Select Your Perfect Mantel
Your mantel sets the visual tone of your fireplace wall, making it one of the most defining elements in your living space. A rustic mantel, with the look of weathered timbers and natural textures, instantly adds warmth and character, creating a cozy, lived-in feel. A modern mantel, with clean lines and a sleeker profile, brings a fresh, minimalist look that pairs beautifully with contemporary homes and open-concept spaces. Traditional mantels, often in classic wood finishes, lend timeless elegance and balance, blending seamlessly with a wide range of décor styles. Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement piece or a subtle finishing touch, the style of mantel you choose can transform your fireplace from functional to unforgettable.
Choosing a Mantel for Different Fireplace Types
The type of fireplace you have directly impacts the choice of mantel due to heat exposure and safety considerations. Wood-burning and gas fireplaces emit significant heat, requiring mantels made from non-combustible materials or those rated for high-temperature resistance to prevent fire hazards. Electric fireplaces produce minimal heat, allowing greater flexibility in mantel materials and design. Additionally, the size and shape of the fireplace opening influence the mantel dimensions and style to ensure proper proportion and aesthetic balance. Selecting the appropriate mantel material and design ensures both safety and a cohesive look that complements your fireplace type.
🔥 Gas Fireplaces
Heat Level: Moderate to High
Considerations: Must follow clearance rules; vent type (vented vs. ventless) impacts mantel placement.
Best Mantels: Works well with both wood and non-combustible mantels, depending on clearances.
🌲 Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Heat Level: High
Considerations: Requires the most attention to clearance and safety. Non-combustible mantels are often recommended.
Best Mantels: Rustic or traditional mantels that can handle high-heat environments.
⚡ Electric Fireplaces
Heat Level: Low
Considerations: Minimal safety restrictions make these the most versatile.
Best Mantels: Any style — from rustic to modern — depending on your décor.
Choosing the Right Mantel for Your Fireplace Size
The size of your fireplace opening plays a significant role in selecting the right mantel for your space. A mantel that’s too small may appear out of scale and fail to complement the fireplace, while one that’s too large has the potential to overwhelm the room and disrupt the overall aesthetic. By carefully paying attention to proportions and measurements, you can create a beautifully balanced, inviting focal point that enhances the room’s atmosphere and design.
Small Fireplaces (under 36")
Ideal Mantels: Slim or minimalist profiles keep the fireplace from feeling crowded.
Design Tip: Look for mantels that extend just a few inches beyond the firebox opening for a clean, proportional appearance.
Best Rooms: Bedrooms, dens, or smaller living spaces where a lighter look fits the scale of the room.
Medium Fireplaces (36"–48")
Ideal Mantels: Most versatile size range — accommodates both traditional wood mantels and non-combustible options.
Design Tip: Mantels can extend 6–12 inches beyond the opening for a classic, balanced look.
Best Rooms: Standard living rooms, family rooms, or gathering spaces.
Large Fireplaces (over 48")
Ideal Mantels: Substantial mantels or multi-piece combinations that match the dramatic scale of the firebox.
Design Tip: Consider linear mantel combos or extended-length shelves to span wider fireplaces. A taller mantel profile also helps balance the height and width.
Best Rooms: Great rooms, open floor plans, or high-ceiling spaces where the fireplace serves as a centerpiece.
Quick Sizing Guidelines
Mantel Width: Aim for 3–6 inches wider than the fireplace opening on each side for proper balance.
Mantel Height: The bottom of the mantel should sit at least 12 inches above the fireplace opening (or higher, depending on clearance requirements).
Room Scale: Match mantel depth and height to the room size — bigger rooms can handle deeper, chunkier mantel shelves.
Select Your Design Aesthetic
Once you understand the type and size of your fireplace, selecting the right design aesthetic for a mantel is absolutely crucial because it serves as the primary focal point of the fireplace, effectively setting the tone and character for the entire room. A mantel that thoughtfully complements the style and decor of the surrounding space greatly enhances visual harmony and balance, making the area feel more cohesive, welcoming, and inviting. Whether your preference leans toward a rustic, traditional, or modern look, Lexington Hearth has you covered.
Bluegrass Collection → Beam Mantels, Rustic warmth, weathered timbers, farmhouse charm recreated in Non-Combustible Burncreate, making it a perfect fit for gas or wood burning application where a TV will be mounted over the mantel. Mantels from this collection also look great in a gas or electric linear fireplace application as a mantel floating hearth combination.
Architectural Collection → Modern & contemporary, clean lines, minimalist elegance, and the most versatile of all our collections, since the mantels in this collection are availible in either wood or non-combustible formats.
Commonwealth Collection → Traditional balance, timeless finishes, versatile appeal. These wood mantels are simple and elegant. Perfect for electric fireplace applications, they also work well in gas and wood burning applications as long as the fireplace manufacturer’s clearances for combustible materials are followed.
Lexington Hearth Design Ideas
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know what size mantel is right for my fireplace?
A: Measure the width and height of your firebox and wall space. As a rule of thumb, your mantel should extend beyond the fireplace opening without overpowering the wall.
Q: Can I use a wood mantel with a gas or electric fireplace?
A: Yes, as long as clearance requirements are followed. For high-heat fireplaces, non-combustible mantels are often recommended.
Q: What’s the difference between a rustic, modern, and traditional mantel style?
A: Rustic mantels feature weathered textures and natural charm. Modern mantels have clean lines and sleek profiles, while traditional mantels offer timeless balance and classic finishes.
Q: Do Lexington Hearth mantels come in different finishes?
A: Yes — each collection is available in multiple finishes, giving you flexibility to match your home’s design.
Q: Can I install a Lexington Hearth mantel myself?
A: Many homeowners do, but professional installation is recommended to ensure proper placement and safety compliance.
Q: I have questions. Who should I contact?
A: At Lexington Hearth, we are always happy to answer any of your questions by clicking the link above, OR you can use the Find a Dealer Link below to find a Lexington Hearth Dealer near you.