Modern Mantle DIY

December 6, 2012

I know it's been a while since I posted. I've been working on a project that I vowed I would finish before I posted again. And it has been quite a project for me. I intended for it to be a surprise for Brian so I didn't want anyone helping me which turned out to be difficult with the weight of the thing.
It was a modern-ish mantle with electric fireplace insert. Stay tuned tomorrow for a tutorial on how I constructed it.
I had always wanted a fireplace in our living room but there were several issues. 

A) I had nowhere to put it. We live in a very small house and I have to be UBER conscience about what I bring into it and how big those things are. The only place to fit a mantle was under the TV. I looked at premade mantles at Lowes and the Home Depot and although I liked them, they were either too tall or too short or too deep.

B) Our furniture is somewhat modern or should I say....less traditional and a lot of the premade electric fireplaces are traditional. I wanted to go with a modern looking fireplace like this or this but they all require construction into the wall. I couldn't really find a modern looking mantle in my price range between $300ish.

C) We live in a rental. Whatever I decided I would do, it couldn't be built in or added to the existing house. And yes....I hate our renters carpet. If I had known we'd be here this long I would have ripped it out when we moved in. Security deposit be damned.
So that is why in the end I decided to make one for myself. That way, I could buy a modern looking insert and make the mantle match all while keeping it thin and just tall enough to fit under our television. I bought the insert from Amazon. But I'm not going to link to the listing because it was not as described AT ALL and I'm filing a complaint with them though I don't think much will come of it. But I decided to keep it because the price was right. $160.
I then made the surrounding mantle on my own. And I'll show you how I did it tomorrow! Stay tuned.

9 {comments}:

Suzanne said... Best Blogger Tips

That is really amazing. I can't wait to see what's involved. We live in an apartment, and (especially this time of year) I am so jealous of homes with mantles.

Grosgrain said... Best Blogger Tips

@SuzanneI definitrely felt your jealousy! Which is why this was so long overdue for me;-)

Ms Quez said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow, what a transformation!! Nice job!

Allyson said... Best Blogger Tips

Love it! It turned out great!

The Brullooly Family said... Best Blogger Tips

Love the rug! Where did you get it? :)

Panic said... Best Blogger Tips

Ooh!! c'mon!! what a change!! I love it!!!

Grosgrain said... Best Blogger Tips

@The Brullooly FamilyI got here: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-chevron/ivory/200OWCHV01-71001010.html

only $44.50 with coupon code WINT50!

LGreenWriter said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow, Kathleen! You never cease to amaze! Can't wait to read all the details. : )

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

What a great idea! I love it!

 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...