Choosing the Right Type of Mantel for Your Fireplace
Whether your home is traditional or modern, a fireplace mantel is the final architectural detail that adds the finishing touch to a full fireplace design. Choosing the right type of mantel for your fireplace is crucial for defining the focal point. Your fireplace mantel should be made of durable and safe materials, be sized proportionally to the room and firebox, and fit the home’s architectural style. The architects at our Austin, TX design studio are reviewing the types of fireplace mantels and materials to choose from as well as tips for designing the proper mantel to fit the size and style of your space. We will also tackle the question of if your fireplace really needs a mantel or if it can be beautiful and finished with no mantel at all.
The High Road, fireplace with thin steel mantel
Types of Fireplace Mantels
There are many parts to a fireplace, but the mantel tends to take center stage. It’s easy to see why! Mantels accent the fireplace to draw attention and complete the focal point, and they also serve as great places to style with decor year-round. It is crucial to select the proper mantel to complete the look of your fireplace design. There are two main types of fireplace mantels to choose from: mantel surrounds and mantel shelves.
Fireplace Mantel Surround
A fireplace mantel surround is a unit typically made from the same material that consists of the mantel supported by matching legs or pilasters. A mantel built into a surround may also have decorative corbels and an apron supporting the shelf. Fireplace mantel surrounds will frame the fireplace and create a much more elegant look that will command the room and draw attention. Intricate surrounds made of carved stone will feel formal and traditional, while alternative materials like sleek metal will feel more contemporary. Large mantel surrounds are perfect for expansive spaces like great rooms with tall ceilings.
Fireplace Mantel Shelf
A fireplace mantel shelf is a simpler option. Mantel shelves are floated above the firebox opening and don’t have the additional frills of legs and corbels. The fireplace’s surround will typically be finished in a different but complementary material, like brick, tile, or plaster. Wood is the most commonly used mantel shelf material, but other options like stone and metal are also used. A floating mantel shelf will have a more streamlined look, perfect for smaller or minimalist spaces.
Fireplace Mantel Material Options
The material you select for your fireplace mantel should complement the fireplace wall and coordinate with your home’s overall style. Keep in mind that a fireplace will generate heat and flames, so materials should be non-combustible or installed a proper distance from the firebox opening for safety. Here are the three most popular fireplace mantel materials that can be incorporated into a range of design styles.
Stone
Stone mantels are durable, beautiful, and timeless. Stone options include limestone, marble, and cast stone, which can be carved and molded into a vast array of styles perfect for a range of spaces from modern to traditional. Stone can stand up to the heat of the fire, making it an excellent material option for the mantel, surround, and hearth.
Wood
Wood is a classic choice for a mantel and can be incorporated into a range of architectural styles as well. A reclaimed wood mantel will fit a rustic look, delicately carved wood will suit traditional homes, and a live edge mantel will feel at home on a contemporary fireplace. When using a wood mantel, it is important to place it the appropriate distance from the firebox since it is a combustible material.
Nameless Road Residence, wooden mantel
Palo Pinto Residence, wood mantel
Metal
Metal is a less common mantel material that can offer an interesting style when applied correctly to the design. Metal mantels can fit historic homes with traditional styles, industrial lofts, and sleek modern living spaces. When selecting a metal mantel, pay attention to the color and finish and how the material will feel in your home. Metal accents like stainless steel can feel cold, while options like copper have a warmer tone.
Fireplace Style, Size, and Scale
When designing a mantel for the fireplace, size and scale are crucial elements to consider as they will play the most significant role in the look, feel, and style. Your mantel needs to be sized proportionally to the firebox to achieve a balanced look, and placement is crucial for safety. Typically, a mantel shelf overhang should extend at least three inches past the fireplace surround. The mantel is usually placed 12 inches above the firebox opening while allowing at least three feet from the mantel shelf to the ceiling. Other elements, like built-in shelving and windows, will affect the size and scale of the mantel. When specifying a mantel, make sure to check with local codes to ensure proper and safe placement.
Designing a larger firebox, surround, and mantel will create a striking look that will command attention and dominate the room as a central focal point. Creating a smaller fireplace with a more minimalist mantel shelf will create a more streamlined look good for smaller spaces or a room with another focal point, like a wall of windows. Take into account the room size, function, and additional architectural features when deciding on your fireplace mantel’s dimensions.
Mantel or No Mantel?
While there are many choices when it comes to fireplace mantel style, material, and size, there is also the choice to choose no mantel at all. The mantel is purely a decorative feature of the fireplace design, and not all spaces benefit from this additional element. Removing the fireplace mantel will offer a more modern and clean look. In some cases, eliminating the mantel from the plan helps showcase chosen materials, like a sleek marble slab covering the fireplace’s face. In other cases, especially in traditional design, a fireplace without a mantel will just feel bare and incomplete. An architect or designer will help guide you in deciding what works best for your space and the overall style of your home.