I would paint it to match the trim.

I'd hate to see that beautiful old oak painted, but it doesn't really look like it's being shown to it's best advantage there. Not sure if it's the dark bookcases and the light wall behind the mantel or ?? I think it might be the strip of wall showing just above the firebox. Maybe try a piece of wood trim there to see how it looks before you paint it? Not sure if there's enough room to put tile, unless you raised it from the floor a bit. It's really pretty!

If you really want a white distressed fireplace I would build one out of new paint grade wood that would fit the space exactly. That is a beautiful oak fireplace that was not made from paint grade wood.

I agree w/above. The sawn oak matches nothing w/your decor. can you return it and buy a white mantle? The one you have is beautiful oak and shouldn't be painted when there are plenty of other white ones you could use.

Plus, it doesn't fit properly. it's a bit to small in width and to tall for the hole. Something like this you should make yourself w/the same dimensions of the box. or look at the mantels below. they are properly proportioned.

these are not antique oak under the paint!

Please do not ruin a beautiful old oak fireplace mantle.

I have a similar mantle from grandparents' home that was torn down (my father was born there in 1922) and I wouldn't paint it for anything! My husband installed it around our brick fireplace (I was out of town and he surprised me). The wood is gorgeous and it is so pretty with Christmas decorations. Please don't paint it if you can find an alternative. Consider perhaps a wall in another room creating a 'fake' fireplace!

Totally missed the part about it being an antique. I agree that if you want a painted look, buy or make one that's meant to be painted. I still think matching the trim is a good idea, the wood doesn't seem to relate to anything else going on in the photo.

I'd paint the wall either the color of the built-ins or everything a dark navy or green.

And at least for the time being that little strip between mantel and firebox black if tiles are not feasible.

This looks too small for your firebox -- too close on the sides. I'd see if you can exchange it for one that's better proportioned, and then you can decide whether to get something cheaper that you can paint or another nice wood to keep.

Did you buy it specifically to use there as a mantle intending to paint it? Hmm. I think is is off in style and size. I think is is too beautiful to cover with paint. I don't know how much it cost or if you are in love with it. If you are in love with it I agree with the others, use it elsewhere. You could mount it on the wall as a headboard above a twin bed or above a console as a piece of art. It could also be used over a doorway. I think it would be easier to have one built space specific. You have a stunning room and a stunning mantle. Best of luck.

I wouldn't paint it, I think it's very pretty. What concerns me is the scale though. This is a just a crazy thought but maybe you could consult with a finishing carpenter to see if there is anyway to beef it up visually some how. Maybe he could frame it with trim and/or mouldings somehow.

The book cases are pretty too, but if you're not commited to the color, you could paint those white so it all flows and the mantel is the star of the wall.

HI -- It does not look like the right size or kind for your fireplace. But if your going with it then just paint the area around the firebox that is going to show in a flat black and not touch the mantel surround and work with it the way it is .

(Frankly, I think the most off-thing next to that mantle is the TV..

the rest, -agree about it being a bit disproportional and all..would leave it anyway

won't paint black the area around the firebox-I think will make the firebox look unnaturally high..

maybe to paint the whole wall a darker color. maybe consider a row of tiles. maybe live with it for now as is until figured out

don't have problem with the color of bookcases..if they're a bit distressed though then I'd worry a bit more

generally, I like the colors together. that's the finishes that might seem strange next to each other. but i can't see the finishes well

i'd try to work with it.

it's not perfect for that firebox etc

yet it elevates the room anyway

in a way no simple white mantle would

now it seems like the other furnishings are really surprised to see it:) but in a good way. I kinda feel them talking..

sometimes things have to be right. and sometimes for them to be loved is enough. and even better

same as with people

(but with less grave consequences LOL)

I think you just need a plain mantle for your firebox. The oak surround is too small and the style doesn't complement your room. Just a thick board, paint it or not.

Very nice old piece, but it doesn’t fit.

If yours in a working fireplace, then it also is dangerous.

If the wood is 6" from the firebox, you would be safe. If not, that is lovely but needs a different home. If you keep it, it could be brought into the room by lining the backs of your bookcases with a grasscloth in a color similar to the wood. A leather pouf the same color as the wood would be a great addition to tie that wood in as well.

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That is old, quarter-sawn oak. Even I, who loves to paint everything, would cry to see it painted.

If worse comes to worse, could you remove it, sell it to someone who would love it for the artistic piece it is, and then install a paint-grade mantle?

If I lived closer I would beg to be allowed to buy it as is. :)