We recently moved in and haven't decided on room design yet. It's 37 inches from the floor to the top of the granite. Some people say you should have the mantel at shoulder hight and if that's the case then I was thinking of adding wainscot then a simple mantel. Thoughts?

I'd like to hide the gap. How high/low should a mantel be? The mantel won't be in the way.

what kind of floors do you have? I'm looking for something similar to that

Hardwood, light oak.

I would not install a mantel on the fireplace hang some great piece of art on the wall above the marble you could even have one around the corner from the pics thee does not seem to be much space around the fireplace so keep it simple.

I thought a mantel would work because I need to cover the gap between the granite and wall. I'll try taking better pictures that show the room because we have tall ceilings. Thank you!

Frame the fireplace with plain molding similar to that between wall and floor at left and paint it the same color as your wall. IMO the simplicity of the fireplace is its best feature.

Here are more pictures of our fireplace. I still don't know what to do. I'd like to figure this out and then buy furniture that works with our space. Thank you all!

I vote no edging -- it will wreck the look.

Heat resistant paintable caulk should hide the gap.

If you stand with your back to the fireplace and take a picture, then we could see how big your space is. Right now, I vote you do nothing to your fireplace other than paintable caulk if needed.

I'll take more pictures, the room is actually big and open. We just moved in and I need new furniture (the hutch isn't staying) I want to figure out the fireplace and move onto the furniture layout. Thank you for your suggestions.

O.K. here are more pictures, try not to look at the furniture and layout, we not to redesign. The windows opposite the fireplace are going to have white plantation shutters. Thank you all for your help!

For now, I would consider a mantel to be an accessory that should work with the final furniture pieces. If you plan a makeover and new furniture, that should be your focus. The potential mantel style (or not) will become more evident as you select seating, tables, lamps, etc.

Thank you!