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Finding the Right Fireplace Mantel for Your Home

Valerie Albarda

By Valerie Albarda
Updated April 5, 2023

A fireplace mantel is the crowning glory of a fireplace, making it the focal point of the room. It’s an architectural detail that frames the fireplace opening and is functional as well as decorative. We’ll show you different fireplace mantels and help you find the right one for your home.

A fireplace mantel, a T V, window seats, a sofa and a table.

Benefits of Fireplace Mantels

The right fireplace mantel helps to define your focal point. Ideally, it should fit in proportionally with the firebox and room as a whole. 

Here are a few key benefits of fireplace mantels:

  • Fireplace mantels are available in a wide array of architectural styles, from simple and classic to ornate and opulent.
  • They give a cohesive, finished look to any room.
  • They protect the surrounding wall, furniture and more from flames and smoke.
  • They provide a place to showcase collectibles, picture frames, vases and so much more.

Fireplace Mantel Considerations

A living room with white sofa, rug, gray chair and white brick fireplace mantel with a mirror above.

Fireplace mantels come in two styles: a floating ledge (also referred to as a shelf) or a surround. A floating ledge is suspended above the fireplace while a surround completely frames the fireplace. A simple mantel style helps the fireplace blend in with the room while an ornate surround is a standout feature, naturally drawing the eyes upward. 

Before you install your mantel, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration.

  • Measure the Fireplace: Taking accurate measurements is an essential step in finding a mantel that’s the correct size and proportional to the fireplace. Measuring includes:
    • Width: Measure the width of the fireplace, including the firebox opening and the fireplace surround (the fireproof material that surrounds the fireplace). 
    • Depth: The depth of the fireplace and surround helps inform the depth of the mantel. 
  • Mantel Size: The height, depth and width of the mantel is important. When selecting a fireplace mantel, consider the style and size of the room. You don’t want the mantel to overpower the fireplace or the room. A large surround works best in a large room.
    • Width: The mantle should be wider than the fireplace — typically 3 to 6 inches wider than the firebox on each side. You can choose to go wider, but it’s best to keep the mantel width proportionate to the room size and the fireplace.
    • Height: The standard mantel height is about 4-1/2 feet above the hearth’s floor. However, what’s considered standard may differ from fireplace to fireplace. This placement works great for a small to medium-size room. The bottom of the mantel should be mounted at least 12 inches above the top of the firebox opening to ensure safety and compliance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) code 211.
    • Depth: A typical mantel depth is 6 to 7 inches. This allows you to place decorative items on the mantel top. A mantel with a smaller depth may lose its presence and be disproportional to the fireplace. The depth of the mantel shouldn’t be too deep, however, since heat can become trapped and damage the mantel. 

Mantel Materials

A stone fireplace with two vases on hearth, white mantel, two plants and a flat screen T V.

Mantels are available in a variety of materials. The fireplace mantel material you choose should enhance and complement your fireplace and fit in with the style of your room. 

Wood is the most commonly used material for fireplace mantles. It’s versatile and comes in a variety of species. Other materials include brick and stone, both of which are highly durable and low maintenance. Additionally, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), urethane, composite and even steel make good choices for fireplace mantels.

Need to Know

When choosing a wood fireplace mantel, make sure it’ll have enough clearance from heat, flames and combustible materials on the top and sides of the fireplace prior to installation.

Wood Species

A smoked ash poplar composite crown moulding mantel, gray fireplace, candles in a firebox and a T V.

Wood fireplace mantels are designed to withstand the heat from a fireplace, and they’re a striking addition to any room. Choosing the right wood species will help complement your home décor style. 

Poplar is a softwood species that’s commonly used for fireplace mantels. It’s easy to paint or finish and is a great choice for rustic mantels. Pine is another softwood species that’s a beautiful option, especially when sanded and polished. It does, however, tend to develop cracks over time, so be mindful of that factor.

Other woods include alder, which shares a similar grain pattern as poplar, and oak, which is a highly durable hardwood species that features a distinctive grain pattern. Mahogany is a great choice if you want a unique mantel. When sanded, polished and varnished, it has a beautiful glossy look that’s difficult to achieve with any other wood.

Mantel Styles

When choosing a mantel, you want to consider the style and how it ties in with your aesthetic. There are many different fireplace mantel styles to choose from, including colonial, industrial, modern and more. Here are a few styles to consider when making your selection.

A brick fireplace, a plant and clock on rustic cherry pine mantel, and candles on the hearth.

Rustic

Raw wood, reclaimed wood and other organic, natural elements help to create a rustic look. Following that trend, rustic fireplace mantels offer coziness and warmth to your living spaces and look particularly good with vintage fireplaces.

A concrete wall, an aged oak wood mantel, logs in a firewood rack, and a gray throw on a ladder.

Modern

A sleek, modern fireplace mantel is all about simplicity. Natural, earthy tones and minimal detailing fit in well with a monochromatic décor.

A stone fireplace with a hearth and traditional cherrywood fireplace mantel with pots and artwork.

Traditional

Traditional mantels offer a classic design that never goes out of style. They tend to be more decorative than other types. Many traditional mantels are adorned with carved wooden appliqués and detailed woodwork.

A beige tile fireplace, unfinished pine transitional mantle, bed and T V over the fireplace.

Transitional

A transitional mantel bridges the gap when you can’t decide between traditional and contemporary styling. Together, the two styles form a classic, timeless design.

Fireplace Surrounds

A white classic fireplace surround, candles, a plant, a clock, an area rug and a wood table.
A fireplace surround is a structural and decorative element that surrounds the firebox. It’s usually made up of the legs and mantel. Some fireplace surrounds also come with a hearth. Fireplace surrounds are crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, limestone, brick and stone. Some architectural elements are made from urethane and are designed to resemble historical designs.