Fireplace Mantels: A Luxurious Necessity

It is never a wrong time to instill a breath of new life into your home. Especially during winters, since this is the one time of the year when there is a desperate need for warmth and requirement for sublime comfort. The long and chilly daytimes during the season make this craving unavoidable. Although there are several varieties of options to pick from, we tend to look for the one option that we won't ever regret, all the while, making sure that it satiates all our needs. And arguably, there isn’t a better option than owning a fireplace in your own home!

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Modern fireplaces are an important addition to a house.

The functionalities of fireplaces extend far beyond merely enhancing aesthetics. However, they can be quite costly, particularly models that feature trendy large fireplace surrounds. Understanding the details of what you are purchasing is crucial before making the investment, especially since there is a wide range of fireplace mantels to choose from.

Price differences often arise from the material used for the mantelpiece, as well as the design intricacies involved. A reputable mantelpiece provider could also offer you the chance to customize your fireplace mantel, which is something only a select few elite suppliers are known to provide. Hence, seeking this opportunity is undoubtedly advisable.

Traditionally, marble fireplace mantels remain a popular choice and top the priority list for a majority of consumers. What makes these mantelpieces so appealing is their unmatched durability and longevity. Furthermore, marble is one of the most versatile materials for customization, leading to a wide array of options available in the market from trustworthy manufacturers.

Among the many popular options, Italian marble fireplaces reign supreme due to their exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional quality standards. The low maintenance requirement further increases their desirability, making them an excellent investment.

If your main concern is to match or uplift your home’s aesthetic, a cast stone fireplace can serve this role effectively. The designs achievable with cast stone are quite versatile, making them suitable for both traditional and modern home styles. Furthermore, the lightweight nature of this stone grants artisans the creative freedom to craft stunning pieces.

These cast stone fireplaces combine the best attributes of marble products while incorporating their unique features as well. The result is a material that boasts both high durability and lightness. If you are interested, reaching out to Artisan Kraft would be a wise step. Their high-quality products and exceptional service render them a top choice in the industry!

Best Fireplace Mantel Proportions - Avoid Common Mistakes!

Recently, I received an interesting inquiry from Sue regarding the appropriate proportions for a fireplace mantel.

In my observations, there are frequent misconceptions about the correct proportions and classic styling when it comes to fireplace mantels.

Here’s the question from Sue:

Hi Laurel,

I have a question about my fireplace mantel. Perhaps you could write a blog post about fireplace mantel proportions? The original fireplace was quite unattractive with a raised hearth and a concrete mantel. I can’t remember the original height.

However, the new mantel is 63” tall, and I feel it’s a bit overpowering, don’t you think? Should I consider replacing it with something lower, or would it be better to adjust the existing one?

I am uncertain how close to ideal I can get if I replace it. Is it worth the expense?

What should the ideal height be for a fireplace mantel in a home with eight-foot ceilings? It’s a standard developer-style home, and all building codes regarding the firebox must be adhered to.

Thanks, Sue. Firstly, yes, a height of 63” for a mantel in a room with eight-foot ceilings is indeed a bit excessive. Most mantels typically range from 52” to 57” at most for such ceilings.

The height of the mantel does not change significantly in rooms with higher ceilings, unless the firebox size is increased. We will delve more into this topic later on.

This is an important subject since many people inquire about fireplace mantel proportions.

Interestingly, the topic of proportions is seldom discussed, although there are several posts featuring various mantel styles available. Nonetheless, I haven't gone deeply into fireplace mantel proportions and scale yet.

Importantly, a critical aspect of mantels is ensuring they are properly scaled within the room!

Now, let’s have some fun.

During my recent browsing adventures, I came across some fireplace mantels that clearly disregard classical proportions entirely. I figured many of you would enjoy exploring these finds.

I’ve been thinking about how to introduce this topic gently, but why not jump straight into the deep end? So, to start, here are a few examples that, while not horrendous, still miss the mark and why.

Remember our discussion about classical proportions? If you missed that or need a refresher, click here.

In addition, the area below the mantel shelf is referred to as the 'entablature; borrowing a concept from classical architecture. Nevertheless, the featured mantel lacks enough entablature beneath the shelf and crown. It should ideally be deeper than the width of the mantel’s sides, or at the very least, equal to its width, but never less.

In a room with a tall ceiling, this mantel desperately needs that extra design element.

Another common issue is ensuring adequate fireproof materials beneath the mantel. Typically, there should be a minimum of six inches of this material, though more might be necessary depending on the mantel's overall design. It appears unappealing to exceed one foot of stone or brick usually.

While I appreciate the fireplace wall above, I prefer having room on the sides. Ideally, I would recommend making this mantel about four inches less wide for aesthetic balance, though that’s not a critical change.

Ultimately, this design is very close to perfect, yet the entablature and base blocks seem overly large and protrude a bit excessively. The standard depth for the mantel is typically 1.5”, not including the shelf depth, which usually ranges from 7” to 8”. Although the width is acceptable, it is desirable for the hearth to extend flush with the mantel’s edges.

An over-mantel can be exceptionally elegant, yet the design I encountered was excessively grand. The crowns above the pilasters were too severe, and the rounded moldings and middle window were particularly troubling for me. Ask yourself: would a well-respected designer opt for this style? If the answer is no, it is best not to replicate it.

What would the ideal design be?

To enhance the look, I’d suggest a third window similar to the two upper ones on the sides and perhaps a more understated picture frame molding for the over-mantel. A real panel could also fit, but likely not here without looking overly assertive.

What can we say about some designs? The common idea seems to allude to a shrine for a television more than a fireplace!

I have often envisioned a grand kitchen altar that matches this style perfectly.

The description claims this mantel is crafted from granite. I remain skeptical, as I see this being more suited to a grand mansion painted in a baby beige.

Shifting gears, the island top appears dramatically uneven, which is rather disconcerting. And the substantial corbels maintain minimal functionality at best. The security lights are an amusing addition though.

Let’s take a more serious approach when addressing fireplace mantel proportions and necessary actions, along with exceptional resource recommendations.

Returning to Sue’s image, there are obvious opportunities for improvement. Firstly, I find the arch needs rethinking, as it’s an overly common style in contemporary American design lacking classical resonance.

Secondly, reducing the base height would refine the overall appearance. Choosing whether to modify the current design or start anew would also depend on Sue’s preference.

Lastly, typically mantels should match the trim’s color scheme, respectively. Though it's not a requirement, the bleached wood visually clashes with the marble and linen white walls.

Conclusively, I would suggest something more classically appropriate, such as a beautiful design from Wood Your Way Mantels available on Etsy. They offer a variety of options at appealing prices.

Moreover, the cherry on top is their custom design options. Their glowing reviews speak to both quality and trustworthiness.

Finally, I’ve pulled together some visuals of elegant mantels and exemplified ideal proportions for rooms with eight-foot ceilings and greater.

Please keep in mind that while these dimensions serve as guidelines, they’re certainly not absolute.

If you seek further insights, kindly explore imperial marble fireplace mantels oem for additional information.

To stay updated with stunning alternatives, regularly visit for hot sales and exciting reveals. There’s always something fresh to observe!

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