Fireplace Mantels

Choose a fireplace mantel: shelf or full surround

A shelf is one beam above the opening, supported by a hidden bracket. Browse the fireplace mantel shelf collection for floating shelves and wood packages for electric fireplaces. If you want a fireplace mantel surround that frames more of the wall, explore Modern Flames wall kits. These wood cabinets and floor-to-ceiling media walls fit particular Modern Flames electric fireplaces, sold separately.

Non-combustible materials and clearance

Lexington Hearth casts its pieces in a non-combustible mix that will not burn. They can usually sit closer to gas fireplaces than wood can. Clearance matters most above the hotter opening of wood burning fireplaces. Your fireplace manual and local code set the exact distance above the firebox. Check both before choosing a shelf height or drilling into the wall.

Find your size, look and color

Measure the length, depth and face height you want. Shelves come in 48, 60, 72, 80 or 84 inches, depending on the profile. Depths range from 4 to 10 inches, with face heights from 3 to 10 inches. Explore Lexington Hearth cast shelves and trim for rustic beams, limestone looks and smooth concrete looks to suit your room's style. If you want a wood look, explore Lexington Hearth faux wood mantels, with textures molded from real beams. You can also browse the Lexington Hearth collection for pieces made in Lexington, Kentucky. Most shelves have five hand-painted colors; expect small color and size differences. Custom lengths and colors are available on request for most profiles. Extensions and corner pieces carry the shelf farther. Think about what will sit above the fire with fireplace mantel decor ideas.

Mantels for electric fireplaces

Choose an electric fireplace mantel package by fireplace compatibility first. The Modern Flames packages are made for particular electric fireplaces, not every opening. Floating cabinets wrap compatible wall mounted electric fireplaces for a built-in look. Media walls are about 6 feet wide, or about 10 feet with both side walls. Wood finishes include light sand, driftwood grey, dark walnut and primed ready to paint.

Why buy from My Cozy Outdoors?

We are an authorized dealer for both brands, so the full manufacturer warranty applies. For fireplace mantel size, clearance or fit questions, call us and we will talk it through. Custom lengths, extensions and corner pieces are ordered through us. Still choosing the fire? Visit our Fireplaces collection.

Frequently asked questions

How high should a fireplace mantel be above the firebox?

For a wood mantel, the rule of thumb is about 12 inches above the opening plus an inch for every inch the shelf sticks out. A non-combustible mantel can usually sit closer, but check local code before you drill. Your fireplace manual has the final word.

What is a non combustible mantel, and why choose one?

It is a mantel cast in a mineral mix that will not burn, molded from real beams or stone and painted by hand. It can usually hang closer than wood, which helps on a small wall. Your fireplace manual and local code still set the distance.

How are fireplace mantels attached to the wall?

Each shelf includes a steel bracket that screws into wall studs. The shelf slides over it and takes two people to hang. The heaviest beam needs four studs. Electric fireplace cabinets grip a wall bracket by friction. For brick or stone, call us and we will talk it through.

What is the difference between a mantel shelf and a full mantel surround?

A fireplace mantel can be a shelf above the opening or a surround wrapping the sides or wall. Here, the wraparound options are wood cabinets and media walls for particular Modern Flames electric fireplaces. Corner pieces and extensions can carry a shelf around a corner.