The Hopeful Fireplace Mantel

This is the party of the day! Come on and check out the gorgeous mantels!





Before (when we bought the house - mandatory renovation due to July 09 flooding). Notice ugly, dirty, gross wobbly black mantel.

During.

Making Progress.

Right Now.

It still needs finishing, caulking, and trimwork. Who would've guessed the fireplace stone isn't level? There is a 1/2 inch gap on one end so the mantel could be level!

And now what? I think it must be painted white. I also wish we had made it more substantial. The reason we didn't is because we were envisioning built in bookcases around the fireplace, and trimming this to fit. But, insurance renovation monies were not enough to cover that extra cost. So now I just need it to be done for the time being.

My neighbor Stacey suggested placing a heavier mantelpiece on top of the one there now, effectively using that as a base. I like that idea! I can assure you that the current piece is never coming down - and will hold anything I contrive to set or hang on it.

How about some wooden brackets underneath to "hold" it up? How about small moulding framing the fireplace edges, including under the mantel?

What do you think? Paint it white to match all the other moulding? Or leave it as is - a truly gorgeous piece of maple? Or paint it the color of the wall? Somehow, I can't picture that... It is a statement piece - the first thing seen as the room is entered from all entryways. My husband does prefer a contemporary feel, and I think this may actually suit him left as is so I can't go overboard.

Maybe if I paint the fireplace door frames all black, or with a brushed silver finish? That would update the look. I think I'll wait until spring for that - when I can haul it outside to work on.

Hhmm, maybe I should change the stone itself...    paint, resurface...  ohh boy. I need to stop. The mantel. Just finish the mantel and it will all look better.  :-)