A Complete Measuring Guide for Fireplace Mantels Plus All the Styles to Know
Fireplace mantels serve a wide range of purposes, in that they exist as heat shields, add architectural character to any room, and also provide valuable storage space.
Gretchen Krebs, the co-founder of interior design and architecture firm Medium Plenty, likes using fireplace mantels to help frame the fireplace opening and provide visual interest.
"It also provides a little separation so that a mirror or piece of art can be placed safely above directly on the wall," Krebs says.
If you're in the market for a fireplace mantel of your own, keep reading to learn more about how to determine the proper size to purchase, the types of fireplace mantels that exist, what to do when replacing a mantel or surround, and much more.
Meet the Experts
Gretchen Krebs is the co-founder of interior design and architecture firm Medium Plenty.
Morgan Newfield is the founder of Newfield Design.
Mark Vanderpost is the founder of Trumeau Stones.
Design by Sarah Lyon / Photo by Allie Provost
How to Determine the Total Size of a Fireplace Mantel
1) First, measure the size of your fire box's opening, which will dictate the size of the mantel. Morgan Newfield, the founder of Newfield Design, explains how it has to be a balanced harmony so the proportions don't dwarf anything else.
2) Once you determine the size of the fire box's opening, your mantel will need to take into account the specific style and feeling it's trying to evoke, Newfield says.
3) Keep in mind that the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) states that a mantel should be at least 12 inches above the top of the firebox opening.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
Types of Fireplace Mantels
While many different types of fireplace mantels exist, we're sharing some of the most commonly seen types below and describing their main characteristics.
Marble Mantels
Marble mantels are often seen as elegant and grand; we associate them with Victorian properties, grand Parisian buildings, and sophisticated hotel lobbies. Marble may be dark or light in color but is often quite intricate. These mantel fronts sometimes feature carvings or are left plain.
Wood Mantels
Wood mantels are seen as more rustic in style and are generally quite simple in design, lacking an overhang. Wood may be left in its natural state or painted a different color to complement a room's design scheme.
Stone or Brick Mantels
Stone and brick mantels are ideal for cozy, cabin-like spaces, evoking a charming English cottage look. Stone is usually left in its natural state; brick is sometimes painted white or another color but is often left red in color.
Overhang Mantels
A mantel's overhang varies in size depending on its style. Note that more traditional mantels feature overhangs while contemporary styles often do not.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Fireplace Mantel
Determine the Aesthetic
It's important to identify your desired aesthetic prior to selecting a fireplace mantel, as the mantel can set the tone of a room.
"Sometimes, a period-specific style of mantel is chosen to set an underlying specific style of the architecture and is paired with more contemporary furnishings," Mark Vanderpost, the founder of Trumeau Stones, says.
Therefore, do not feel as though you need to fully embrace Victorian style in a room with a Victorian mantel, but you may consider playing with Victorian architecture by also incorporating crown molding and the like.
Find the Right Material
Keep in mind that mantels are made from a range of materials, including plaster, stone, concrete, wood, and more. Evaluate the qualities of each and determine whether they evoke the feeling you're looking to achieve within your space.
"You can never go wrong with a stone or marble fireplace mantle; that is a material that works beautifully in contemporary, traditional, and transitional homes," Newfield says.
When taking a minimalist approach, Krebs opts for mantels made of stone or plaster. However, these are by no means the only materials to consider—perhaps you crave something that will add a cozy feel to your room.
"A thick piece of wood can also be a great solution for a mantel and a way to bring warmth to a space," Krebs says.
What to Do When Replacing a Mantel or Surround
Newfield recommends working with a designer when it's time to replace a fireplace mantel or surround. "This is an expensive endeavor and you don’t want to make mistakes in design or measurements," she says.
You will also want to examine the underlying structure of the mantel, particularly in the cases of wood or coal fireplaces, Vanderpost adds.
"On occasion, the mantel is an integral part of the firebox construction," Vanderpost says.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard overhang for a mantel?
A mantel overhang is generally three inches at minimum.
How far should the mantel stick out?
Most fireplace mantels are at least six inches deep.
What is the code for the depth of a fireplace mantel?
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) states that a mantel should be at least 12 inches above the top of the firebox opening.
Read Next: 51 Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas and Expert Tips
Read the original article on The Spruce.
