Have you heard of the fireplace mantel shelf?
Now some people are dubious about hanging a shelf over a fireplace.
That’s reasonable to ask for concern’s sake.
So let’s get into this and answer your Question!
Also Called a Fireplace Mantel Shelf
Can You Put Shelves Over a Fireplace?
Here’s What You Need to Know!
Hey guys, have you ever wondered whether you can put shelves over a fireplace or not?
Well, the answer is, it depends…
There are a few things that you need to consider before you go ahead and install shelves over your fireplace.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that the shelves are made of fire-resistant materials.
This is important because the heat from the fireplace can easily damage or even ignite shelves made of flammable materials like wood, paper, or plastic. So, if you’re planning to install shelves over your fireplace, you should go for materials like metal, stone, or tempered glass.
Another thing to consider is the clearance above the fireplace.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends a clearance of at least 12 inches between the top of the fireplace opening and any combustible material. This means that the bottom of the shelves should be at least 12 inches above the fireplace opening.
In addition to the clearance requirement, you should also make sure that the shelves are securely attached to the wall. This is important because the weight of the shelves and the items placed on them can cause them to fall and potentially cause injuries or damage to your property.
So, make sure to use sturdy brackets and screws to secure the shelves to the wall.
And… you should also consider the aesthetic aspect of having shelves over your fireplace. While it may be convenient to have extra storage space, it can also detract from the overall look and feel of your fireplace.
So, before you go ahead and install shelves over your fireplace, make sure that it complements the style of your room and doesn’t look out of place.
To sum it up, you can definitely put shelves over a fireplace, but you need to make sure that they are made of fire-resistant materials, have enough clearance above the fireplace, are securely attached to the wall, and complement the overall style of your room.
With these considerations in mind, you can add some extra storage space to your room without compromising safety or style.
What Materials you can use for a Fireplace Shelf
Now, you might be wondering what materials you can use for a fireplace mantel shelf. Well, the good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Wood: One of the most popular materials for a fireplace mantel shelf is wood. It’s natural, and warm, and can be stained or painted to match your home decor. You can choose from a variety of woods, such as oak, cherry, or maple, depending on your personal preference.
- Stone: If you want a more rustic look, then a stone fireplace mantel shelf might be the way to go. You can use natural stone or faux stone to create a unique and eye-catching shelf. Just make sure that the stone you choose is heat-resistant and can handle the heat from your fireplace.
- Metal: For a modern and sleek look, you can use metal for your fireplace mantel shelf. Steel, iron, or brass are popular choices and can be customized to fit your style. Just keep in mind that metal can get hot, so you’ll want to make sure that your shelf is far enough away from the fire to avoid any accidents.
- Glass: If you want to create a minimalist look, then a glass fireplace mantel shelf might be the way to go. It’s elegant and allows you to showcase your items without any distractions. However, you’ll want to make sure that the glass is tempered and can handle the heat from your fireplace.
Wooden Shelves for a Fireplace
With so many different types of wood out there, it can be tough to know which ones are the best for a fireplace mantel shelf. So, let’s dive in and take a look at some of the top options out there!
Oak
This is a classic choice that has been used for furniture and shelving for centuries, and for good reason. Oak is strong, durable, and can handle a lot of weight, making it perfect for holding up all your firewood and accessories. Plus, it has a beautiful, natural grain that looks great in any home.
Cherry
This is a slightly softer wood than oak, but it’s still incredibly strong and durable. What sets cherry apart, though, is its gorgeous reddish-brown colour that can add warmth and richness to your fireplace.
It’s also a great choice if you want to add some decorative carvings or other flourishes to your shelf, as it’s easy to work with and holds details well.
If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, consider teak.
This is a tropical hardwood that’s known for its incredible strength and resistance to moisture and decay. It’s also one of the most beautiful woods out there, with a rich, golden colour and a distinctive, swirling grain pattern.
While it can be a bit more expensive than some other options, it’s definitely worth it if you want something that will last a lifetime.
Pine
This softwood is a popular choice for many homeowners, thanks to its affordable price and rustic charm. While pine isn’t as strong as some of the other woods on this list, it’s still perfectly capable of holding up your firewood and accessories.
Plus, it has a lovely, knotty texture that can add some character and warmth to your space.
Stone Fireplace Shelving
First off, let’s talk about the most popular stones used for fireplace shelves. One of the most common stones used is limestone.
This stone is not only affordable, but it’s also easy to find and easy to work with. Plus, it has a nice, natural look that fits in with most outdoor settings.
Another popular option is granite.
This stone is more expensive than limestone, but it’s also more durable and can withstand extreme temperatures. Plus, it has a sleek and modern look that can really elevate the style of your firepit.
Now, if you’re looking for something a little more unique and eye-catching, you might want to consider using soapstone.
This stone has a beautiful, marbled appearance that can add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Plus, it’s resistant to heat and won’t crack or warp over time.
But wait, there’s more!
Did you know that some people even use recycled glass for their firepit shelves?
This option is not only eco-friendly, but it also creates a stunning visual effect as the flames reflect off the glass.
Glass Fireplace Shelving
With the right kind of glass, you can create a super cool and unique shelving display right above your fireplace.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What kind of glass can I use for that?”
Well, let me break it down for you.
There are a few different types of glass that are commonly used for fireplace shelving:
- tempered glass
- ceramic glass
- pyroceram glass
Tempered Glass
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “tempered glass?
For a fireplace?
What’s the point?”
Well, let me tell you, there are actually a ton of benefits to using tempered glass for your fireplace shelving, so let’s dive in and take a look!
First off, let’s talk about what tempered glass actually is. Essentially, it’s a type of glass that’s been specially treated to make it more durable and resistant to breakage.
This is achieved through a process of heating the glass to a very high temperature and then rapidly cooling it, which creates a kind of “skin” on the glass that makes it much stronger than regular glass.
Pretty cool, right?
Now, as for why you might want to use tempered glass for your fireplace shelving, there are a few reasons. For one thing, as I mentioned earlier, it’s much more resistant to breakage than regular glass.
This is important when you’re dealing with a high-heat environment like a fireplace, where the glass can be exposed to extreme temperatures. With tempered glass, you don’t have to worry about it shattering or cracking under the heat.
Another benefit of tempered glass is that it’s much safer than regular glass. If tempered glass does happen to break, it will shatter into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than large, sharp shards like regular glass.
This means that in the unlikely event that something does go wrong with your fireplace, you won’t have to worry about anyone getting seriously hurt by flying glass.
Really, tempered glass just looks great on a fireplace mantel shelf!
It’s super clear and has a nice, sleek look to it that can really elevate the look of your fireplace.
Plus, because it’s so durable, you don’t have to worry about it getting scratched or scuffed up over time.
Ceramic Glass
This is a type of glass that is made by combining ceramic and tempered glass. It’s super strong and can handle really high temperatures without breaking.
Plus, it’s also really resistant to scratches and impacts, which makes it a great option for a shelf that’s going to be holding objects.
So, which type of glass should you choose for your fireplace shelf?
Well, it really depends on your personal preference and what you’re planning on using the shelf for. If you’re just looking for something to hold a few decorative objects, tempered glass would probably be your best bet.
But if you’re planning on using your shelf to hold heavier objects or if you’re going to be using your fireplace a lot, you might want to consider ceramic glass or pyroceram glass.
Overall, using a piece of glass as a shelf above your fireplace is a really cool and unique way to add some personality to your living space. Just make sure you choose the right kind of glass for your needs and you’ll be good to go.
So, grab yourself a hot cocoa, cosy up by your fireplace, and start planning out your new glass shelving display.
Metal Fireplace Shelving
You might be wondering what kind of metal you can use for shelving.
After all, fireplaces are a great way to bring some warmth and ambience to your home, but they can also be a little tricky to decorate.
Fortunately, there are a few different types of metal that work great for a fireplace mantel shelf. Let’s take a closer look at some of your options:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for fireplace shelving because it’s durable, easy to clean, and has a modern look.
It’s also resistant to corrosion, which is important when you’re dealing with high temperatures from the fire. Plus, it’s relatively lightweight, which can make installation a breeze.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a classic choice for fireplace shelving. It has a timeless, elegant look that can really elevate the look of your fireplace. Plus, it’s incredibly strong and durable, which means it can hold up to heavy objects without bending or warping.
Wrought iron can be a bit heavier than stainless steel, but it’s still a great option if you’re looking for something that will last for years to come.
Brass
Brass is another popular choice for fireplace shelving. It has a warm, golden tone that can really make a statement in your home.
Brass is also heat-resistant, which means it can stand up to the high temperatures of your fireplace without melting or warping. However, it does require a bit more upkeep than other metals because it can tarnish over time.
Copper
Copper is a unique choice for a fireplace mantel shelf, but it can really add some character to your space. It has a reddish-brown colour that can look great against the flames of your fireplace.
Like brass, copper is heat-resistant, but it can also be a bit more expensive. If you’re looking for something that will make your fireplace stand out, though, copper might be the way to go.