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)
I think it depends 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Matte black
She’s a beauty. I second matte black.
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.
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.
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.
I am sooo jealous, such a fireplace mantle can transform a whole room! I’d definitely keep it in white!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
I would keep it as is. It’s beautiful.
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
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.
Keep as is. You can always paint it later if you want a change though!
It’s beautiful as it is!
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As is !
White, White, White…..will look better with the chinoiserie decor.
I like as is. But definitely NOT BLACK.
Beautiful find. I would try white or keep the color as is.
Nice post. thanks for sharing. All are lovely pictures.
HI! What happened to this mantle? Did you end up using it? I am desperately looking for a mantle with Lion details!