

The Mantel is very well designed. The corbels and arch both are mechanically attached to the shelf. Meaning each or all can be easily removed. The way it is attached to the fireplace is also very logical. The entire mantel assembly is easily removed by simply lifting it off the mounting strip. This would facilitate lowering. IMPORTANT! About lowering, how high from the hearth would you recommend? Remember I stated it is currently at 53".

We have seen numerous images of fireboxes filled with various shapes of wood. That is an idea for us to consider. A reed filled large vase and above mantel painting are already in the works. Just waiting to get the initial mantel issues resolved.

The window blinds. I have to chuggel about them being bare. Quite some time back several Houzz members convinced us to remove the drapes for a simpler look. We are not great at such things so we can be easily swayed. To be honest. They do look rather "naked" for lack of a better term. LOL. Drape color would depend on the final wall color. New furniture is also planned but that project must wait.

Again, thanks everyone. Sure look forward to your new replies.

Scale is an issue as well.

Please explain about what is wrong with the scale. I need you to help me better understand. Thank you for replying.

I did even better. I photoshopped a picture of a more correct scale and height... see above.

Thank you. The next size available was 72" which I think is too wide. I"ll have to measure. Given I cannot return the 60" is the anything we can do to compensate for the current scale?

Mantel top I think generally is 60 inches from floor? You can houzz it and see? And neutral tile would improve the firebox. It looks unfinished, not rustic.

Finndian, I was correct. The fireplace is only 67" wide.

Soosun2, the fireplace is covered with natural (unfinished) stucco. When the room is repainted the stucco is to be painted the same color as the walls. Are you suggesting the firebrick be painted a neutral color?

Lowering helps and maybe a bit of disguising??

No I am personally just not used to stucco done up to the firebox but upon looking at stucco fireplaces on Houzz I see that is how it is done. And we have always had a firescreen or glass firedoor on our fireplaces so just a matter of what I am used to.

Major Change!

As can see we lessened the mantel's formality by removing the arch while at the same time did away with the fire screen. The framed painting on the mantel is there only to ascertain perspective. It is not staying. The mantel is to be lowered a few inches. After that is done we shall turn our attention to the decrotative aspects. Those being the fire box, hearth, on and above the mantel

We sincerely hope you will stay with us as our project continues. Thank you.

Louis & Cathy

It looks better but it is still too high.

I agree. Hope to bring it down about 3 to 4 inches.

That's SO much better without the arch in it! Look forward to seeing the photos when you lower it and decorate it. Definitely do some research to find out the ideal mantel height and get it as close to that as possible.

how about 10 inches, I like it minus the arch.

Firescreens for below...Just a thought...when you get to the decorating stage. Looks Great! I do like it better without the arch and agree that bringing the mantle a little lower will do the trick. Triptychs above...

After extensive research the mantel was lowered so that it (corbels) are 8" above the firebox.

Great! Can you show is a pic?

So very much better. Just add a black wrought iron set of FP tools to the side, nothing on top. After you add your art please send us a photo. Isn't it funny how much difference it makes to maintain a shape to enhance something.

Will be out tomorrow. Photo ASAP.

While I'm away consider our upcoming repaint. The color will be in the beige family. I would like your comments about whether or not to paint the fireplace the same color as the walls. If you recommend not to paint it the same then suggest a color. Thanks.

Since it is a "fireplace " add fireplace tools on one side and a lg metal or wicker basket with logs in it on the other side. Your picture plus some candle sticks or a vase,something vertical . On the other end maybe a drape ivy plant. You need texture.

Hello again. Here is a quick snap of lowered mantel.

Looks great. Nice job! You were asking about paint. I think I would go the same color for FP as the wall paint but 2 shades darker. Let's hear what others say. Once the painting is done then you can add décor to FP.

Very good idea Susan.

The color of the mantle ties in with the hearth. I think the color is fine. Unless you want it blended with the walls and different than the hearth. Good luck.

You could remove the logs from the fireplace and fill with a collection of candles which actually be lit for ambiance. I agree with installing the T V above and freeing up that corner of the room

pphelps,

I'm referring to the big fireplace that is in natural stucco. We are painting the living room so I'm asking for comments regarding whether the stucco fireplace should be the same new color of the wall or some other color.

Next task.

Our fireplace mantel is dark cherry. Our audio video horizontal cabinet and tower speakers are a maple hue. I have the ability to refinish the cabinet and tower speakers to a very near perfect match to the dark cherry.

Please express your opinion whether or not to refinish the AV cabinet and speakers to a better match the mantel.

Btw, the wood color conversion method is quite easy. If interested I will gladly share how I recolor the wood without stripping.

Get a new TV cabinet instead of refinishing. The one you have is too short.

Louis, We are going through something similar with a new construction home build...I am curious...how high is the newly positioned mantle off the "floor" to the top of the mantle. We have a TV we want to hang above the mantle and don't want to strain our necks to watch TV.

Such a great mantel deserves a hand forged firescreen. Skip the vase of sticks; it's way overdone. Here are a couple of looks for you: