Why plugs at all?What are you using them for is what I need to know. If they are for sconces then hardwire the sconces

Lighted garland at Christmas. ;-)

If you can put it where the plug will be hidden when it's in use, that would be best, but with those "flat plug" extension cords - it's not like the plug would have to stick up if it was on top of the mantel.

Christmas lights were my first thought as well! Plug on the side of the fireplace :)

No outlet in the front of the mantel. If you need one, put it on the side of the fireplace where it's not facing the room.

Yes, we were thinking of Christmas time as well. We will already have hardwired sconces.

Ours is on the top of the mantle towards the back.

@louislinus Would you miss it if it was on the side of the fireplace instead?

I don’t mind it where it is but I think I’d like it better on the side of the fireplace right near the top. The only thing with its current location is that it gets in the way of nutcracker display at Christmas!

it's very thoughtful. I love the idea of putting an outlet really close to where the string lights begin so you can conceal the ugly plug. place it where it can be hidden behind some knickknacks on the shelf. find an outlet and cover that blends in as well as possible (there are paintable outlet covers). once Christmas is over, an outlet back there will barely be noticeable, especially if the shelves are not lit.

check out my beautiful and totally realistic illustration (haha):

or like this:

@louislinus This is helpful. What do you mean about right near the top? We were thinking it would be on the side (in the woodwork not the tile area) and the height of the plug (bottom) would be the same as the top of the mantel. Does this make sense?

@User Thank you for taking the time to alter the diagrams for us! Of the two, I prefer the lights just over the mantel. Can you help me understand why putting them in the side of the woodwork part of the fireplace is less good than on the built-in? We were going to put the plug on the right side as that built in goes to a corner wall and very few people will see it there. (no one will approach from that side).

you could also put the outlet inside one of those cabinets, and have a hole just barely large enough at the top that you could feed the plug through. (you won't see the hole if it's behind books or whatnot.) then snake the wire behind the shelves (I see they're adjustable, so you can carefully scoot them forward and push them back against the cord). this will be a pain in the butt to move objects while putting the lights up and down, but the outlet would be very hidden.

Is there anyone here who thinks I might need a plug on both sides of the fireplace woodwork? the side on the right is well hidden as that side ends on a corner. The side on the left will be more visable. I have never had a plug near a mantal and one seems fantastic. However, given the electricians are coming tomorrow, should I ask for two?

@chloebud Great. We do want one plug. On the right side of the fireplace will be very hidden (no one will be on the side as it is a corner). I like the battery lights as well. I have a few light up Christmas decorations like a beautiful carved manger scene that cannot be battery powered.

Recessed outlet in the top of the mantle.

I have an outlet in the center /over my fireplace. Yes, it's visible, but I always have things up there to cover the outlet. I have no complaints about this placement.

Outlets on each side could increase your options.

Picture of the fireplace and area above your fireplace?

If you have a niche or the opposite -- a bump out -- putting the outlets facing to the side is the better option.

These outlets with covers might prove helpful. If installed immediately below a sconce, it could appear to be a part of the base of the sconce. Or, if placed immediately above a mantel, they could be hidden by decorative items ... wood box or nut cracker bowl, etc., ... set on the mantel. :

https://www.cabletiesandmore.com/concealable-flush-mount-grommet?pid=793&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs6Doh9T18QIVh8CGCh0PZwcPEAQYASABEgJgmfD_BwE

Cool outlet covers. They might not be able to be used in Canada. We looked into something like that for our island and found out they did not comply with CSA. When I went to your link a pop-up came up and I had to select Canada. Immediately the cover went away. We will double check. You asked for a picture of the fireplace (in real life), above photo is where we are at.

ontariomom - I didn't see your question yesterday! (I think we may have hit "submit" at the same time.)

Can you help me understand why putting them in the side of the woodwork part of the fireplace is less good than on the built-in?

my thinking is that personally, I hate looking at the plug from xmas lights. so in my first diagram, the outlet is hidden and really close to where you want to begin the lights. (this is because the length between the plug and the first bulb is always so short.)

however, if the outlet is on the outside of the built in, facing a dark corner, I suppose that could be fine if it doesn't bother you. it's up to you!

what color will the built ins be? white? wood?

as for your question regarding getting two plugs-- this seems like overkill. you only need one for lights. if you want the outlet facing outside, put it to the right near the dark corner.

what would you need another outlet in that area for? could you just put it under the window instead?

@User Thank you for your help. I am fine with the plug being on the side. It is just not a very visable spot, so it works. Your idea would also have worked. There are other plugs around, including under the window. As per two plugs, I was just checking as I probably would not have thought to put one plug near a mantel if it were not for other posts on Houzz and posters stating that they liked it. We will stick with one plug.

you're right about that! it's always good to check for "real use cases"! but yeah, I think just one plug is probably enough.

one other thing! I suggest making that outlet controlled by a wall switch! or use a smart outlet where the lights can turn on and off with an app and/or timer. you can get hard wired smart outlets, or just use an additional plug like this (but they're bulky).

We will look at getting a smart plug. The switches are already wired (and rather complicated as it is). Thanks!!