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Simple Fireplace Mantle

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fireplace anywhere faux mantle
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Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Hang your stockings on this simple fireplace mantle plan. This design can be easily stored away when the Holidays are over, or kept in the center of your living room too!

Dimensions
faux mantle plan
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1/2 – sheet of faux brick paneling or 1/4″ plywood or mdf paneling
  • 1 – 4×4 post, 8 feet long OR 2 – 2x4s, 8 feet long
  • 2 – 2×4, 8 feet or stud length (in addition to the 4×4 posts above)
  • 1 – 2×6, 8 feet or stud length
  • 1 – 2×12, 4 feet long
  • 3″ screws
  • 1 1/4″ screws
  • wood filler, paint and sandpaper
Cut List
  • 1 – 2×12 @ 44 1/2″ (cut at an arch shape)
  • 2 – 2×4 @ 36 1/2″ 2 – 4×4 @ 48″ (legs)
  • 1 – 2×4 @ 51 1/2″ (top)
  • 1 – 2×6 @ 55 1/2″ (top TOP)
  • 1 – 1/4″ paneling @ 48″ x 48″
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

This is definitely a project that you can tackle in an afternoon, in plenty of time to hang those stockings with care. You can also adjust the size to fit your living space easily – I choose this size because it works well with a perfect 1/2 sheet of plywood or paneling and a single 4×4 post, 8 feet long. Of course, if you have trouble finding 4x4s, try sandwiching 2x4s together – that’s what I did.

Instructions

Step 1

Header

Cut the header at an arch shape as shown above. Sand the cut edge to make sure the arch is even.

Step 2

Inner Trim

Assuming that your 2x12s are 11 1/2″ wide (widths can vary, I choose to list the widest possible widths) cut your 2x4s and screw to the arched top. Don’t worry about getting a super strong joint, the joint will be reinforced from the back and sides. If you don’t have a Kreg Jig™, try just screwing at an angle from the 2×4 into the 2×12.

Step 3

Legs

Now add the 4×4 posts to the sides as shown above. Back is flush. Use a drill bit the size of your screw heads to drill approximately 1/2 way through the 4×4 posts. Then use a drill bit the size of the screw shaft to drill the remaining way through the 4×4 posts. Screw the posts to the 2x4s with 3″ screws.

Step 4

Top

If you’ve built a farmhouse bed, you are probably thinking, that all looks quite familiar. And in fact, this could easily double as a full size headboard. In this step, just screw the 2×4 to the top with 3″ screws.

Step 5

Step 6

Back

Now simply screw the back paneling on.

Step 7

Finishing

I finished mine by filling holes with wood filler, sanding, and then priming everything but the top. I painted two coats of paint in an muted oooops green paint, and stained the top with Minwax Express Color in Pecan. Make sure you screw through the 2×12 header into a stud in the wall behind the faux fireplace to keep it from tipping forward. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Project Type
Home Decor
Home DIY
Room
dining room
Entryway and Mudroom
living room
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Elvira Clay (not verified)

Sun, 12/05/2010 - 21:01

Love this! I won't be able to make one this year, but hope to have one for next Christmas!

Lia (not verified)

Sun, 12/05/2010 - 21:43

It's like you can read my mind! Every time I say I want something - Ana has it! =) Thank you!

Carolyn (not verified)

Sun, 12/05/2010 - 23:37

Thank you, thank you, thank you Ana. You have fulfilled one of my wishes and request for this Christmas season! I love it! You are the greatest! Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family!

Jess (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 03:12

Absolutley adorable. I would love to have this, but it won't be this year. LOL But going on my project list for next year. I think that I will have to start Christmas in July.

Mrs. J (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 04:47

What a brilliant idea! A lot of people don't have fire places, and this would provide an excellent place for children to hang the stockings. Helps everyone feel a little more in the spirit of the holidays!

Nora (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 07:06

Ana:
You ROCK!!! I was look to purchase a mantle for my parents house! Now I can just build it!!!

Barbara Mars (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 08:05

How wonderful! Very pretty! Was wondering tho - any future plans for constructing a fireplace mantle shelf? I do have a fireplace - just no mantle or shelf there. They are SO expensive to buy, just know there has to be an easy way to make just a mantle shelf.
Thanks!
Barbara in TN

Tiffany (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 12:39

This is so cute! I was wondering if you could tell me how to make a simple SHELF style mantel??? It is probably a "no brainer", but I've always wanted to do it and have know idea how to build it where it is sturdy and supported...and won't fall down :) Thanks!
Also, I'm currently in the middle of building your Lydia daybed...excited to get to send pics soon!!
Thank you so much for all you do...and for blessing us all!
Tiffany

Loni (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 14:09

Thank you! I was just going to build your barn beam ledge and use it as a feaux mantle, but this is great! Thanks!
<3

Katie (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 17:06

Ana, how do you survive twenty below weather? How do you keep warm? I live in upstate NY and every had been complaining that we have 20 degree weather this week! Thanks for yet another awesome post.

katie (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 18:59

THANK YOU!!! i emailed you a few weeks ago asking for mantle plans -- i'm sure mine wasn't the only request you got for it, but it's SO EXCITING to see it up! i built a fake fireplace over the thanksgiving weekend (pictured below) by dry-stacking salvaged bricks. i can't wait for my med school finals to be done next week so i can make the mantle and finish it up in time for the holidays. =D THANK YOU!!!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs988.snc4/76099_1010017567…

Vanessa (not verified)

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 21:58

Your website is looking so good! Your photos are great and I love the writing on the photo! I'm working on the toddler farmhouse bed right now and will post pictures when it's done! Thanks.

Kerry (not verified)

Wed, 12/08/2010 - 20:24

I just had a FANTASTIC idea! I want to make a faux fireplace radiator cover! My radiator makes it impossible to use the three feet it takes up or much of the area above it (there's steam damage to the drywall --- but the apartment is a rental, so what can I do?)... Something that doesn't place all the weight on the poor wall AND masks my radiator?! I'm sold on my own idea.

Rebecca (not verified)

Fri, 12/17/2010 - 10:18

ANA!!! I was totally thinking about doing this for my house! You are genius. THANK YOU!

Sophia Williams (not verified)

Sun, 12/26/2010 - 22:23

Oh wow. I am beyond thrilled with this post Ana. I can't wait to have this in my living room. :) I've been eyeing those portable electric fireplaces for a while, but didn't want to spend so much money, but THIS will do perfect! I just really wanted the look and feel of a mantle, and a focal point for my living room. Many, many thanks!

Sophia Williams (not verified)

Sun, 12/26/2010 - 22:26

Oh wow. I am beyond thrilled with this post Ana. I can't wait to have this in my living room. :) I've been eyeing those portable electric fireplaces for a while, but didn't want to spend so much money, but THIS will do perfect! I just really wanted the look and feel of a mantle, and a focal point for my living room. Many, many thanks!

Katie- That looks awesome. Love the salvaged brick idea!

summercrow (not verified)

Tue, 12/28/2010 - 23:35

HI! I love this but I am looking for a surround/mantle to build to go around my fireplace. COuld this be modified to do that? If so...how? Thanks!

Jeanette Purdy (not verified)

Sat, 01/14/2012 - 13:30

I've been waiting over a year to make this and I'm finally out in the garage today! The arch is definitely the hardest part for me. In fact, I've had my wood ready for over a week now and the arch scared me so I haven't done anything! I'm jumping in and will post pictures as soon as I have them. Thanks Ana for being so awesome and inspiring me to just jump ;)

Seasonal And Holiday
Christmas Decor