Choosing a Fireplace Mantel Style

[oldhudson]

We had a wood burning fireplace removed and had a new gas fireplace installed in it's place. I had the company just frame in the unit because I want to finish it. I'm writing here to get opinions about different styles. I have been drawing variations in Sketchup and I think the png files will appear here. If  you vote for a particular one just number your choice based on the order they appear in the post. 

 

The wood will either be cherry with a natural finish or poplar and I'll paint the mantel dark brown to match some other items. The perspective shows the sides but those aren't finished. I have issues making the computer take a image around a corner.

 

The images are all 2D because I assumed most SSV members would be unable to open the 3D models.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Scrolling Steve]

Berry, I really like the 4th one.....They are all nice and i do not think you would go wrong with any of them!

[amazingkevin]

We had a wood burning fireplace removed and had a new gas fireplace installed in it's place. I had the company just frame in the unit because I want to finish it. I'm writing here to get opinions about different styles. I have been drawing variations in Sketchup and I think the png files will appear here. If  you vote for a particular one just number your choice based on the order they appear in the post. 

 

The wood will either be cherry with a natural finish or poplar and I'll paint the mantel dark brown to match some other items. The perspective shows the sides but those aren't finished. I have issues making the computer take a image around a corner.

 

The images are all 2D because I assumed most SSV members would be unable to open the 3D models.

 

USFireplace1 2d.png

 

USFireplace2 2d.png

 

USFireplace4 2d.png

 

USFireplace5 2d.png

 

USFireplace6 2d.png

What happened to fireplace #3? My choice is #6

[Bill WIlson]

I don't think a mantle design can be selected in a vacuum.  It kind of depends on the fireplace.  To me a fireplace with dramatic stone masonry is better served with a simple shelf style mantle, so as not to compete with the look of the stone.  If it's rustic, like a field stone or river rock masonry, then the simpler the better.  If the fireplace has more formal masonry, such as brick, tile or slate, then maybe a mantle surround like #1 or #2 would be more appropriate. 

[oldhudson]

I don't think a mantle design can be selected in a vacuum.  It kind of depends on the fireplace.  To me a fireplace with dramatic stone masonry is better served with a simple shelf style mantle, so as not to compete with the look of the stone.  If it's rustic, like a field stone or river rock masonry, then the simpler the better.  If the fireplace has more formal masonry, such as brick, tile or slate, then maybe a mantle surround like #1 or #2 would be more appropriate. 

Good point. So except where wooden "legs" go from the floor to the mantel there will be natural travertine tile, The sides of the unit and from the mantel to the ceiling will be rocked and painted.

 

We have a small house and want the scale of the fireplace to fit.

[Lucky2]

I prefer #1 or #2.

Len

[Bill WIlson]

I did a search on Google images of "travertine tile fireplace" and a mix of tile and mantle styles comes up. Frankly, most of them look good, depending on the other visual elements of the fireplace that you may want to enhance.  Try taking a look at that and see what is similar to your application and what is most visually appealing to you.  Personally I like larger mantle surrounds, especially ones with a classic Victorian style look.  That may not be appropriate for your décor and the type of fireplace you have.