When you get a house, you also get a big list. My living space, for example, featured a sizable wall-mounted mirror above the conventional fireplace. It measured about 3 feet by 4 feet and was held in place by thick metal clips. It looked rather old and industrial and did not fit the style of the living space.
BEFORE: As my contractor began to take out the mirror, he found it was stuck on with thick glue or plaster and had probably been around for approximately 50 years. Taking down it would mean tearing a hole in the walls, and a plasterer would need to be hired to patch it up.
I decided to see if I could work with the mirror. I did a few searches and came up with a ton of ideas for what to do. I immediately discovered that a mirror constructed in above a mantel can work with any style. My plan: make the mirror become part of the fireplace.
Christina Katos
AFTER: I framed out all four sides with molding and trim and added over the top to mimic the millwork already there. I then painted the new frame, mantel and fireplace surround with Benjamin Moore’s Decorators White to make it seem like one uniform attribute.
Christina Katos
What was the elephant in the room is a conversation starter. I saved some money and wound up with a exceptional fireplace wall that looks like it has always been there.
Keeping the mirror gave me a decorating incentive: I’m not tied down to the color scheme in a certain piece of artwork.
More Ideas for Above-Mantel Mirrors
Like the Concept of a mirror over the fireplace? Here are a few more layout ideas to get you started.
Alexandra Rae Design
The play inserted to any room with the addition of a built-in mirror is astonishing. In a dining area like this it will help create an eclectic space.
AbbeyK, Inc..
Whether the woodwork is painted or stained, its details add character to a room.
Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants
The mirror may be shorter, or it may get to the ceiling to create the effect of a taller area.
Emerick Architects
This light fixture is reflected from the mirror, becoming a work of art.
Julie Williams Design
Most fireplace mantel and mirror combinations have been painted white or stained. Add another dimension to a design by painting it an accent color.
Morgante Wilson Architects
Mirrors above the mantel aren’t restricted to conventional or classic spaces.
Jan Gleysteen Architects, Inc
This mirror benefit from the elevation in the room. Additionally, it fixes what could be an awkward distance between the mantel and the ceiling.
Have a fireplace? What do you do with the distance above the mantel?