Design Tips for a Rustic Wood Mantle

Log Mantle

• A fireplace mantel made from a massive log sawed in half is an impressive focal point for a rustic room design. Use brackets made from timbers to hold the mantel up for a natural rustic fireplace design. You can also sand the half logs to display the grain of the wood for an interesting decorative touch for the mantel. The natural knots and intricacies of the wood grain bring a different appearance to each log wood mantel.

Rough Beams

• Use rough beams for the mantel to create a rustic and natural look for the fireplace design. A rough beam atop a stone fireplace brings a stunning natural look to the room as well. Choose beams in a rough condition to give the mantel a more rustic appearance, rather than one that is new or sanded smooth.

Accessories

• Keep a rustic fireplace mantel as clutter-free as possible to allow the beauty of the wood to take center stage. A few natural wood picture frames or a garland of flowers is all the decor a rustic wood mantel needs. Rustic terra-cotta vases can hold a single bouquet of flowers on the top of the mantel for a simple and natural look.

Distressing and Finish

• A natural finish allows the wood’s inherent elegance to shine. Painted fireplace mantels can achieve a rustic look if you distress the finish and give it an aged appearance. Sanding the mantel to remove a top layer of paint, which allows a first coat to show through, mimics the look of normal wear on an older, rustic fireplace mantel.