Fireplace Mantel Designs

Viewing various mantel designs helps clients get a feeling for how design and structure come together in balancing form. Most of these designs are easily built and offer a variety of approaches to acquire both traditional and conventional methods.

Here we have a traditional design, fluted pilasters, plinth blocks integrated into the baseboard, a recessed drop panel between pilasters, molding around the top, and a unique edge profile on the pediment. These are quite reasonable to build and look great when finished. This one is from Mantelcraft.com.

© MantelCraft.com

Here is a pre-fab from MantelsDirect.com, a very clean design but the plinth blocks have been shortened to accommodate existing moldings, in this case, baseboards which are tall enough to reveal upon through the use of a wall banding piece which is slightly thicker than the baseboard (not shown). These designs are quite easily custom made offering additional possibilities.

© MantelsDirect.com

Adding columns to your mantel can enhance the depth and warmth into your room as seen below from Onyapan.com. Here, the columns hold up the architrave as in an entablature, and above the frieze section with the cornice at the top. At the base of the columns is the pedestal. No particular architectural order is implemented at the capital.

© Onyapan.com

Again, another super clean design that look fabulous when finished. This one comes from Homedit.com. The matching of material such as the cornice molding and flat panels is necessary so that all the parts are made of the same wood type.

© Homedit.com

In looking at hundreds of mantel designs, many times you will find that what is missing is proportion, in many cases they are too wide, too tall, too much elaboration, too thick, etc. Simple often takes the cake and offers the eye a pleasing effect as seen below with wooden corbels holding up the pediment. This is from HomeDesignLover.com.

© HomeDesignLover.com

A properly proportioned mantel still throws wonderful shadows, especially if done in white. Many corbel designs are available pre-fabricated and can also be custom built. The combination of the cove and bead adds a nice touch in simplicity.