How to Choose your Faux Fireplace Mantel Size, Colour & Texture
Choosing the right faux beam fireplace mantel comes down to selecting the right size for your room, the right depth for your decor, and the right finishes for your style. Here are a few tips to make sure you buy the correct one for your fireplace.
Measuring your Fireplace for the Mantel
For the width:
- Measure the width of your fireplace opening
- Add 6 to 12 inches on each side
- Make sure the total length fits on your wall
Pro tip: In smaller rooms, avoid extending the mantel too much past the fireplace or it will overpower the room. In larger rooms, extend the mantel further or it might get lost against a big wall.
For the height:
- 4 to 7 inches high for a thinner modern or contemporary look
- 8 to 12 inches high for a thicker farmhouse or lodge style
For the depth:
Think about the decor space you need, most photo frames need 3 to 5 inches, vases need about 4 to 6 inches and for larger items like trophies or layered frames, you need over 8 inches.
We have lengths ranging from 4 feet to 8 feet and heights and depths that range from 4 inches to 12 inches, making it easy to buy the right proportions and look for your room aesthetic.
For extra safety, you have the option to select ”Fire Rated”, meaning it is safer around fireplaces as it slows the spread of flames. In most commercial settings like restaurants or vacation homes, this is a requirement.
A Few Tips To Get The Right Look
Now that you know how to pick the right size, here are a few tips to get the right color and texture, and how to mix them to find a finish that suits your style.
If you want to give your living room a modern look, lighter colors, including Primed or Light Walnut, go well with smooth textures such as Doug Fir or Sandblast. To add a rustic feel to a lodge or a cozy den, darker colors like Espresso or Mahogany pair well with rougher textures like Hand Hewn and Tuscany. The look can become more immersive by adding corbels, including our range of faux wood corbels.
In a coastal style home, try a Grey with a Rough Sawn texture to match the blues and whites that are found throughout the theme, and in a Mid-Century home, Dark Walnut with a Doug Fir finish to match the rich wood tones that are found in mid-century furniture.
Pro tip: Faux wood fireplace mantels aren’t just for fireplaces, they can also be used as floating shelves, a shelf below a wall-mounted TV, and for retail and commercial displays.