30 Tips to DIY and Decorate Your Fireplace Mantel Shelf

Having a fireplace without a mantel is like owning a sofa without the throw pillows. The opportunity is there and it is clear that the sofa would look amend with the throw pillows, just all you accept to do is add them.

Fireplace Mantel Shelf

Take a wait at these thirty tips to DIY and decorate your fireplace mantel shelf and you'll have your living room looking like a whole new space in a weekend.

If you lot're thinking that you lot lack the carpentry skills for installing a fireplace mantel, y'all should exist pleased to hear that you lot don't need them. There are many ways to install a shelf-like mantel on your fireplace and even more ways to style them.

What Do You Put on a Mantel Shelf?

Earlier you dive in and beginning looking at ideas for creating a mantel shelf for your fireplace, y'all are probably wondering just what y'all should put on a fireplace mantel in the first place. This is the cool thing about fireplace mantels—they are very versatile, so you tin put nigh anything you desire on them!

Many people choose to change the décor of their mantel over the grade of the yr. They decorate it for diverse seasons and switch it upwards when the seasons change. But you don't have to practise this, as at that place are several ways to decorate your mantel. Below is a list to requite y'all some ideas.

Things to Put on a Mantel Shelf:

Books
Photos
Seasonal Décor
Flower Vases (real or imitation)
Candles
Decorative Jars
Pieces of Artwork
Statues/Figurines
Souvenirs from Travel
A Drove of Objects
Decorative Rocks/Stones
Lights
Cards You've Received
Clock
Mirror
Antiquarian Items
Succulents

How Many Items Should Exist on a Mantel?

Although there are many items you can put on a mantel shelf, this doesn't mean you should put all the items on at one time. This can create a clash and tin can wait decorated rather than classy.

It is recommended that yous take no more 3-5 big items on your mantel at a time. Of course, if you take a collection, having a few more than is okay, but you shouldn't take so many that your mantel seems crowded. For those with a large collection of items, consider rotating which ones you brandish to prevent overcrowding.

How Deep Should a Fireplace Mantel Shelf Be?

Mostly, when yous are designing your fireplace mantel, how deep you make it will depend on what yous plan to do with it. Planning on displaying a big collection of items will require creating a deeper fireplace mantel shelf, but will besides take up more space in front end of your fireplace and my crusade a run a risk to people walking past.

Y'all will probably want a fireplace mantel depth of nearly 7 inches, as this will allow you room for all types of décor without protruding besides far into the room. You will want to be sure that your fireplace mantel is the same depth all the way beyond and so it doesn't look lopsided.

How Loftier Should a Mantel Shelf be Above a Fireplace?

Most fireplace mantels are made out of wood. Because of this, it is an farthermost fire hazard if you build a fireplace mantel too shut to the top of your fireplace.

The rules and regulations vary based on your type of housing and the state of live in, so be certain to accept a look at these before you build your mantel shelf. If in that location are no specific rules in your area or type of domicile, the National Fire Protection Agency states that the bottom of your mantel shelf is required to be at least 12", or one foot, away from the elevation of the fireplace box.

How Broad Should a Fireplace Mantel Shelf Be?

Information technology may seem a chip weird, merely your fireplace mantel shelf should not exist the same width every bit your fireplace. This is because most fireplaces are quite small-scale and a mantel that curt would seem odd (and leave little room for décor).

Every bit a dominion of thumb, your fireplace mantel should extend at least 3 inches by your fireplace on either side, but fifty-fifty this is withal considered quite small-scale. Well-nigh people choose to have their mantel extend at to the lowest degree half dozen inches on their side of the fireplace box.

Practice you have lots of items to display? Then exist certain to extend your fireplace mantel even further on both sides. Yous tin fifty-fifty accept it extend from wall to wall, and wrap around the corners—the ceiling is the limit!

What Supplies Practice You Need to Make a Mantel Shelf?

Building a mantel shelf is easy as long as you take the correct materials. Earlier you head to the store, decide what style of mantel you want to install, as this will dictate which of the following supplies y'all volition need.

Supplies Needed to Build a Mantel Shelf:

Wood
Shelf Bracket
Screws
Nails
Sandpaper
Paint
Wood Stain
Wood Sealant
Leveler

How Do You Build a Fireplace Mantel Shelf?

Don't have a mantel in your home only have a fireplace? Don't fret, as it is quite like shooting fish in a barrel to install your own fireplace mantel. Information technology will accept a few hours though, so be sure you have aplenty fourth dimension to complete this project set aside before y'all begin.

Step ane: Measure

Even if yous want a fireplace mantel shelf that extends six inches by your fireplace on either side, this may not be possible with the space you are working with. Find out in advance but how much space you take, keeping in mind the burn codes that must exist obeyed.

Step 2: Purchase Supplies

Surprisingly, it is quite common to construct a fireplace mantel shelf with lumber you can purchase off the shelves—no special order necessary. Head to the shop after you take your measurements so the employees there can assist you with cutting your lumber if needed.

Y'all will also demand something to concord your mantel shelf in place. You can go fancy and build a full mantel with supports downwardly the side, or you tin can buy a few shelf brackets and go along it simple. If you want your mantel to blend in to the infinite, at present is also the fourth dimension to buy the paint yous need to match that effectually your fireplace.

This is also the fourth dimension to sand and seal your wood to allow it to last the maximum amount of fourth dimension in your dwelling. You don't have to worry about paint merely yet, as you tin do this after you lot install your fireplace mantel shelf.

Step 3: Level Your Mantel

Don't get smash happy just yet, as yous volition want to ensure that your mantel is level earlier you beginning putting nails or screws in the walls. This is because your items will autumn off if the shelf is not level. Grab a friend, and a leveler, and accept extra caution to ensure your shelf is perfectly level earlier y'all attach it to the wall.

Step 4: Attach Your Mantel to the Wall

This is where having a friend comes in handy, every bit they can agree the mantel shelf in place while you lot attach the offset screws or nails. This way it will be installed leveled as you measured information technology to be.

Before you gear up anything on your mantel, you lot volition want to place a few items to exist sure it is sturdy and secure. For those planning to put exceptionally heavy items on their mantel, y'all may want to add an additional shelf subclass for back up.

Step 5: Paint and Decorate!

At present that your mantel shelf is attached, it's time to decorate information technology the manner you want it to expect! You tin can paint it to alloy in with your wall or get out it the natural wood color. You can also pigment it to stand up out, after all, information technology'southward your mantel! Practice whatever you would like with it!

What is a Floating Fireplace Mantel?

A floating fireplace mantel is a mantel shelf that is made out of a single slice of wood that doesn't show whatever visible signs of beingness fastened to the wall. Floating mantels are made out of multiple pieces of stiff wood, typically oak.

To create a floating mantel, you will need to cut a hole in the wall slightly smaller than the size of the piece of wood you want to use for the floating mantel. And so you will need to hollow out a piece of wood to create the shelf. This can be difficult to do, and information technology is recommended that yous take a professional help you if this is the type of mantel you want.

What Blazon of Forest is Used for Mantels?

Every bit you are shopping for woods to create your mantel, you should know that you lot can brand a mantel out of nigh whatever blazon of hardwood you would like. Hardwood is durable and will last as a place to set your décor for years to come. Below is a list of all the hardwood varieties.

Types of Hardwood:

Ruby-red
Walnut
Mahogany
Antique Pine
Pop
Maple
Oak
Cedar
Cypress
Hickory
Alder

How to Measure for a Fireplace Mantel Shelf

Installing your ain mantel may seem like a breeze, and it can be, as long as you accept the time to measure out the space properly. You lot will need to take multiple measurements in order to select the right size wood for your mantel shelf.

Step 1: Measure the Width

First, measure how wide your fireplace is, and decide how much you want the mantel shelf to extend in either direction. It is recommended to have at least 3 to six inches. Be sure to add these to your concluding width measurement.

Step 2: Measure the Depth

How far exercise you want your shelf to beetle? Although vii inches is recommended, you may want your shelf to come out a bit further, or be slightly less deep if your home is modest. Use a measuring tape to see what this would await like.

Keep in mind that fire codes may also dictate how deep your shelf can be, and yous'll want to cheque these before yous buy wood.

Stride 3: Measure the Summit

Your fireplace mantel shelf will need to be at least 12" above the top of your fireplace. Double check your above two measurements work at this top above your fireplace.

Step iv: Measure the Total Elevation

Want a more traditional looking mantel with the sides in addition to the height shelf? And so you also demand to accept a measurement of your shelf to the floor. This fashion you can buy wood for the sides of the mantel. This step is not needed when using a basic shelf blueprint every bit a mantel.

Withal non sure you demand a mantel to emphasis your fireplace? Keep reading to meet some awesome ways to decorate your fireplace mantel shelf that may simply change your mind!

Top Tips for Decorating Your Fireplace Mantel Shelf

1. Live Border Mantel Shelf

Just take a minute to swoon over that alive edge mantel shelf. It would be the easiest thing to install and give you lot a reason to splurge on that live edge wood piece that you lot've been eyeing. (via Houzz)

two. Wood Mantel for Your Fireplace

You've probably seen the projection for faux wood beams floating effectually Pinterest. Use the aforementioned method to create a lovely wood mantel for your fireplace. Such a classic look will lucifer with any style your living room could possibly have. (via Addicted 2 Decorating)

three. Install a Shelf Above a Fireplace Within the Wall

Install a Shelf Above a Fireplace Inside the Wall

Is your fireplace within the wall? Don't believe that scenario leaves y'all out of the mantel shelf game. Build ane from pretty molding pieces and information technology will complete the fireplace picture. (via Designer Trapped)

4. Utilize Large Vintage Brackets

Putting upwards a mantel shelf really only requires the shelf and the brackets. Find yourself some lovely large vintage brackets that bear witness a piffling wear and tear to bring some life into your fireplace mantel shelf. (via @magnolia)

5. Stain Your Fireplace Mantel Shelf for a New Look

Maybe you're looking at your mantel in disdain but you're without the funds to do a big mantel shelf makeover. With a simple can of stain in your favorite shade, you can give your mantel shelf a whole different vibe. Go dark or become light, either fashion, go the contrary of what yous have for a new wait. (via Sarah Sherman Samuel)

6. A Black and Bulky Shelf

Looking for a big mantel change? You can't go incorrect with something that's black and beefy. Notice the biggest brackets you can and add trim to the bottom for interest. (via Home Bunch)

7. A Long Fireplace Shelf

Some fireplaces possess the awkward orientation of having a set of shelves on one side instead of both. What do you do with that?

You install a mantel shelf that spans beyond the fireplace as well as the shelves to the side. Suddenly the whole wall is brought together in perfect harmony. (via HGTV)

8. A Shelf To a higher place a Stove

Just because you have a stove instead of a fireplace doesn't mean you shouldn't have a mantel too. Place i in the corner behind the stove and y'all'll find that having that shelf helps you fill up an otherwise awkward space. (via The Painted Swivel)

9. Hang a Large Piece of Art

Large fine art is ane of the best things ever created. With one simple piece hanging above your mantel shelf or even simply leaning against the wall, you lot can requite your space a makeover and with something that makes you smile each fourth dimension you look at information technology. (via Unskinny Boppy)

ten. A Large Mirror to Add More Low-cal

Of class, a large mirror is besides a cracking style to fill your mantel without making information technology seem cluttered and super busy. Plus, it volition bounciness light around the room and brand your infinite feel bigger so it's basically a win win for anybody. (via Rachel Bishop Designs)

11. A Minimal and Chic Mantel Shelf

If you aren't into the decorated mantel motility, that'south okay. Add a pinch of greenery and a photo of your favorite place or your family for a minimal notwithstanding chic mantel shelf await. (via Centsational Girl)

12. Hang a Poster Higher up Your Fireplace

decorative poster above the fireplace mantel shelf

Many people say posters should always exist framed. We say different. Using any method yous come across fit, hang it higher up your mantel shelf and no i will think the worse of you or your fireplace for using twine. (via HGTV)

13. Use Layering to Create Depth

Even on a mantel shelf, it's pretty piece of cake to create the feel of depth. Layering framed photos or artwork, stacks of books in different sizes, pocket-sized trinkets with sentiment in the front of it all, the different layers will help you give involvement to your mantel in a snap. (via Emily Henderson)

fourteen. A Simple Empty Windowpane

Are you in beloved with the chipping paint and weathered look of vintage pieces? Use your mantel shelf to display a uncomplicated empty windowpane for a fun and minimal farmhouse feel. (via The Lettered Cottage)

15. Update Your Mantel Shelf Each Season

seasonal update the fireplace mantel shelf

As you change your decor with the seasons and the holidays, don't forget to include your mantel shelf. Display your favorite flowers in the spring, a chalkboard quote in the summertime, bright leaves in the fall, and mini evergreens in the winter. (via Duke Manor Farm)

xvi. Display Houseplants

Mantels are ordinarily great places to brandish houseplants besides. If yous're a collector of leaves and cacti, place your very best pots with plants at different heights along your mantle shelf for a greenhouse await. (via @shophesby)

17. Install Lamps

Some fireplaces are in desperate need of extra lighting but don't have the mantel infinite to suit lamps. Now is the chance for y'all to install your favorite sconces to provide that light without taking up any mantel space. (via House of Jade)

eighteen. Frame Your Television Screen

Television screens are a rather ugly yet necessary element of the living room. Many times that ways mounting information technology in a higher place your fireplace. But you tin help better your mantel view by framing your screen so information technology looks like a black canvas instead of an unsightly screen. (via Remodelaholic)

19. Base of operations Your Decorations on Your Room's Theme

While you're picking and choosing what your mantel shelf should display, brand certain you're making your decisions based on the theme of your living room. Pink flowers won't piece of work if there isn't any other pink in the space. (via A Pretty Life In The Suburbs)

twenty. Hang a Imprint

hang a banner on the fireplace mantel shelf

Don't have the money for a mantel shelf makeover? That'south okay. Hang a banner that y'all've bought or even fabricated yourself to distract your eyes from the mantel you don't like. (via Dining Delight)

21. Install a Shelf Above Your Sofa

Y'all know that you don't even need a fireplace to have a mantel shelf? Install one above your sofa or above your piano or above your Goggle box, wherever you lot have a blank wall that would just expect amend with a mantel shelf. (via @angelascozyhome)

22. A Simple White Shelf

Sometimes less is more, and we often discover this to exist the case in mod home décor. The DIY Playbook shows us how to decorate this simple white shelf that sits above the fireplace.

By adding minimal ornamentation to the area, yous'll have a sleek and stylish addition to whatever dwelling house. Often, homeowners cull to put far too many decorations in this space, which can then leave it looking disorganized and messy.

23. A Rustic Fireplace Shelf

Apartment Therapy shares this beautiful New Orleans living room, which has a rustic expect and feel. This unproblematic wooden shelf nicely frames the fireplace, reaching all the style down to the flooring.

When you have a shelf as cute as this one, make certain you lot keep things unproblematic to attract attention to its blueprint. The three candles add the perfect finishing touch and a petty color to the area without making it await cluttered or untidy.

24. Add together Succulents

If you don't like to keep big houseplants in your abode, succulents are a great alternative. For anyone who struggles to keep bigger plants alive, you lot'll find they crave less attending and intendance. However, they withal add some much-needed greenery to your home and liven up what would otherwise exist an empty mantel shelf.

Sugar and Cloth offers us this stunning white mantel shelf that is beautifully decorated in keeping with the residuum of the room. We also think the mirror hanging overhead helps to add more than light into any living room.

25. Candles or a Candelabra

Candles look great in any part of your home, and the living room is no exception to this. A House in the Hills shares this fun mantel shelf which uses candle holders to add ornamentation to the room.

Yous tin can either opt for just a couple of small pillar candles or something more extravagant, as shown in this photograph. Even if yous don't use the candles, it's a fun way to add a unique bear upon to your empty mantel shelf.

26. A Unproblematic Vase

minimalist fireplace mantel shelf witha simple vase

If y'all aspire to create a minimalistic look in your living room, yous'll relish taking inspiration from Rip & Tan. This white mantel shelf is almost empty, apart from two pocket-sized additions at the terminate of the shelf.

One vase and 1 pillar candle are placed on the end, and they add a subtle touch of ornament without detracting from the fireplace. When you have a fireplace that is every bit stunning every bit this one, you desire to go on the focus on that expanse instead.

27. A Colored Shelf

While the majority of the shelves on this list are wooden or white, at that place's no reason you can't add together a splash of color into your living room. This greenish shelf from The Spruce makes a bold statement, merely it still blends in with the décor.

Dark-green is the ideal shade for anyone looking to add plants to their mantel shelf, and nosotros dear how this shelf features lots of unique items to show the character and personality of the homeowners. Whenever you take a spare infinite in your home, brand certain y'all add items that you love looking at each day, as they will bring then much joy to your life.

28. A Plant Filled Mantel Shelf

If you live in an apartment or a dwelling house without a garden, you are probably always looking for means to add more plants and nature into your habitation. Apartment Therapy shares this stunning Toronto apartment which packs plenty of plants onto the mantel shelf.

You don't need to stick to just ane or two plants on your shelf and tin can add a whole row on like in this photograph. Plants look great alongside a white shelf, as you don't have to worry most the pots ambivalent with the color of the shelf.

29. Add Antiques to Your Mantel Shelf

For anyone that collects antiques or unique collectibles, this is a fantastic space in your dwelling to add actress items. If y'all are struggling to find areas to display your purchases, yous'll love having the boosted space in your living room.

Land Living shows u.s. how to create this living room mantel shelf that puts together a beautiful collection of antiques on the shelf.

30. Colorful Vases

colorful vases on the fireplace mantel shelf

Even if yous don't plan to add flowers to your vases, you'll dearest adding them to your mantel shelf for a splash of color. Completely Littoral shares this fun mantel shelf makeover which adds a vivid and beachy look to any room.

Many living rooms stick to neutral colors, just in a beach house or apartment, information technology can exist fun to add some color to the infinite.

Fireplace Mantel Shelf FAQ

Can You Put a Shelf To a higher place a Fireplace?

Aye! Putting a shelf in a higher place a fireplace is one of the easiest ways to add together a fireplace mantel to your home. Just exist certain this shelf is high enough virtually your fireplace to satisfy fire codes.

Can You Use a Floating Shelf as a Fireplace Mantel?

A floating shelf makes a swell fireplace mantel, but these tin can be difficult to install, and then you may want to hire aid if the home you alive in doesn't already have one installed.

How Far Does a Fireplace Stick Out?

How far a fireplace sticks out will generally depend on your abode and the model of your fireplace. But y'all can wait the average fireplace to require a clearance of 26"-28" for the door to be able to be opened fully.

Does Pine Make a Expert Mantel?

Pine may look cute as a mantel, merely should be avoided when y'all want the mantel to last a long time. Pine wood is known to crack over time.

Can You Utilize Timber for a Fireplace Mantel?

Using timber as a fireplace mantel is a bang-up way to go that rustic expect in your home! You will want to brand sure whatsoever timber you employ is of proficient quality, and is sanded down to avert breakage and possible injury.

Is Cedar Expert for a Fireplace Mantel?

Cedar is a durable wood that is easy to piece of work with and is therefore perfect for using in your fireplace mantel.

Mantel shelves are so oft overlooked during home makeovers, but they provide additional storage and shelving. If you are brusk of space in your home or apartment, you'll notice it's a not bad identify to display your favorite items or pieces of fine art. Withal, information technology's important to recall you don't want to make your mantel shelf look too chaotic.

Curate a matching choice of items that piece of work well together to create a fun improver to your dwelling house. When you decorate your fireplace mantel shelf, you don't have to worry well-nigh it beingness a permanent addition. For more than seasonal fun in your home, switch out the items each season to create a new theme and await.

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Source: https://www.homedit.com/fireplace-mantel-shelf/