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Mantel shelf placement?

4 years ago

Hi! I have this floating shelf (leaning against tv cabinet in pic) to install above the fireplace. Looking for placement opinions, please! Closer to the bottom of the mirror instead of the top of the fireplace tile? Thinking top of shelf would be approx 6 in below bottom of mirror ... but not sure if that’s too close (?).

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PRO

BeverlyFLADeziner

4 years ago

Comments (6)

Sarah H
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks! That’s just about where I installed it! Good to paint that fireplace wall! That’s in my plans, eventually. Thank you for responding!
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The mirror is causing problems. There are building codes for mantels. You may need to leave at least 8" on the sides and 12" at the top before any combustible material. So you would end up with something like what you see below. Unfortunately, it looks like there is no room on the left side for the mantel shelf if you use a surround with legs unless you make the legs very skinny. The mirror really is too big for the space. You may need to forget about a mantel and just put some trim around the tile like you had around the brick originally. Can you post a picture taken from straight in front of the fireplace like you have, but from further away so we can see the rest of the fireplace wall.
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
Mantel should have been at least as wide as the tile and I would have extended it to the edge of the wall
Sarah H
Original Author
4 years ago
I didn’t ask for a critique now that it’s done. What is up there will have to do. I ordered it custom made from an Etsy craftsman on the other side of the country, so it’s not returnable. I spent 3 hours installing it by myself (because: social distancing). I’m proud of myself for getting it up there and I think it looks nice ... at least I did until I read your criticism. You could have kept that to yourself. Is it ideal? Clearly not. Does it look awful? I don’t think so. All I asked for was positioning input. Anyway ... thanks for bringing me down. 😕
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
I would not do a mantel and also get a piece of art instead of a mirror reflecting the ceiling. And if you already did the job why ask . Always remember if you don’t want the answer don’t ask the question.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
Sarah H you installed the mantel before anyone responded to your initial request and I illustrated in the photo my suggestion about length and placement.

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