White (or Black?) Fireplace Mantles

If you follow my stories on Instagram, you’ll know that I just scored an antique fireplace mantle on Craigslist. You guys, this baby was a steal. And it just might be the solution to my one regret when we renovated our house: getting rid of the fireplace. I can’t quite remember why we decided to do that . . . I think we were just trying save time and cut costs. But for years, especially during the cold winter months, I’ve grieved over the loss of being able to sit in front of a cozy fire. While it might be a bit complicated to actually re-install a working fireplace, I’ve a mantle and that’s a great start. To refresh your memory, this is the where it will go . . . but I need your help! Should I paint it white or black?? To keep it as is?

(images via The Washingtonian, Planete Deco, Milk Magazine, Mademoiselle Poirot, Elle Decoration UK, My Domaine, Design Files)

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19 Comments

  1. Rena wrote:

    I think it depends 🙂
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    2.9.18
    Reply
  2. Margaret Jego wrote:

    Matte black

    2.9.18
    Reply
  3. Lbpv wrote:

    She’s a beauty. I second matte black.

    2.9.18
    Reply
  4. Emilie wrote:

    So gorgeous! My rule of thumb is never paint antiques unless they are severly damaged. It maintains the soul of them I think.. So I say no paint.

    2.9.18
    Reply
  5. Neate wrote:

    The tone on tone of a single color is more elegant and enriches the fireplace. The more ornate the fireplace the more I say white on white.

    2.9.18
    Reply
  6. Caroline wrote:

    I hope you keep it “as is”. To paint it would mute the beautiful detailing and the color of the wood is part of what makes it stand out. If it isn’t broken, why try to “fix” it.

    2.9.18
    Reply
  7. Michelle wrote:

    I am sooo jealous, such a fireplace mantle can transform a whole room! I’d definitely keep it in white!
    https://www.makeandmess.com/

    2.9.18
    Reply
  8. Stacey Mickey-Neustadt wrote:

    I would keep it as is. It’s beautiful.

    2.9.18
    Reply
  9. Eva wrote:

    I prefer white, because it brings out the details of the mantle more. I’m not crazy about black – it’s a little too heavy, so unless you have super high ceilings or really bright rooms I think it might pull everything toward it. It really depends. While I appreciate NOT painting it, I’m not into that style of natural wood. It’s a beautiful piece though and I imagine whatever you do with it will look great! My In-laws have taken their antique marble mantles with them whenever they move apartments, but they live in France so you generally get a magnificent place to begin with!

    Eva | http://www.shessobright.com

    2.9.18
    Reply
  10. Sarah wrote:

    I say leave it as-is, without paint. The wood is very nice quality, and it has a warm look to it. It is a fine piece — congratulations on finding it.

    2.10.18
    Reply
  11. Jacqueline wrote:

    Keep as is. You can always paint it later if you want a change though!

    2.10.18
    Reply
  12. Jackie wrote:

    It’s beautiful as it is!

    2.10.18
    Reply
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    2.15.18
    Reply
  14. Lorena wrote:

    As is !

    2.15.18
    Reply
  15. Cher wrote:

    White, White, White…..will look better with the chinoiserie decor.

    2.21.18
    Reply
  16. M. wrote:

    I like as is. But definitely NOT BLACK.

    3.29.18
    Reply
  17. Christina wrote:

    Beautiful find. I would try white or keep the color as is.

    5.5.18
    Reply
  18. Nice post. thanks for sharing. All are lovely pictures.

    11.28.18
    Reply
  19. Ashley Barnes wrote:

    HI! What happened to this mantle? Did you end up using it? I am desperately looking for a mantle with Lion details!

    6.5.21
    Reply