Thursday, May 3, 2012

Bringing in the Heat

I have always loved the look of a fireplace as a focal point for a room. So when we first moved into our place and it didn't have one, I was missing that centerpiece for my living "area"- where was I going to hang our Christmas stockings, right?

So sad...

I did a little Craigslist stalking and I came across a few great options and they ranged from $100-$400. Since we are in New England these beauties are all over the place from old historic homes that have been renovated.

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I went for a mantle that reflected the look of our windows (you can see what those look like here)- not super plain, but also not overly ornate looking. Ours was listed for $200 but I was able to talk them down to a cool $140 (thank you for my haggling skills, Mom!)


Install is super easy, I just needed a few L brackets and some anchors. I went for the heavy duty ones because our TV was going to go on top. Even though the TV was secured to the wall, I liked the peace of mind that the mantel was not going to budge.

The mantel was a little narrow so we had to attach 2x4s to the back sides to bring out the depth, but if you were not putting a TV on top then that step would not be necessary. We had those cut at Home Depot and used L brackets to attach that to the sides from the inside. 


With all the brackets in place this mantel was good to go. And with the double bookcases flanking it, I think that it looks like it had been there all along!




Santa is definitely going to know where to hang our stockings this year:)

The work is not quite done yet; I bought a radiator screen to fill the open space in the center for now, but I have been keeping my eye on some great Pinterest ideas. Here are the ones I love:

Pinned Image
via niksnotes2.blogspot.com
Pinned Image
via Apartment Therapy
via Apartment Therapy

Which one do you like best??

This is a great project for anyone one that rents their place because the it can easily be removed and go with you to your next home!

I always laugh when people come over and it takes them a while to even realize that the mantel is a fake. Then I know I did my job!


XOXO Katie
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4 comments:

  1. I love the third picture! I'm a sucker for controlled clutter!

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    1. Love that brass peacock too- I am going to start to hunt for that this summer at flea markets for sure.

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  2. Can't wait to do this at my new apartment in my bedroom. Love it!

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    1. Can't wait to see the new place!! Can I help decorate too even if its just over the phone??

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