I really want a mantel, but we have an unusual fireplace area and so I'm not sure what would look best. Should I just have one installed over the actual fireplace? Would that look unbalanced? Should we make it longer? Or maybe have another "mantel" to the left that is higher or lower?

As far as materials...I love the idea of a 4x4 piece of reclaimed wood, but we already have a reclaimed wood coffee table and I think it may not contrast enough with the stone? So what *would* look good?

Please help!