Update the entire look of your fireplace with these chic mantel ideas.
8 Best Fireplace Design Mantel Ideas
Updated Aug. 19, 2024
As you probably know, a fireplace has many different elements, including the firebox, surround and hearth; so what exactly is the mantel? “A fireplace mantel, also known as a mantelpiece or chimney-piece, is a shelf above a fireplace,” says interior designer Tracy Flynn. “It can be both decorative and functional, providing a place to display items and sometimes incorporating architectural details to enhance the room’s aesthetics.”
A fireplace is the main focal point of any room and, therefore, can be a gorgeous statement piece or a noticeable eyesore. To help you avoid the latter, we’ve gathered some of our favorite fireplace design mantel ideas. Sometimes, a simple update to the mantel can give the entire fireplace a facelift.
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Floating Fireplace Mantel
If you don’t like a lot of visual clutter, you’ll love the look of a floating mantel shelf like the one seen here on this modern fireplace from @mccauleyinteriors. The shelf supports are hidden, and it’s made of the same material as the lime plaster surround, creating a completely seamless look.
What We Like About It: “Sleek and minimalist, floating mantels fit well in contemporary designs and provide a clean, uncluttered look,” says Flynn.
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Painted Fireplace Mantel
Of course, the easiest way to update furniture, walls or, yes, a fireplace—is with the power of paint! A bright, bold color might be just what your fireplace needs to bring it back to life. Paint the mantel and the rest of the fireplace the same color, like in this example from @zigandcompany, to give your space a dramatic pop of color,
What We Like About It: “An easy and DIY-friendly way to update a mantel is to paint it a new color that matches or contrasts with the room’s decor,” says Flynn.
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DIY Upgraded Mantel
Photographer: @michelle_mollinga
To give her basic builder-grade fireplace an upgrade, @dinasdigs made a few simple changes. She added MDF moulding to the wall for added dimension and painted the tile surround, but our favorite piece is the wood mantel. A sanded and stained piece of lumber brings contrast to all the white and beefs up the mantel thickness.
What We Like About It: Sometimes the simplest solution makes the biggest impact—a piece of wood is all you need to give your mantel custom style.
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Reclaimed Wood Mantel
A reclaimed wood mantel adds instant character to your fireplace, as shown in this cozy space from @timberfields. You can find chunky faux wood mantels for a similar look, but nothing beats the one-of-a-kind texture and color variations of reclaimed barn wood.
What We Like About It: “I love reclaimed wood mantels for their rustic charm and sustainability,” says Flynn. “They add warmth and character, especially when they complement the flooring.”
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@astoldbymichelle We didn’t have a fireplace in this room, but I love the look of a mantle! #cozyathome #beforeandafter #homeimprovement #livingroomdecor #bedroomdecor ♬ Dance You Outta My Head – Cat Janice
Faux Mantel
If you’re not lucky enough to have a real fireplace in your home, steal this idea from @astoldbymichelle. Purchase a vintage-looking mantelpiece like this one (or find one on Facebook Marketplace) and set up a romantic fireplace area with candles and decor. Gorgeous!
What We Like About It: Unlike a real fireplace, this faux mantle is renter-friendly, and you can take it with you when you move.
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@edwardian_love How did we built created our DIY marble fireplace surround without spending £££ – • measure and design: measure the desired height & width on the chimney breast. • batten out and plasterboard the surround, which will allow you to see the shape • Get it plastered • found a local marble yard that fabricates, they will have many off cuts from previous jobs • send over the template with measurements to the fabricator • And et voila! An affordable way to your dream fireplace without breaking the bank and avoiding natural stone to go straight into the skip!! Please bear this in mind; we aren’t planning on using it; its just for the aesthetic ✨ Follow on instagram for more x #marble #marblefireplace #diy #sustainability #recycle #periodhome #panelling #homeinteriors #interiordesign #interiorlovers ♬ This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
Marble Fireplace Mantel
Watch as @edwardian_love installs a stunning marble fireplace mantel. Real marble isn’t cheap, but you can save money by checking out a local stone yard. They often have marble remnants leftover from other jobs that you can buy for an affordable price.
What We Like About It: “Marble mantels bring a sense of elegance and timelessness to a space,” says Flynn. “They’re perfect for creating a sophisticated look.”
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@hillarygaskins Favorite part of this DIY Fireplace build? The secret drawers hidden in the mantle. I built that 😍 #fireplace #diy #diyfireplace #secretmantel #diymantel #hiddencompartment #hiddendrawer #secretdrawer #ibuiltthis #diyer #diyproject ♬ original sound – Nicole | DIY | Army Wife 🇺🇸
Hidden Storage Mantel
Put your mantel shelf to work with hidden storage space! Here, @hillarygaskins demonstrates how her wood mantel shelf opens to reveal two drawers. This is a great place for the TV remote, video game controllers, and other tech gear you want to keep out of sight.
What We Like About It: A double-duty mantel is both beautiful and functional, and you can never have too much storage!
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@klk.interiors Finally got round to creating the fluted fireplace of dreams 😍 Panel from panels by sofia Tiles from b&q Paint a mix of white 03 & beige 02 from @Lick #homediy #homediyproject #homeinspiration #homeideas #fireplace #fireplaceproject #fireplacemakeover #fireplacedecor #flutedfireplace #hereingbonetile ♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish
Fluted Fireplace Mantel
This DIY faux fireplace from @klk.interiors features chic fluted details. She achieved the look by installing fluted wood molding and then painting it a creamy white color. Travertine tile mosaic inside the firebox adds even more dimension.
What We Like About It: An all-white mantel is never boring if you use materials with different shapes and textures.
About the Expert
- Tracy Flynn is the owner and lead designer of Olive & Oak Design. She specializes in creating spaces that are not only filled with beauty and intention, but are also functional for the everyday family.
Originally Published: August 13, 2024
