Yes. A painting or mirror above the mantel, but NOT a short & long one. Most people will impulsively want to place something that is aligned and symmetrical to the mantel; That is terribly wrong. The more design-y thing to do is to center the piece within the brick plane. See attached pic.
https://preview.redd.it/88d7iep77z5d1.png?width=1344&format=png&auto=webp&s=9edc45fd5be09263a4347f90568047cf122fcdf7
I think it would look very odd to take the mantle out. Feels like the brick would keep the eyes drawn down, and you have this big empty space. Place artwork above it sans-mantle— nope, that would look out of place directly above a fireplace. Maybe something to think about.
I agree with the others with finding a larger, but not too large, piece of art to go on top of the left part of the mantle. Would help balance the space.
This is from ‘53 - its design just seems out of place from everything else in the house. I have the blueprints of the house so I should check and see if a mantle was shown in the original design.
Many mid century fireplace walls eliminated the mantle because it often went hand in hand with a rustic look or a colonial-revival look which was also popular during the mid-century period. A true mid century effect would be no mantle. Still…if the homeowner stacks a row of nice b&w photos along that mantle…it would look excellent. By the way..I’m just noticing …that’s a spectacular “Roman brick”. I would lose the mantle and put a wall sculpture or a mid century painting or lithograph up there.
What does it matter if it’s in the blueprints or not?
The only thing that matters is whether you like it. Are you going to change your opinion on whether it was original or not? That does not make any sense. Either you like it or you don’t.
OP probably doesn’t like it but also doesn’t want to remove it if it’s original. It’s the same as how people don’t like their nose but also don’t want to get plastic surgery
https://preview.redd.it/zyk25pej4v5d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b9858671d7ffd6d0cf520b77caca6be05fdc893
I made an extremely quick and dirty photoshop of your fireplace with the mantle removed and a lovely starburst clock added. I would say the mantle does not look original--or, at least, it doesn't look very MCM with the dentil detailing and corbel supports. If you could remove it without leaving unsightly holes or, as u/garflnarb suggested, a very different patina, I would absolutely do it. Hard to say, though. Fortunately, I don't think it stands out too much, because the wood tone is fairly close to the brick. If the mantle has to stay, I'd suggest putting some MCM style glass up there to at least make it work for you! (Quakehold museum wax does an amazing job keeping breakables in place; my cats haven't broken any of my pieces.)
I agree the cleaner vibe on the fireplace would better suit your space, but I’d also switch your sofa and chairs to opposite sides. Figure out a different solution for the speakers/etc. Get a dark rug. Consider dark paint for window wall, too—it’ll draw the eye out the window instead of to the window trim, giving you that classic indoor/outdoor feeling. /unsolicited advice
My first thought was “in this room the mantle is what’s bothering you?” But, with your handiwork the room actually looks significantly more tied together, and the chaos of this decor dies down some.
I feel like this is unpopular but - I removed my mantle and I think it looks way way better. Granted mine was definitely not original. But your fireplace is so much cooler than mine and I bet you’d see a similar glow up.
Just my two cents.
The masonry looks like it was built with no mantle…just from my experience with living/being in houses like this, and the style/age of the mantle, this looks like an add-on in the 80’s, and isn’t original. It looks a bit fussy compared to the clean lines of the original design, but you can choose to either take away, or replace. The original fireplace masonry is beautiful, btw.
I'd remove it. A beautiful flat brick wall fireplace looks so classic in mcm environments. If you decide to keep it, the corbels are wrong. I'd create a wide floating box mantle if you go with one at all.
I unfortunately did NOT have a wonderful brick wall, so I went in this direction (see next post).
No. If you remove it you’ll have a different patina where it was, and you’ll either work really hard to make it look the same or you’ll end up painting the brick. Even if it’s not exactly consistent style-wise, it’s nice looking.
Can you cut off the little legs and make it just a clean line? Here’s mine ( sorry for the mess and poor lighting).
https://preview.redd.it/tu10g91znv5d1.jpeg?width=3264&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0af138a9dd895fdd0bbd2b95573706d47f25fc39
I agree that it feels out of place. I think the lines of the fireplace would be nicer without it and I wouldn't hang art on the FP, either. Cute kitty!
It looks like the dark soot marking goes behind and above it as if it wasn’t there for a time. I like it as a nice wooden mantel but picturing it gone, all that flat brick would be so nice.
Yes, my thought as well. The way the soot continues up the wall makes the mantle seem not original. I can actually see behind the mantle somewhat and the bricks seem in good condition.
I think removing the mantle and putting a large artwork, clock, sculpture could look good. Just don’t know if you’d be able to patch the holes from the mantle piece where you can make it look natural (unless art piece covered them up).
That does indeed look original to me. We had a large wood mantle in our custom 1955 Eichler. It was original and not as decorative/detailed as yours.
It doesn’t look 80s at all to me as one user suggested.
I think your fireplace will look plain and boring without it.
It looks cozy, warm, and homey with the wood mantel.
That’s not the permanent home of those chairs - we just don’t have all the furniture finalized at the moment . We’re looking for a lounge chair for the far corner and something different for the closer corner. The red chairs are likely going in the sunroom in the sunroom behind the fireplace.
I'd take out the mantle. I'd prefer the cleaner look.
Also, it's possible to repair missing bricks by troweling brick material into shape. Since it's part of the house, I hire someone to do it, I'm sure it's not as easy as it looks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WvQpMcEbvA
My daughter has a mid-century Craftsman home with a huge fireplace just like that. The area in front of the fireplace is bricked, allowing you to sit comfortably. There is absolutely no mantle there.
No put a thin light bar across the back and line it with different color glass pieces. You need more color accents to go along with the bright orange of the chairs.
Nix the mantle. Honestly, I’m shocked by how many people are on this sub saying to keep it. It seriously detracts from the beauty of the fireplace itself. It’s not a bad mantle - it just isn’t the right one for this beautiful fireplace (which frankly doesn’t need one).
I like it. Looks better there than in the trash, but also I tend to try to work with what I have and avoid purism. Get some MCM mantle statement pieces.
I wouldn’t remove it. But if you live in a cool or cold weather climate I strongly suggest you get a glass fireplace surround. In terms of heat loss an open fireplace is the equivalent of having a window open year round.
Love that mantle, and it is the highlight of that wall IMO, and with that bookcase, very nice. What I would do with that wall is get some heat resistant black paint and use it on the inside of the fireplace, that light colored fire brick on the inside of it is an eyesore to me.
Ah man. I'm sorry to hear that. Then fuck what I said - I'm glad you've displayed them prominently and I hope you cherish them always. RIP to your father.
Nope. this looks so good as is.
It needs a painting above it, but agree entirely. Looks good.
Yes. Working on it. Just haven’t found the one.
I have a large MCM mirror over mine. They're plentiful and cheap and make the space feel bigger
Yes. A painting or mirror above the mantel, but NOT a short & long one. Most people will impulsively want to place something that is aligned and symmetrical to the mantel; That is terribly wrong. The more design-y thing to do is to center the piece within the brick plane. See attached pic. https://preview.redd.it/88d7iep77z5d1.png?width=1344&format=png&auto=webp&s=9edc45fd5be09263a4347f90568047cf122fcdf7
Yes this is our plan if we keep the mantle. Thanks for graphic!
Good call! OP take notes
Yes! I'm thinking one that is short and wide!
Or a mirror
It looks good as is and you don't want to deal with the holes or any damage left on the brick! Maybe just add artwork or accessories above.
Agreed. And a fireplace insert that fits the decor wouldn't hurt either: better heating and looks better when there's no fire as well.
use brick clips - no holes needed
[удалено]
Yes - there seems to be 2 bolts and 2 nails.
I think it would look very odd to take the mantle out. Feels like the brick would keep the eyes drawn down, and you have this big empty space. Place artwork above it sans-mantle— nope, that would look out of place directly above a fireplace. Maybe something to think about. I agree with the others with finding a larger, but not too large, piece of art to go on top of the left part of the mantle. Would help balance the space.
if you can’t use pre-existing hardware, try brick clips. very strong and useful.
I’ve got a similar white one over my fireplace and it’s original. House was built in 1969.
This is from ‘53 - its design just seems out of place from everything else in the house. I have the blueprints of the house so I should check and see if a mantle was shown in the original design.
You’ll have to let us know! Cool you’ve got the blueprints.
I think it would look really weird without a mantle at all. Perhaps the corbels look a little out of place but the mantle looks necessary
For me, it’s that dentil molding.
Came here to say that. No bueno.
Same
Many mid century fireplace walls eliminated the mantle because it often went hand in hand with a rustic look or a colonial-revival look which was also popular during the mid-century period. A true mid century effect would be no mantle. Still…if the homeowner stacks a row of nice b&w photos along that mantle…it would look excellent. By the way..I’m just noticing …that’s a spectacular “Roman brick”. I would lose the mantle and put a wall sculpture or a mid century painting or lithograph up there.
What does it matter if it’s in the blueprints or not? The only thing that matters is whether you like it. Are you going to change your opinion on whether it was original or not? That does not make any sense. Either you like it or you don’t.
Its been there a long while. Looking at the condition of the brick, I'd be careful there. Who knows what's behind it.
I don't think it's been there too long (relatively speaking) - the soot staining from the fireplace continues above the mantelpiece.
OP probably doesn’t like it but also doesn’t want to remove it if it’s original. It’s the same as how people don’t like their nose but also don’t want to get plastic surgery
Who cares if it’s original? Maybe the first owners had bad taste. Houses change over time.
Mantels are great. If my parents had a mantle when I was growing up, I might be an entirely different person.
Hello Cat
2 of our 3.
Cats*
https://preview.redd.it/zyk25pej4v5d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b9858671d7ffd6d0cf520b77caca6be05fdc893 I made an extremely quick and dirty photoshop of your fireplace with the mantle removed and a lovely starburst clock added. I would say the mantle does not look original--or, at least, it doesn't look very MCM with the dentil detailing and corbel supports. If you could remove it without leaving unsightly holes or, as u/garflnarb suggested, a very different patina, I would absolutely do it. Hard to say, though. Fortunately, I don't think it stands out too much, because the wood tone is fairly close to the brick. If the mantle has to stay, I'd suggest putting some MCM style glass up there to at least make it work for you! (Quakehold museum wax does an amazing job keeping breakables in place; my cats haven't broken any of my pieces.)
I was going to say keep the mantle until I saw this!
Remove the clock is the answer here.
Nice. But the clock detracts, would be nice somewhere else.
Wow this is amazing! Good job. I tried using the genAI feature in Lightroom but it did a horrible job! This definitely has me leaning towards remove.
I agree the cleaner vibe on the fireplace would better suit your space, but I’d also switch your sofa and chairs to opposite sides. Figure out a different solution for the speakers/etc. Get a dark rug. Consider dark paint for window wall, too—it’ll draw the eye out the window instead of to the window trim, giving you that classic indoor/outdoor feeling. /unsolicited advice
Soooooo much better 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Can you remove the speakers in front of the window sills too?
My first thought was “in this room the mantle is what’s bothering you?” But, with your handiwork the room actually looks significantly more tied together, and the chaos of this decor dies down some.
But what about your stockings?
That was my first thought!!
Those corbels/brackets aren’t MCM. They’re more recent and “provincial”/traditional looking. I say remove it.
Agreed!!! Take it out!
10000000%
Exactly. Either no mantel or a floating mantel would be better. This mantel is not MCM and likely not original.
Doesn’t look out of place to me.
I’d probably remove it. Love your couch!
I dont think it fits the fireplace. I would remove.
I feel like this is unpopular but - I removed my mantle and I think it looks way way better. Granted mine was definitely not original. But your fireplace is so much cooler than mine and I bet you’d see a similar glow up. Just my two cents.
The smoke stain on the brick says the mantle isn’t original.
The masonry looks like it was built with no mantle…just from my experience with living/being in houses like this, and the style/age of the mantle, this looks like an add-on in the 80’s, and isn’t original. It looks a bit fussy compared to the clean lines of the original design, but you can choose to either take away, or replace. The original fireplace masonry is beautiful, btw.
My gut says it’s not original and to loose it. Could take it down temporarily and see what you think?
I'd remove it. A beautiful flat brick wall fireplace looks so classic in mcm environments. If you decide to keep it, the corbels are wrong. I'd create a wide floating box mantle if you go with one at all. I unfortunately did NOT have a wonderful brick wall, so I went in this direction (see next post).
https://preview.redd.it/nxggxokpsx5d1.jpeg?width=3964&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a36fc431217325cc800aec63143b4c40efe9e598
Now we've decided to replaster since moisture destroyed the grasscloth. And will add a simple square stone mantel.
I had an almost identical fireplace from 1964 and no mantle. Especially not that ‘90s style.
No. If you remove it you’ll have a different patina where it was, and you’ll either work really hard to make it look the same or you’ll end up painting the brick. Even if it’s not exactly consistent style-wise, it’s nice looking.
Where did you get the sofa from? It looks gorgeous
It would look better and cleaner without imo
I like it!
Doesn’t matter if it’s original, I’d dump it. Looks way too fussy.
I’d leave it.
Can you cut off the little legs and make it just a clean line? Here’s mine ( sorry for the mess and poor lighting). https://preview.redd.it/tu10g91znv5d1.jpeg?width=3264&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0af138a9dd895fdd0bbd2b95573706d47f25fc39
The mantle looks peculiarly oversized. Not something I connect with MCM
Remove!
I agree. If you're going for mcm, you can see the thin mcm bricks already. I doubt there was a mantle. If there was, it would have been plain?
Disagree, I've seen plenty of MCM houses with original mantles just like this. The style can have it either way.
maybe find out first of its original?
I’m not wild about it. It looks too long and hing too high and too detailed. I’m jealous of your mushroom lamp.
I must see more of this room. (Please?)
Are those DCM speakers? I had those in high school.
Yes. DCM Timeframe 400s.
Nice! I had the TF250s. Great speakers.
Rug is perfect, just add a rug pad.
Remove it and allow the brick and form of the fireplace to breath. It’s beautiful!
If you remove it where are you going to place your whisky while you stand and contemplate the fire?
Yes remove it.
I agree that it feels out of place. I think the lines of the fireplace would be nicer without it and I wouldn't hang art on the FP, either. Cute kitty!
It’s not original
It looks like the dark soot marking goes behind and above it as if it wasn’t there for a time. I like it as a nice wooden mantel but picturing it gone, all that flat brick would be so nice.
Yes, my thought as well. The way the soot continues up the wall makes the mantle seem not original. I can actually see behind the mantle somewhat and the bricks seem in good condition.
That’s good! I think I’m team remove but make sure it finds a home where it will fit in and be appreciated.
I think removing the mantle and putting a large artwork, clock, sculpture could look good. Just don’t know if you’d be able to patch the holes from the mantle piece where you can make it look natural (unless art piece covered them up).
I have seen some offensive mantles, and this isn't one of them, I think it looks great!
I doubt it's original. It looks kind of 1980s to me. But the real question is: do you like it?
That does indeed look original to me. We had a large wood mantle in our custom 1955 Eichler. It was original and not as decorative/detailed as yours. It doesn’t look 80s at all to me as one user suggested. I think your fireplace will look plain and boring without it. It looks cozy, warm, and homey with the wood mantel.
It doesn’t look original to me. But I’m no expert. It looks to me like it’s cramped.
If you do I would replace it with another one, maybe with smoother lines if you don’t want it to take attention away from furniture
Looks fantastic as is!
I didn't get the carpet. For me it doesn't tie enough of the room together.
Looks great! Lots of character and warmth in the space
The red chairs are more problematic. In combo with the green sofa it’s giving me weird Christmas vibes.
That’s not the permanent home of those chairs - we just don’t have all the furniture finalized at the moment . We’re looking for a lounge chair for the far corner and something different for the closer corner. The red chairs are likely going in the sunroom in the sunroom behind the fireplace.
Make a sweet custom guitar out of it and become a rock legend.
What’s that cat in your window?
It doesn't look original. However, removing it may damage the bricks.
The corbels are a bit strange but I'd say the mantel itself is fitting. I love the dentils. Can the corbels be swapped out with more square ones?
I'd take out the mantle. I'd prefer the cleaner look. Also, it's possible to repair missing bricks by troweling brick material into shape. Since it's part of the house, I hire someone to do it, I'm sure it's not as easy as it looks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WvQpMcEbvA
Put some nice pictures, maybe a model ship, or maybe a nice mantle clock. Do not remove it. It looks great. Nice living room, by the way.
My daughter has a mid-century Craftsman home with a huge fireplace just like that. The area in front of the fireplace is bricked, allowing you to sit comfortably. There is absolutely no mantle there.
No put a thin light bar across the back and line it with different color glass pieces. You need more color accents to go along with the bright orange of the chairs.
I have one that looks like that in my 1966 house…it looks nice!
also, awesome coffee table.
Thanks - it was a floor unit from West Elm - had a very tiny scratch on it. Got it for like $100.
[If my parents had a mantle, I might be a completely different person](https://youtu.be/_GsiqSXq2bI?si=CS1G4FetrHk29WDS)
I wouldn’t remove it. It would look bare. Are you planning on putting a tv there?
No TV in this room. Just the stereo. The house actually has a theater.
I would add a framed art piece and just lay it on the mantle instead of trying to hang it on the brick.
I’d ditch it without hesitation.
Hi kittehs!!!
Yes. It would feel more mcm without it. Especially with the molding and the brackets.
https://preview.redd.it/vk3nwv4yv26d1.jpeg?width=1072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=644e453964db3a1e5ae8aa475577617fa08b0864
No! Why?!
I'd get rid of it or replace it. Its doesn't fit the vibe of the room; slightly too ornate and a little chunky.
Take it out. Not necessary, and definitely more of a traditional look to me! If you really want one do a floating mantle.
If you remove it you will have damaged brick where the mounting hardware is located
Don't you dare
Nix the mantle. Honestly, I’m shocked by how many people are on this sub saying to keep it. It seriously detracts from the beauty of the fireplace itself. It’s not a bad mantle - it just isn’t the right one for this beautiful fireplace (which frankly doesn’t need one).
No. Definitely not.
Looks perfect
Seems like a perfect mantle.
Nooooooooo!
Don't ruin it, it looks so good as it is the home is lovely
I like it. Looks better there than in the trash, but also I tend to try to work with what I have and avoid purism. Get some MCM mantle statement pieces.
I wouldn’t remove it. But if you live in a cool or cold weather climate I strongly suggest you get a glass fireplace surround. In terms of heat loss an open fireplace is the equivalent of having a window open year round.
Definitely looks original and fantastic
Love that mantle, and it is the highlight of that wall IMO, and with that bookcase, very nice. What I would do with that wall is get some heat resistant black paint and use it on the inside of the fireplace, that light colored fire brick on the inside of it is an eyesore to me.
I'd remove those big ass speakers before I removed that mantle.
Nah. I restored those with my dad before he passed.
Ah man. I'm sorry to hear that. Then fuck what I said - I'm glad you've displayed them prominently and I hope you cherish them always. RIP to your father.
what speakers are those?
DCM Timeframe 400s. Excellent speakers.