How to Choose the Right Fireplace Mantel for Your Home
There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm glow of a fireplace — it can instantly anchor a living space. And that sense of coziness only grows when you add a fireplace mantel that ties your design together and gives the room a purposeful finish.
You’ve probably sifted through countless wood fireplace mantels and other ideas, hoping to discover that perfect style. But how do you pick the right material, finish, and overall look for your home?Having a handle on your design choices from the outset can help you narrow down both functional and decorative details.
In this guide, we’ll break down how a mantel can improve your home’s look and feel, where you can use it, and why Stoll’s floating metal shelves are a solid choice for style, safety, and convenience.
Creating the Perfect Fireplace Mantel with Floating Shelves
We've been crafting quality metal products for over 5 decades, and our fireplace mantels are no exception. While these floating shelves can be installed anywhere in your home, they work wonderfully as fireplace mantels. Here are 3 reasons why:
1 - Non-Combustible, Heat-Resistant Construction
One of the standout features of most of our fireplace mantels is their all-metal build. That means you can safely install them above wood, gas, or electric fireplaces without heat damage or safety risks.
- Protects Decorative Items: The metal serves as a built-in heat shield, which comes in handy if you like to decorate with items that wouldn’t do well in high temperatures.
- More Flexibility for Installation: Because these mantels aren’t considered combustible, you’ll generally have fewer clearance restrictions. (Always double-check your local codes to be sure.)
- Lower TV Placement above Your Fireplace: Since Stoll’s metal shelves help deflect rising heat, you don’t have to hang your television higher on the wall. With your TV set closer to eye level, you can enjoy more comfortable viewing angles, less neck strain, and a more balanced look.
Note: The Transitional Shelf includes a wood piece in the front facing, so it isn’t fully non-combustible. If you need a 100% heat-resistant shelf, go with the Metal or Wood-Grain Metal Shelf instead.
2 - Made-to-Order Perfection
We build our floating fireplace mantels to order, so they’ll feel like a natural extension of your fireplace. You choose the dimensions, finishes, banding, and even decorative brackets — giving you endless ways to personalize your look.
Mantel Size & Dimensions
Whether you need a short, wide shelf for a modern hearth or a tall, narrow piece for a cozy reading nook, you can specify exactly what you want. There’s virtually no limit on width, height, or depth (within reason).
Finish & Color Options for your Fireplace Mantel
We offer 25+ standard powder coat finishes, plus premium hand-finished textures and brushed stainless steel. You can keep it subtle or go bold, depending on the vibe you’re after.
Wood-Grain or Transitional Looks
If you want the rustic look of wood fireplace mantels without the usual downsides, Stoll’s Wood-Grain Metal Shelf offers a timber-inspired appearance made from non-combustible metal. Pair it with a classic fireplace surround to complete a timeless setup.
Decorative Banding & Brackets
If you want an extra bit of character, add banding styles like Aged Iron or Old World, or choose from decorative bracket options — Industrial or Square — to accentuate your mantel’s edges. These brackets attach right to the shelf, so there’s no need for extra wall anchoring.
Built-In Lighting & Speakers
For a more contemporary twist, you can integrate LED lights and Bluetooth speakers. This feature allows you to illuminate artwork, family photos, or heirlooms, and enjoy your favorite playlists without mounting separate devices around the fireplace.
3 - Easy Setup with Hidden Brackets
Our hidden bracket system offers a sleek “floating” appearance that keeps the focus on your mantel’s design, not on bulky supports or hardware.
Plus, you don't need a degree in carpentry to install a Stoll fireplace mantel. Getting your shelves up is really straightforward:
- Place Wisely
Before you drill any holes, think about your wall space and ceiling height. In a well-lit room, you might want to position the shelf a bit higher or lower so artwork won’t catch glare. - Mount the Backplate
Line up the metal bracket where you want the mantel (making sure you’re anchoring into studs), then secure it to the wall with the provided fasteners. - Slide on the Shelf
After the bracket is in place, guide the mantel’s top plate onto it. The fit should be snug, keeping everything nice and level. If you chose decorative brackets, attach them to the shelf itself — no extra anchoring to the wall needed. - Decorate to Your Taste
With your mantel up, it’s time to style. A tall vase of flowers can bring in a fresh pop of color, and layering different pieces adds depth. In a bright living room, even a subtle mantel can stand out against painted walls, especially when framed by personal photos or collectibles.
Want to learn more about our floating shelves? Check out our FAQ-style blog.
So Many Ways to Use Stoll Floating Shelf Fireplace Mantels
So, where exactly can these fireplace mantels work in your house? Most people picture one in the living room — and that’s still the most common place to put them. But there’s no strict rule that says it has to stay there.
You can spruce up a bedroom’s brick fireplace, add character to a basement rec area, or create a standout focal point in a sunroom with a wood burning fireplace.
Some homeowners even install a shelf above an outdoor fireplace if the patio is covered.
And our floating shelves aren’t just for the hearth. Their adaptable design also fits nicely in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and entertainment areas — wherever you want a sleek accent or some practical storage space.
Another Reason to Choose Stoll Fireplace Mantels
There’s something to be said for the peace of mind that comes with expert craftsmanship.
Stoll Industries has been making metal home products for over 50 years, honing techniques that make sure each mantel lasts for decades to come.
If you’re ready to explore your design options or want to see our collection in person, reach out to a local Stoll dealer.
They’ll guide you through every step — from picking the ideal shelf size to choosing decorative banding — so you end up with a mantel that perfectly suits your style.