Do Fireplace Mantels Have to Match the Kitchen Cabinets?

Harmonize With Surroundings

• A fireplace located at the far end of a kitchen is a unique situation. If you have a small furniture grouping, for example, the mantel definitely does not have to match kitchen cabinets. You might use a glass and chrome mantel to match a sofa table. Or, you might paint a mantel pale yellow to match built-in bookshelves on each side of the fireplace.

Match Kitchen Components

• If the fireplace is closer to cabinets, review several options. You can use matching wood, of course. But, you can cover the mantel with marble tile or glass tile to match a backsplash, flooring or countertops. Keep in mind, however, that you do not want the mantel to stand out. Choose its materials to blend in with the kitchen for a professional look.

Use Alternate Techniques

• A rustic kitchen fits a different set of rules. If you have a kitchen with tongue-and-groove cedar walls, you might want the fireplace mantel to match the walls instead of the cabinets. Use white or hunter green cabinets, for example, but install a mantel to harmonize with walls. In this case, focus on placing items on the mantel -- such as candles or plates -- that stand out.

Consider Molding Colors

• A mantel can match contrasting crown molding in a kitchen. If you use white cabinets with dark cherry crown molding at the ceiling level, for example, you can use a mantel to match the dark cherry molding. Another option for this particular situation is using white on the mantel's main flat surface. But, you can add wood trim on the front and sides that match the dark cherry crown molding.

Incorporate Metal Shelving

• Metal mantels that match kitchen hardware can work. You might, for instance, buy an old metal shelf in an antique store to serve as a mantel. You can spray paint it to match satin nickel hardware on cabinet doors. Try to find a fancy shelf with lots of scroll work and side support structure. Make sure you can install the shelf securely with screws or bolts before taking it home.