fireplace hearth and mantle

6 years ago

We built our house and after all was said and done we kept looking at the fireplace thinking something looked off. There seems to be too much space between the fireplace and the mantle. I made a mistake on not choosing to do a raised hearth as well. So my question is, what would be a some good options to remedy this extra space? Rip the whole thing out, raise the fireplace and hearth or move the mantle down OR is there something design-wise I can do so that large space doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb?

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ktgpainter

5 years ago

First, I’d have a shallow wall unit built to the left of fireplace to mimic the size and value of the barn door you have on the right (match wood, match dimensions). I’d keep it pretty simple to keep the fireplace the main focal point. That would add symmetry and balance around the fireplace. Then I’d move the tv into the wall unit (bringing it down to a better viewing height) and move the framed art above the mantle. The dark tv would blend into the dark wall unit. You may need to move the furniture around a little, or maybe not.

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Comments (14)

housegal200
5 years ago
Seconding ktgpainter's suggestions. The problem is the TV on the fireplace, not the fireplace itself. Get a great looking, deep console or unit with wood finish to match barn door, and put the TV to the side.

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chloebud
5 years ago
^^Agree with above.
Jennifer Passantino
5 years ago
There is a certain amount of space that is required by fireplace manufacturers between the fireplace opening and mantle. Yours appears to be correct.
Amanda Peacock
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all so much!! We went back and forth on TV placement as well so thank you!!
jck910
5 years ago
I agree with housegal200. Get a console for the left side and put TV on it. I think it is the hearth that is making the FP look odd. Can it be removed? You want a good size piece of art for over the FP, at least the size of the fire box
decormyhomepls
5 years ago
My first thought is that you’ll be getting neck cramps with the TV placed so high. I agree with the suggestions of a separate console for the TV.
erinsean
5 years ago
I agree with moving the TV to the left of the fireplace on a console made of matching wood of your barndoor. As to the fireplace...I like that you don't have a hearth and I would take the mantle down if possible. Then place art work on the fireplace the size of the firebox. Another suggestion would be to white wash the stone or paint it. I think it would lighten up your room.
lmmcnitt
5 years ago
I’d also try for a beefier mantel. I like the idea of wood on the stone but something a little more substantial with a bit more contrast to the stone would be more pleasing. Then the art above as suggested.
housegal200
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
A little off topic, but you seem to have a lovely view out your wall of windows. However, your big dark sofa is blocking some of the view and light. I suggest that you slightly move your fireplace sofa leftwards after you move the TV left, then put the dark sofa where the white chair is and the chair near the window.
Amanda Peacock
Original Author
5 years ago
I’m doing an over haul in the furniture as well! Good thought! Thank you!
maddielee
5 years ago
Try making the mantle look wider by taping cardboard on the existing. If that pleases your eye, go for a bigger mantle.
housegal200
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
If you're getting new furniture, think about getting one long sofa, possibly with a short chaise on the left for TV watching and two comfortable side chairs to face your lovely windows. This will give you far more flexibility than two sofas and will create an airier space. A layout like that maximizes the best features of the space: fireplace & view--but with TV on the side.
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Amanda Peacock
Original Author
5 years ago
Maddielee that is a fantastic idea! Thank you