A fireplace can create a focal point in any room. By adding a few decorative features, including a mantel, you can completely transform the look of your fireplace. Even if you don’t have a working hearth, a faux wood mantel can bring the same warmth, charm, and coziness to your space.
From rustic farmhouse vibes to sleek, modern lines, there’s no shortage of creative ways to style a mantel that’s all about looks with or without the flames. In this blog, we share five inspiring faux fireplace design ideas that prove you don’t need to overspend to create a stylish statement.
Benefits of Faux Wood Mantels vs. Real Wood
If you want to install a fireplace mantel or switch out your existing mantel with one that suits your tastes, you’re in luck. There are many options available for your fireplace mantel project. Your first decision will likely come down to choosing between a solid wood fireplace mantel or a faux wood mantel.
You might think that most homeowners choose real wood mantels, but this isn't always the case. Faux wood mantels are actually more affordable and much easier to install.
While there are many differences between solid wood mantels and faux wood mantels, the most obvious one is the material. Faux wood mantels are manufactured with high-density polyurethane, as opposed to wood mantels, which are 100% real wood.
Below, we discuss the benefits of choosing a faux wood mantel over a real one.
Cost
For a basic solid wood mantel, be prepared to pay at least a few hundred dollars. And some of those real, solid wood mantels need to be sanded and finished before installation, which will cost you more.
Faux wood mantels, however, are a fraction of the cost, come in a variety of wood textures, and are available ready to install or unfinished for you to paint or stain. Overall, faux wood is cheaper to buy, ship, install, and maintain.
Authentic Look and Large Variety
Each of our nine faux wood mantel styles is hand-crafted to mimic the look and texture of real wood, and is available in several authentic colors.
Heirloom Faux Wood Mantel, for example, comes in 13 colors, plus an unfinished option if you prefer to finish it yourself. And just like real, natural wood, our collection of faux wood mantels has the same distressed wood-grain look. To the eye, our faux wood is practically indistinguishable from real wood.
Installation
As with all faux wood products, installing a faux wood mantel is a breeze thanks to its lightweight, easy-to-handle construction. Most projects only require one person, and the job is done in a matter of hours. Solid wood installation involves more planning in terms of time and labor.
Custom, Made-to-Order
With solid wood, you get what you get. The grain is already established, and unless the piece is unfinished, you’ll need to strip the original finish and redo it to your liking. Faux wood mantels offer endless possibilities. Choose among various finished and unfinished styles and make it into your own to reflect your taste and preferences. Faux wood mantels are also customizable in height, length, and projection to suit any size project.
Maintenance
All faux wood mantels are maintenance-free. They will not warp, rot, or attract pests, unlike real wood, making them usable both indoors and outdoors. Faux wood products are built to last with no maintenance required to keep them looking like new for many years.
Faux Fireplace Mantel Ideas
Looking for a stylish focal point? These faux mantel ideas work beautifully with both functional fireplaces and purely decorative setups. Whether your style leans rustic, modern, or somewhere in between, there’s a design here to inspire your space.
Saw Cut Faux Wood Mantel in Burnished1. Add Decorative Accents Around Your Mantel for a More Unique Look
Short fireplaces provide more opportunity to create something truly special. Take the space above your fireplace and turn it into an accent piece of its own using paint, wall panels, or artwork.
Blend your accent wall with a mantel, such as this Saw Cut Faux Wood Mantel in Burnished that features a rough sawn cedar texture.
To achieve an extra distinct look, install faux wood corbels underneath your mantel.
2. Unify Your Space With a Faux Wood Mantel
This inviting room features a Hewn Faux Wood Mantel in Log, perfectly complementing the rustic beam trusses overhead.
The natural character of the wood, complete with tool marks and rich grain variations, ties together the stone fireplace surround and warm wood accents throughout the room. The result is a timeless design that blends rugged craftsmanship with cozy, refined style.
Hewn Faux Wood Mantel in Log
Old Barn Faux Wood Mantel in Pioneer3. Introduce Natural Elements Into a Room That’s a Blank Canvas
Living rooms and bedrooms should be cozy. If you have a space in your home that’s more basic, use a faux wood mantel to invite warmth and natural vibes to the room.
This short stacked-stone fireplace is accented with the reclaimed wood-look of an Old Barn Faux Wood Mantel in Pioneer.
The weathered appearance of the mantel brings an element of nature to this bright white living area.
4. Use a Faux Wood Mantel to Break Up a Large Fireplace Surround
Floor-to-ceiling fireplaces are a stunning focal point. Take it to the next level with a mantel that adds color, interest, and visually breaks up the size of the fireplace.
A faux wood mantel also gives you space to display your favorite knick-knacks, a large piece of art, and other home decor.
This stacked stone fireplace surround, paired with an Old English Faux Wood Mantel in Burnished, ties the fireplace in with the surrounding wood furniture and accents.
Old English Faux Wood Mantel in Burnished
Magnolia Faux Wood Mantel in Campfire Cream5. Balance a White Brick Fireplace With a Versatile Faux Wood Mantel
The lightly weathered look and distressed texture of this Magnolia Faux Wood Mantel in Campfire Cream bring an organic feel to the crisp white faux brick fireplace.
For a warmer, more natural look, decorate your mantel with greenery, pinecones, and wooden candlesticks.
Heat and Fire Safety With Faux Wood Mantels
All of our products, including faux wood mantels, are manufactured using high-density polyurethane that has similar burning characteristics to real wood.
Most of our products can be used around a fireplace or stove, as long as you follow the fireplace insert/stove manufacturer's specifications for required clearances.
- There must be a non-flammable border of at least 6" between the live flame and a mantel with a thickness of 1 ½”
- If you use a product with a thickness over 1 ½”, an additional 1” of non-flammable border must be added for every 1/8” of additional product thickness
For an added layer of safety, AZ Faux offers a Class-A Fire-Rated Polyurethane, which must be requested at the time the order is placed. Even if your mantel is made with fire-rated polyurethane, you still need to maintain a non-flammable border.
Before installing your mantel, check with your local fire marshal to confirm the specific codes and requirements that apply to your home.
For more information about fire safety around faux wood mantels, visit our website.
Place Your Faux Wood Mantel Order Today!
All fireplace mantels from AZ Faux are made-to-order and hand-built. Check out our faux wood style guide to see available styles and finishes. When you’re ready to get started, be sure to also check out our easy-to-follow installation instructions.
Please keep in mind that faux wood mantels are decorative and not meant to bear the weight of heavy items. We recommend only displaying lightweight décor like candles, picture frames, and vases on your faux wood mantel.
The first step to a gorgeous faux fireplace mantel is choosing your favorite style and color. We recommend ordering a few samples so you can see the different textures and colors in your own space.
Browse our full collection of gorgeous faux wood mantels and start your fireplace transformation today!