Mantels & Floating Shelves: Two Ways to Style
When you're looking for a simple way to add character to your home, sometimes the most versatile pieces make the biggest difference. Ornamental’s wood mantels are designed to do more than sit above a fireplace. These versatile pieces can also be installed as floating shelves, giving you more ways to bring warmth, function and personality into your space.
Whether you're refreshing a living room, adding storage to a kitchen or looking for a place to display seasonal décor, a mantel that doubles as a floating shelf gives you the flexibility to make the most of your walls.
More Than a Fireplace Mantel
A traditional mantel naturally creates a focal point above a fireplace, but there’s no reason its use has to stop there. Installed on an open wall, a wood mantel can become a substantial floating shelf for displaying the things you love.
Use one in the living room to showcase framed photos, books and collected décor. In the kitchen, it can provide space for serving pieces, cookbooks, plants or decorative accents. A floating mantel shelf can also add personality to a dining room, bedroom, entryway or even a laundry room.
Because these pieces are available in a variety of wood species, lengths and styles, you can find an option that works with the look and function of your space. Ornamental offers wood mantels in nine species, including red oak, white oak, ash, hickory, walnut, soft maple, ambrosia maple, poplar and cherry, with both natural and rustic options available.
The result is a piece that can be styled and restyled as your home changes.
Style It for the Season
One of the best things about using a mantel as a floating shelf is how easily you can change the look throughout the year. Instead of committing to permanent décor, use the shelf as a rotating display for seasonal touches.
And with fall here, it's the perfect time to give your mantel or floating shelf a seasonal refresh.
Start with a few natural elements. Small pumpkins and gourds can add color and texture without overwhelming the space, while faux or dried leaves bring in the warm tones associated with the season. Layer in a framed print, a stack of books or a small vase to create different heights and keep the arrangement from looking too uniform.
For a cozier fall display, incorporate materials such as woven baskets, ceramic pieces, candles and wood accents. Mixing textures helps create a warm, collected look while allowing the natural character of the wood to remain part of the display.
You don't need to fill every inch of the shelf, either. Leaving some open space around your décor allows the wood grain to remain visible and gives the arrangement a more relaxed appearance.
Find a Place for It
The versatility of a mantel/floating shelf makes it a practical option for more than just decorative displays.
In the kitchen, use one to keep frequently used items within reach or display favorite dishes and decorative pieces. Ornamental has previously featured these shelves in kitchens for everything from plates and recipe books to spices and decorative accents.
In the living room, style a shelf with family photos, books, plants and objects collected over time. Above a fireplace, the same style of piece can serve as a classic mantel and provide a natural place to decorate for each season.
In the dining room, a floating shelf can create a focal point on an otherwise empty wall. Add artwork, serving pieces or a combination of seasonal décor to complement the room.
Even smaller or often-overlooked spaces can benefit. A floating shelf can bring decorative interest to a bedroom, entryway, office or laundry room while giving you a useful place to display everyday items.
A Simple Installation Process
Installing an Ornamental mantel shelf starts with securing the included wood mounting cleat to the wall. Before getting started, gather a tape measure, stud finder, level, pencil and a drill with a Phillips screwdriver bit and 1/8-inch and 3/16-inch drill bits. The package includes the mantel, mounting cleat, three 3-inch wall screws, two 1-inch mantel screws and installation instructions.
First, remove the mounting cleat from inside the mantel. Mark the desired location for the cleat on the wall, accounting for the thickness of the mantel's top panel. Use a stud finder to locate three wall studs as close to the center of the mantel location as possible. Pre-drill through the cleat with a 3/16-inch drill bit, then use a level and the provided 3-inch wall screws to secure the cleat to the studs.
Once the cleat is secured, place the mantel onto it and mark where the two mantel screws will be positioned. Be sure these screws will enter the cleat without interfering with the wall screws. Remove the mantel and pre-drill the marked holes with a 1/8-inch drill bit. Then place the mantel back onto the cleat and secure it with the two 1-inch mantel screws, making sure the mantel is pushed firmly against the wall as you fasten it. A second set of hands can be helpful during this step.
The installation guide notes that your mantel may look different from the example shown, but the installation instructions remain the same.
Make Your Walls Work for You
A mantel doesn't have to be limited to the space above a fireplace. When used as a floating shelf, it becomes a versatile design element that can move throughout your home and adapt to your needs.
Whether you're adding a warm wood accent to an empty wall, creating a display for your favorite pieces or switching up your décor for fall, Ornamental’s mantels give you the flexibility to make the space your own.