The Modern Mantel

The fireplace may be the focal point of your living room, but the mantel is the main character. Mantels showcase all our personal treasures, from passed-down family heirlooms to that of-the-moment accessory we scored on our last shopping trip. Learn how to select the perfect floating mantel for your fireplace project.

Why choose a floating mantel shelf?

Opting for a floating mantel shelf, as opposed to a traditional fireplace surround, gives your space a modern and contemporary feel. The singular shelf sits above the fireplace, drawing the eye upward to create a larger sense of openness in your living room. It also gives you more design flexibility because you can add it any point, typically without any need for construction.

A floating mantel will complement any type of fireplace, but we particularly love them above a gas linear fireplace. The clean lines of the mantel and the fireplace go hand-in-hand (or should we say hearth-in-hearth), providing a modern look with the precise functionality you need out of your fireplace.

What mantel material should I choose?

Think of a floating wood mantel as the one-material-fits-all when it comes to interior design styles. There’s something about natural wood that looks right at home, no matter its context. A wide variety of wood species make it easy to get exactly the look you want, whether that’s trendy white oak, warm golden maple, effortless driftwood, or another hardwood steeped in a unique stain like grey, whitewash or black. Floating shelf options are also widely available with different edges: something cut smooth for sleekness or honoring its natural look with a live edge for organic appeal.

A concrete mantel brings a classic, yet contemporary, look to your hearth. It easily integrates into any home styles, from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse. Concrete is cost-effective and resistant to wear and tear, so it’s a smart material if you’re looking to maximize your investment or if your mantel doubles as a drink table. Concrete is incredibly heat resistant, so it also can offer more peace of mind than other homebuilding materials.

How close can I mount my floating mantel or TV to my fireplace?

TV or fireplace? Both please! Heat & Glo uses passive heat technology to redirect the heat from our gas linear fireplaces, so it’s safe to mount combustibles merely 12 inches from the firebox opening. You can control where you want the heat – and how much – to enjoy a beautiful fire throughout the year and live stress-free knowing your mantel, TV or artwork sits safely above it. Heat & Glo gas linear fireplace like the Cosmo fireplace and Mezzo fireplace make it easy to select the type of heat management system that works best for your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a mantel that can be mounted just mere inches from your fireplace, look no further than the Primo II gas linear fireplace, which features cool-wall technology and SafeSurface glass allowing you to mount your TV just inches from the fireplace. And if you want a fireplace that’s built specifically to the dimensions of your TV, the Enlight collection from Stellar by Heat & Glo is a must. This luxury fire feature boasts some of the biggest flames in the market, without the heat. Mount your TV or mantel as close as you want to the fireplace.

Most mantels aren’t wide enough to safely place a TV on top, so we recommend installing the TV directly into the wall if possible. Generally, where you position your floating mantel will depend on your overall wall height. If your mantel floats about a foot above your fireplace, consider mounting your TV a foot above the mantel for visual balance. For comfortable TV viewing, we recommend the center of the TV to be eye level when standing.

How should I style my floating fireplace shelf?

The modern appeal of a floating mantel isn’t only in how it looks on its own, but in how you style it. Have fun by leaning artwork against the wall and using an eclectic mix of decor to tell your personal story. Start with your largest items, like big blooms or artful ceramics, and pepper in smaller styling elements like candles, photo frames and knick-knacks. Part of the fun of mantel styling is changing it up with the seasons, so don’t feel confined to any one specific setup.

With Heat & Glo, you don’t have to choose between modern style and easy functionality when it comes to your fireplace and floating mantel. Connect with your local dealer today to start your fireplace project and learn what’s possible.