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marynboyz

Mantle or no mantle?

13 years ago
Should we consider putting a mantle on our fireplace?

Comments (36)

  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Yes, I would - the full width of the fireplace but not right above the firebox - a bit above it.
  • 13 years ago
    I have almost the same look and I have decided to go without a mantle.
  • 13 years ago
    Definitely needs a mantle.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Needs some 'sparkle'.
  • 13 years ago
    Nothing else on the fireplace. Needs decoration besides it, fireplace tools, greenery, ceramic dog, collector pieces, that kind of thing.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I vote for a mantle. Find out from the building department how high you need to place it. They will need to know how far your mantle will project from the wall. Would you consider a raised hearth? Is this a wood burning or gas fireplace?
  • 13 years ago
    I would recommend a mantle, and possibly a hearth. Needs some dimension. A large picture above the mantle would look good also
  • 13 years ago
    Both a mantle and hearth.
    Emily Hagerman Design · More Info
  • 13 years ago
    I like the face of the fireplace. The firebox is large though and it feels like it needs something, I think I'd be tempted to do something asymetrical.
    Contemporary Living Room · More Info
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I think you should consider a hearth. At the bottom of the square opening have a shelf project in a half circle or rounded shape. Large enough to sit on. That would make it more welcoming and look clean and contemporary.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I definitely think the addition of a hearth in the same stone would enhance the fireplace. You could also add a thick shelf or timber mantel in a dark stain. I would also pull the chairs out about a ft. further into the room.
  • 13 years ago
    Mantle....simple chunky, wrap around. Think clean simple lines but a little rustic maybe. One simple but beautiful piece of art sitting on top of the mantle. Don't over clutter it....let its beauty shine....much like you would a neck with a simple necklace. :)
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    If you want contemporary, many wlll suggest no mantle. I prefer a mantle, contemporary or not. You need a dramatic art or mirror over the fireplace if not placing a TV.
  • 13 years ago
    Really like the texture and colors of the stone. Agree a mantel is needed and a hearth. I'd prefer rectangular hearth.
  • 13 years ago
    A wrapped mantel would be gorgeous! Usually I like no mantle, but the room style would look great with a wood mantle the color of the chair on the left and fully wrapped around the sides too. Make sure it is the regulated height away from the firebox as required for your make/model of firebox and per fire code. either way you have a beautiful room!
  • 13 years ago
    Thank you for the great feedback. I posted a few more pictures in hopes of finding the right mantle. Chunky may break up the lines a bit.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    What a beautiful view you have. I will put a mantle and I will put the TV on top instead of a picture. In my opinion if you add a hearth should be a short one so you don't take space on the width of your room. Maybe some nice curtains, the ones you keep open.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Mantle, thick wood.
  • 13 years ago
    Looks like you prefer a contemporary look with clean lines. Blend of Mission style and Scandinavian. In that case, I recommend a mantle in a sleek, simple straight line. A beautiful piece clean cut wood, smooth and stained to match your furniture, leaving about 6 inches on either side of the stone. A mantle will enhance the fireplace as a focal point and give you a place for perhaps a beautiful clock and a piece of art. Will make the room feel more personal. What a lovely view and setting. To save on the expense of building a hearth (looks like its a gas insert?), perhaps a low bench in front.
  • 13 years ago
    Mary, I love everything about your room! I do still think a plain asymetrical mantle would work on your fireplace and in your room. Alternatively, I like the prior suggestion of a mantle that completely wraps around. Whatever you do, I think it should be natural wood and almost rustic in feel.

    And heavens to betsy, please don't put your TV over the FP!
  • 13 years ago
    Wow, what a great response from the Houzz community. Thank you. I am leaning toward rustic because, yes, we do have an open Scandinavian design but to break it up for the sake of interest, perhaps a simple rustic mantle may do it. It is a wood burning fireplace. As you can see from the picture, I did add a bit of rustic with the log house:). However, part of me wants to carry the look through the house. The wood uses for cabinetry, doors, trim and floor are light and clean lines... I do like the idea of a wrap around. Not sure I would do anything on the bottom, as you can see, the area is "cozy small." I also want to keep it somewhat sparse to be able to focus on the killer sunsets that appear out the window. You all are wonderful. I may carry you outside as we start to look at landscaping.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I just want to say again how much I love your style! I think the choice of no hearth is a good one. The hunt for a mantle should be a fun one!

    BTW - your kitchen cabinets are beautiful. Such a great mix of organic and contemporary you've got going ;-)
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I like decoenthusiaste idea. :)
  • 13 years ago
    After seeing the new pictures I still like my idea of a wrap around simple but rustic mantel. However I think it would be awesome if it somehow incorporated a set of built ins on the left side to encase the TV. BEAUTIFUL VIEW!!!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Here is one I did similar to yours, If it helps you decide.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Picture
  • 13 years ago
    Lovely view! Wouldn't you prefer arranging the furniture to take advantage of it?
  • 13 years ago
    Please do not install a television above the fireplace. It is too beautiful for that.
  • 13 years ago
    On our to do list is a simple rustic wrap around mantel. No hearth. Next on our list is the yard. So if any of you have green thumbs, follow my future postings asking for ideas
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    okay, Can you post any new dilemmas for each new project, as it gets very confusing for us houzzers and the threads can be very long. Is this what you meant anyway?
  • 13 years ago
    Yes, LB. That is what I intend to do. New project, new thread. I agree, when threads take on other focuses, it is hard to follow and less helpful. So this thread remains on the fireplace;)
  • 11 years ago

    Yes

  • 11 years ago
    A great big huge painting with a light above it. That's all that fireplace needs.
  • 11 years ago

    Mantle.

  • 11 years ago

    I would do a WRAP AROUND mantle.