How To Design a Contemporary Style Fireplace Mantle

Using a little math and planning, it's easy to design a modernized or contemporary fireplace mantel.

When designing a mantel, proportion is key, so that each element doesn't appear too tall, wide, thin or short. Here's a list of steps you can take to design your fireplace mantel.

Step A: Figure out how much of a reveal you would like to see of the fireplace- the reveal is usually made of brick.

In some cases, the reveal will be the same around the top and sides of the fireplace, in other cases, there might be more of a reveal on the top than on the sides.

Step B: Figure out the width of the pilaster

Measure from the edge of fireplace base (usually made of stone tiles or a stone slab) to the edge of the reveal.

Step C: Calculate the height of the pilaster 

Use an approximate ratio of 5.3, so the height of the pilaster should be 5.3 times the width.

Step D: Determine the height of the architrave

Use an approximate ratio of 6.17, so the length of the architrave should be 6.17 times longer than the height.

Step E: Determine the size of your mantel top.

Mantel Tops are usually 1" thick with about a 2" overhang, however, the overhang should be adjusted visually before you do any cutting.

 

Step F: Choose a moulding to go underneath the mantel top- they are usually at least 3" tall

 

Step F: Build a mock-up from foamcore

Foamcore is sold art stores. It is a stiff material that is very easy to cut with an exacto knife. You will also need a cutting surface- a cutting matt or a piece of cardboard will work. It's always best to create a mock-up so that you can visualize the final product and make adjustments.