Here's our basement fireplace - just a limestone mantel. Our family room fireplace will be done in stone, but it's not done yet! We looked all over the place for good ideas, basically scrolling through google images and got some good examples. From house

Seems like all of you agree with me that it could be a lot better. I had thought it should be wider if not all the way across. Les, I'd never thought of iron corbels, kinda interesting and unique for sure. I just know when I saw the timber ones at the home show I loved them. But I was wondering too if they were TOO rustic. Caroleoh, I know what you're saying about my trim and cabinets. The cabinets are distressed but not heavily. My heart says rustic but I've decorated more traditional with some antiques and distressed pieces mixed in. kswl, I purposely told the builder I didn't want my mantel painted because I thought the wood look would be a little more rustic and in keeping with the bricks. It just didn't turn out like I pictured in my mind and I can't say exactly why, so frustrating! gray, I do live in TN but I'm over 400 mi from Dollywood so I can't make a day trip to check them out. Sounds kinda wild, I've never seen a mantel carved with 3D animals. Maybe they have a website. Thanks for the input. Would love to hear from others too about their thoughts on the timber mantel or other suggestions. Thanks!

Oakleyok, you have a gorgeous fireplace! I love the stone. Your DH has a reason to be proud! I was entertained by reading this thread of suggestions. You asked how you could make your mantel POP and you were told to paint, replace the mantel itself, removed the mantel, etc. Last week I asked about a paint color for my DR and posted my inspiration photo. I also stated that I didn't have to have that room exactly but was wondering how the paint color would look with my lighting, floors, furniture etc. I did get some good feedback but now it seems I must repaint my trim, paint my table, remove my blinds, paint my china cabinet....and the list goes on. All great suggestions but I really just wanted to ask about paint color :) But it did help me think about things and I have decided to paint my table. I had NEVER even thought about it before organicnoob suggested. Good luck with your lovely mantel!

Your qualified installer should be answering your questions - as well as booking a rough-in or fireplace framing inspection if it's deemed necessary by your municipality.