Shiplap and Shells

Home and Garden in the PNW

  • My Blog
    • Home Decor
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
        • Winter Holiday & Christmas Inspiration
      • Our 100-Year-Old Beach House
      • Entertaining
    • Garden
      • Growing a Cut Flower Garden Series
      • Tips and Tutorials
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Saltwater Sounds Wrap-Up
    • All Things Vintage
    • Projects
    • The Pacific Northwest – PNW
      • Boating
    • Stories
      • Travel
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Winter Shopping Favorites
    • Shop for Your Garden
    • Shop My Amazon Store
    • Shop My Home
  • Meet Kim
  • Tour My Home
  • Contact Me

in Fall· Home Decor· Projects· Spring· Summer· Winter

How To Make a Faux Fireplace Mantel Surround

  • Facebook
  • Email

Fireplace mantels always add so much character and charm to a room. And I had just the space for one. I’ll show you how I built this DIY faux fireplace mantel surround for my bedroom. Step-by-step instructions below.

I’ve always loved how a fireplace mantel cozies up a room. It amazes me how you can completely transform a space with it’s warmth and charm, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to the many creative ways you can style it.

I spent months searching for a chippy vintage mantel, but had no luck, unless I wanted to pay $500 in shipping fees. And that wasn’t an option!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.


SHOP MIRRORS


DIY Faux Fireplace Mantel Surround

Before my husband and I started this project, I found some much needed inspiration for a perfect fireplace mantel on Pinterest. By taking certain details from each picture I found, I was able to create my very own beautiful vintage-inspired faux mantel.

This sketch is based on all the characteristics we wanted to incorporate.

Fireplace Mantel Tools and Materials

To accommodate the space we had, our faux fireplace mantel surround finished at 4’7″ wide, across the mantel top, and 5′ tall. My bedroom is incredibly small, so we decreased the dimensions that we would have normally used. Of course, you can adjust these measurements based on the space that is available to you.


Required Tools & Materials

  • Compound Miter Saw
  • Table Saw
  • Brad Nailer
  • Brad Nails
  • Drill
  • Caulking Gun
  • Caulk
  • Measuring Tape
  • Wood Filler
  • Putty Knife
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Screws
  • Mantel Top: (1) – 2″x 10″x 6′ Pine Board
  • Leg Column Face: (2) – 1″x 6″x 6′ Pine Boards
  • Leg Column Sides: (4) – 1″x 4′”x 6′ Pine Boards
  • Header Board: (1) – 1″x 12″x 6′ Pine Board
  • Backer Board: (1) – 1/4″ Plywood, cut to fit
  • Shiplap boards for fireplace opening:(4) – 1″x 6″x 8′ Pine Boards
  • 8′ Crown Molding
  • Decorative moldings
  • Hardwood Fluted Door Casing Set
  • Rose Applique
  • Masking Tape

Faux Fireplace Mantel Step-By-Step

We decided to build this off site, in our garage, and then attach it to the bedroom wall when completed.

Step 1: Assemble Columns

Apply glue to the edge of the 1″x 4″ legs, and lay 1″x 6″ face board on top of the legs, nailing them down.

Install braces inside the leg box, as needed, to strengthen the columns. We put an end cap at the top and one at the bottom of leg column, to close it off.

Step 2: Attach the Apron Board Between the Columns

Nail a support board to each column, for the apron board. Add a 1″x 2″ across the bottom of the board to close off and add bulk.

A temporary support was added across the column legs. This maintained the surround’s shape during the building process. To allow for more exposure of the apron board, drop the board down from the top, 75% of the width of the crown molding. In this case, it was approximately 3″ from the top shelf.

Step 3: Wrap the Base of the Column Legs

Wrap the column bases with leftover pieces of 1″x 8″ pine.

Step 4: Attach the Mantel Shelf

After cutting to size, wrap the face of the mantel shelf with 2″ baseboard molding.

Attach the top shelf to the columns, using wood screws.

Step 5: Attach Crown Molding

Install crown molding under the top mantel shelf. It is easier to install the molding when the mantel is turned upside down.

Step 6: Add Decorative Molding

Install decorative molding above the column wrap at the base.

Attach the hardwood fluted door casing moldings on the columns themselves.

Step 7: Install Applique

Drill a small hole in the center of the applique.

Find the center of the apron board. Use a nail, tapping gently, to hold the applique in place. Apply glue, and hold in place with masking tape, until dry. At that time, remove the nail.

Step 8: Finishing the Fireplace Mantel Surround

Caulk the joints, and fill the nail holes with wood putty.

Fireplace Opening

You can choose to leave the firebox opening as it is, or create a decorative piece to cover the opening.

We were putting this in our bedroom, where our wall color was a shade of blue. I wanted to make the faux fireplace mantel surround look more complete, so I added white shiplap, so the blue walls wouldn’t be seen through the opening.

We attached 1/4″ plywood for a backer board, and painted it white. As an alternative to buying a sheet of 1/4″ plywood, you could add strips of 1″x 2″ pine, nailed to the inside of the columns. You would then attach the shiplap to it. This is the same method we used to install the apron board.

After finishing our project, we brought the fireplace surround from the garage to the bedroom. It’s important to ensure the mantel is solidly attached to the wall, by either using wall anchors or by hitting a stud.

I didn’t add the painting step to this post, because there are so many painting techniques you can use. We used a layered chippy paint method on our fireplace mantel surround. I’d love to hear from you, leave me a comment.


PIN AND SAVE ON PINTEREST

If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please pin and share it on Pinterest.



I’m joining some friends today for our monthly DIY Blog Hop, hosted by Chas of Chas Creative Creations & Tarah of Grandma’s House DIY. Each month we have a different theme and this month is all about building projects. Take a look at these inspiring posts. You are sure to find some great ideas!


Easy Heavy Duty DIY Garage Shelf | Chas’ Crazy Creations


Building a Hallway and Closet into a Storage Room | Grandma’s’ House DIY


DIY Farmhouse Coffee Cup Stand | The House on Silverado


DIY Corner Desk | Design Morsels


DIY Outdoor Bench | Life at Bella Terra


How to Install a Wood Trim Accent Wall | Health Home and Heart


How to Build a Birdhouse | Kippi at Home


Other Posts You May Enjoy…

HOW TO MAKE AN IRON PIPE POT RACK

HOW TO ACHIEVE A LAYERED CHIPPY PAINT FINISH


Let’s Connect on Social Media

Follow me @shiplapandshells on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook

I’d love for you to join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks Group!

This post has been shared with…

  • Thursday Favorite Things hosted by Follow the Yellow Brick Home
  • Make It Pretty Monday hosted by The Dedicated House

  • Facebook
  • Email

Filed Under: Fall, Home Decor, Projects, Spring, Summer, Winter Tagged With: faux fireplace mantel, faux mantel, fireplace mantel, fireplace surround

Stay Connected and Get all the Latest

Previous Post: « Shiplap and Shells – Weekly Wrap Up
Next Post: How to Grow Sweet Peas From Seed Indoors »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon Paul says

    11/27/2021 at 5:35 am

    Looking to do something similar in my bedroom. I love how yours turned out — totally thought it was an old mantel you redid. Where did you get that metal piece inside the fireplace in front of the shiplap? I love that detail!

    Reply
  2. Imelda says

    02/25/2021 at 2:07 pm

    Idk if maybe I missed it. But how much was everything? Looking to make something similar. Great work!!

    Reply
  3. Cindy says

    02/09/2021 at 5:14 pm

    This fireplace mantel is beautiful. I thought you were going to say you found this piece.

    You created a beautiful piece.

    Cindy

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 2:56 pm

      Thank you for the kind words Cindy!

      Reply
  4. Amy says

    02/08/2021 at 2:28 pm

    This is gorgeous! It looks absolutely perfect in your bedroom. I might have to add this project to my own list of “master bedroom projects.” 😉 I often look at fireplace surrounds when I go to antique stores. I never considered just making one myself! I’m also glad you included a link to the paint method you used. I love it!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 2:56 pm

      I have always wanted to buy one, so much easier. But they can be so expensive. This was actually a lot of fun to make.

      Reply
  5. Kippi Ohern says

    02/07/2021 at 7:42 pm

    Gorgeous DIY faux fireplace mantel surround. Your attention to every detail is what made this project perfect in every way. I love the finish you used on it.
    Have a great week,
    Kippi

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 2:55 pm

      Thank you so much for the compliment Kippi. It means so much!

      Reply
  6. Chas Greener says

    02/07/2021 at 11:55 am

    What a great idea Kim! So great that you could pay tribute to you lovely home and create such fun ambiance to it at the same time . Love it friend

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/07/2021 at 4:21 pm

      Thank you so much Chas! It turned out better than I thought it would. so fun to be hopping with you ladies.

      Reply
  7. Mary from Life at Bella Terra says

    02/07/2021 at 8:52 am

    Kim, when I first saw the picture I thought you have found a vintage one and repaired it. I cannot believe you were able to achieve this vintage look with new wood! Just amazing! And I love the rose molding as well. But what made this so special is your use of the shiplap and staging it with the metal piece and the basket. What a charming focal point! Thank you so much for sharing and I am happy to hop with you.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/07/2021 at 12:51 pm

      That’s the best compliment of all Mary, the fact that you thought it was already made. I was so nervous to see how it was going to turn out, we had no plan to go off of. My husband is seriously such a sport. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money. I always love hopping with you ladies.

      Reply
  8. Andrea says

    02/07/2021 at 6:38 am

    This turned out so adorable I can’t wait to try one. If only I could think of a blank wall. Your drawing of the project is so helpful. Great tutorial. It is fun hopping with you. Your home is so cozy in every photo, I love to get the chance to see it.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/07/2021 at 12:46 pm

      You are so sweet Andrea. I’m so glad you like it. I hear exactly what you’re saying about finding a blank wall. This was literally the only wall I had that was open, and it was even a tight space. It’s always fun hopping with you.

      Reply
  9. Niky says

    02/07/2021 at 6:06 am

    Oh, I love this! I’ve been wanting to do something similar in my bedroom. We currently have an electric fireplace, but it doesn’t fit my style. You’ve give me some ideas about how I might create a surround to jazz it up! Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    Oh, and your mirror above it! I’ve been looking hard for something similar at thrift and antique stores! It’s beautiful!

    Niky @ The Hosue on Silverado
    PS. I’d love it if you’d share at Sundays on Silverado Link Party, too!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/07/2021 at 12:44 pm

      Thank you so much Niky! I’m so glad you like it, and I can’t wait to see what you end up doing. I will definitely go over and share at your link party. Thanks for the invite.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Meet Kim

Hi! I'm Kim. Welcome to my home & garden blog, Shiplap and Shells. We live in a small 1920 beach cottage in the Pacific Northwest and have spent the last 10 years renovating, reinventing, and adding character to our forever home. Read More…

Up to 40% Off cozy scents for Christmas

Find what you’re looking for

Let's Connect

Stay up to Date

shop my home

  • My Blog
  • Shop My Favorites
  • Tour My Home
  • Meet Kim
  • Contact Me

Footer

Find What You’re Looking For

Follow Along

Disclaimer and Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Market Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress ·