how to faux mantel
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Hey there I’m Mimi and I blog over at Blue Roof Cabin. I am so thrilled to be here at My Re-Purposed Life to share one of my recent projects. I love to build and re-purpose discarded treasures so you know I love it here!
One of my favorite things to build are Faux Fireplace Mantels. Even though I already have one in my home and have no room for more I just keep making them.
My latest inspiration came when I found two decorative Corbels while thrifting. They were a good size and I knew they would look great on a mantel. I decided to keep the design simple so that the Corbels would be the focal point.
For the sides I used two 1 x 8 pine boards cut to 43 1/4″ long. I attached them to a 1 x 12 x 26″ board to make the basic frame. I used my Kreg jig to make pocket holes and glued and screwed them together.
To give the sides some dimension I used 1 x 2’s and offset them so that 3/4″ would show on each side of the 1 x 8. I attached with glue and nailed from the backside.
Then I flipped it upside down and used glue and pocket holes to attach the top shelf.
I used my chop saw to miter cut some beefy trim for the bottom. I attached it with glue and my nail gun.
Lastly I attached the Corbels with Liquid Nails and then screwed a couple screws through the back side just to make sure they held.
Here’s the final dimensions.
To attach to the wall I cut a 1 x 4 in half at a 45 degree angle with my table saw to make a french cleat. That way it only needs a couple screws to attach it to the wall. The nice thing about this Mantel is it is very light weight and with only two screw holes you could just use it for the Holidays and put it away for the summer if you want. (that’s crazy talk isn’t it, who would put their mantel away?)
To finish my mantel I painted first with a slate gray then some white homemade chalk paint for the top coat. I lightly distressed the edges to reveal the gray underneath.
This one is all about the Corbels.
If you want to see some more DIY Mantel plans check at these posts on my Blog, a Mantel From Pine Boards and DIY Mantel that is in my Living Room.
Thanks Gail for letting me stop by today!
Oh my gosh Mimi—Those corbels are awesome! So perfect for a faux mantel. I never ever come across any corbels….well that I can afford that is! Love the idea of storing the mantel 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your DIY Faux Mantel today!
Hi, what sort of finish would suggest on a simple mantel for bedroom that will be attached to a Pallet Wood Wall? Paint? More pallet wood? Any advice would be fantastic. Thank you for the instructions – just what I needed!
What would you think about pallet wood with a little sealer on it to give it a shine? Or a slightly dark stain? Try it on a scrap piece first.
I bet it’s going to look great whatever you do.
Gail
What do you put inside? I have a faux fireplace and want to put in a panel of faux brick but am having difficulty finding one to fit or I can trim to fit. I would appreciate your advice.
Thank you,
Elisa
Elisa,
I’m sorry-I don’t really have any advice since this is a guest post. I’ve never done a faux mantel. Have you tried looking on pinterest or a google image search?
gail
What size board did you use for the top piece? i see it’s 44″ long but how deep is the wood?
Maggie,
This wasn’t my project, it was a guest post, but I’m guessing Mimi used a 1×8 like the other boards that framed the mantel piece.
gail
Mimi and Gail,
I love the fireplace mantle. I especially liked the directions. If gave me inspiration to build my own mantle/ faux fireplace. I am a beginner put it turned out pretty well. Thanks for the inspiration. I plan on adding a ;ink to your blog on my blog because of the great instructions.
Take Care
Simmer Dougherty
http://peacocksandpapertrees.blogspot.com
Nice work! I’m a little intimidated with power tools and depend on hubby for that – but I’ll keep trying!
Beautiful! Those would be perfect to use those candle holders for fireplaces with.
Debbie
I love those corbels. It is definitely all about the corbels. Mimi does great work!
Looks nice. I have suggested to my married daughter that her bedroom wall needs a faux mantel, I’m going to email her to look at yours. Maybe she will be inspired, or maybe I will make more work for her dad.
Bliss
So cool and very pretty! This would add so much character to a room!