It is a pretty piece of oak, but it seems to be standing alone, so I can see why you want the corbels. It might be a bit small. When I look at the photo, I think it is not substantial enough to make the statement it should, and not minimalist enough to sort of blend. I'm not sure the corbels will be enough. Since the stain is not working, you could distress the mantel, and make it a bit more rustic, and a little easier to match other added pieces.as in the photos, replace it, possibly with a heavier piece, as in the photos. Or you could use white, since your woodwork is white. You wouldn't need a whole surround.

I think the fireplace opening looks rather small because it is somewhat obscured by the very pretty accessories. However, since the mantle is also decorated, I think a very nice set of firplace tools, and a nice screen might work a little better making the mantle more of a focal point. I think because the mantle needs more substance, and both the hearth and mantle are accessorized, it doesn't give the eye a place to "land"
Very pretty, anyway!

I like smdrovetto's 3rd pic a lot for your space....then you may be able to use your pretty piece as a floating shelf elsewhere :)

Here is a very sketchy sketch........

That's a great idea, Shortped!

Thanks for the comments. I agree. I have just been at a lose as to what to do. I have thought about a chunkier piece painted and distressed, but I guess I just needed someone to confirm my thought. LOL! Thanks for your input, I have food for thought now. :)

- Since the issue seems to be getting the corbels to match, I think I'd recommend running the crown moulding around the top of the the stone wall and painting the oak shelf and the new corbels white to match the trim.

The white can help to keep the stone from being too rustic and freshen it up a bit.

I love the rendering of the mantel you have placed. Is this something your company makes?

Hi Shell - I sketched a version of an off-the-shelf mantel by Pearl ( www.pearlmantels.com ). If you can tell me the width of the stone wall, I can help to see if you can fit it. I thought the arched skirt helped to highlight the stone arch.

The stone fireplace is 63" wide.

Exactly the same as your mantel. A good cabinet maker can make the stains match.

I have several good ideas now to maybe start with. I have just been in a quandary with this. It's been 4 years in August since the build and I am VERY anxious to get this project done. Awesome ideas. Thank you all!!!!

If you wanted to, the 60" Auburn shelf from Pearl should work in your situation: http://www.pearlmantels.com/auburnshelf.html

I'm a little concerned that you might need to rework the stone a bit or grout around the shelf to make it fit properly, but if you have good local stone person, they should be able to help you with the project. The same thing would go for doing crown moulding across the top, since there would need to be a wood band to attach to properly. Not impossible for a do-it-yourselfer, but a little challenging.