Normally the tile would go up to the mantel, but more people are letting the mantel float, which is likely why you are undecided. However, the size of your mantel complicates things.

These mockups might help:

Floating Mantel - less common

Up to mantel - problem here is your mantel is not wide enough. It should be wider than the tile. So you will either have to cut the tiles shorter on the sides, leaving a bad proportion, or get a longer mantel.

This is the ideal most common way to do it. Mantel on top of and wider than the tile.

When your done, don't forget to get a nice Custom Fireplace Screen to hide the fake fireplace.

Wider mantel, and NO mosaic pebbles, please.

@Hansen Wholesale I really appreciate the mockups! Thank you for taking the time to provide. Yes, we are torn bc we have seen both. Again, the pictures are so helpful. We are aware of the mantel size being short. It was original to house.

@JAN MOYER what do you suggest? Completely open to ideas as this project was on backburner. We picked up random samples to get an idea of layout and look. The mantel is original to house and is heavy duty, but I am aware of the size issue with new gas insert and TV size.

It’s an older beach house we are slowly updating. The original wood burning fireplace was unsafe. I posted the before picture below.

@Hansen Wholesale the fireplace is a gas insert now and does have glass and a screen. We replaced the wood burning bc unsafe.

I know from design aspect many don’t like a TV over the fireplace, but room is sunk in living room on main level which is open to dining and kitchen. The tv can be viewed from the other areas mounted there which works for our family currently and likely a beach rental down the line.

A solid surface soapstone, a slate tile......a blues stone...........and fake that mantel to a wider width with a beam kit, or replace

https://www.barrondesigns.com/wood-faux-wood-beams/shop-by-product/beams/

@Court B I do realize it is a gas fireplace, which is why I suggested a decorative screen. I personally don't like the look of prefab fireplaces or gas inserts as they don't look like a real masonry fireplace. Covering it with a decorative screen can do a lot to transform the overall finished look more in keeping with a masonry fireplace.

There’s nothing fake about removing a noxious wood burning fireplace that does nothing to eat a home, except pollute the air and make everyone sick. Gas inserts are much cleaner and efficient. I think you should just tile your opening or go up to your mantle. Doesn’t need to be any wider. But no pebbles, there are so many gorgeous tiles out there. Those pebbles belong on the shower floor!

Hot darn. I think the pebbles look best of the photos shown. Much more interesting than a flat surface, especially against the white. Would larger stones be acceptable?

?

I love what you did to the wall there even if it was just painted what a nice space. Using stone there seems more rustic but are you trying to have a vibe connection to the lake or something? If TV going above I would keep it simple and subtle not so busy.

@Kathy Furt,

Nothing against gas fireplaces at all...I actually sell them. Just don't like all that black metal, so I suggest adding a decorative fireplace screen to finish off the look is all.

@Hansen Wholesale I agree with the black metal and hope to cover as much as able w a tile or stone.

@bearbev we are on the water but close to beach rather than a lake. Honestly, just grabbed the stone sample while out for different items at local box store (bc one look we have not considered).

We have made a few stops in local tile shops, but I haven’t decided nor brought home many samples.

First thought was a simple slate but then we considered other options…even a mosaic tile w pop.

With the tile options, I did not want them to compete with the original chunky pine walls.

So many options 👆😅

This was a marble stone I saw and hence why I decided to grab the other stone sample.

@Hansen Wholesale what tool are you using for mockup? That would be so helpful 🙂.

@Court B I am using Corel Photopaint, which is pretty much like Adobe Photoshop. Been using it for about 25 years to create mockups like these specifically for showing off fireplace screens and doors. It's not a plug and play type of program and took years to master the technique. I use it to manage the FREE Fireplace Screen Design Service at Hansen Wholesale.

Siberian Pearl Brushed Marble Cobble. Shown with custom made Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen

Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal Tile. Shown without a fireplace screen

Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal Tile. Shown with custom fireplace screen

Beige Marble Slab. Shown with Custom Clover Leaf Screen

Siberian pearl is gorgeous. I also love all the porcelain tiles that are patterned