Even if you leave it as is it will look beautiful once everything is painted and you have fourniture and decor in. I like it a lot.

We put a mantel mount on the tv over our fireplace. Works great. Those two tabs sticking out the bottom are what you hold as you bring it down or up.

You just can't be using the fireplace at the same time as you're watching tv.

I think if he trimmed back to side ledges of the mantel to be in line with the crown, it would feel more balanced. You wouldn't place anything on that part anyway so it can and should be narrower than the front.

I think your carpenter think a great job given that all he had to work with was the inspiration picture. I think Mark's suggestion fixes it, but I also think those front 'baseboards' are just a bit too tall. I'm not sure I'd go as small as 6" to match the rest of your baseboards (since they aren't connected, it doesn't really matter), but they look just a tad too tall. Maybe 8"?

No way wil a 65” TV look at all proportionate above that. And that buried nugget is why the chimney breast appears so disproportionate. Because he’s trying to account for amuch too large TV.

A more experienced builder friend (20 years ago) called this technique "Show 'n Tell Construction" where he 1st builds according to plans, then rebuilds until the client was happy. His builds were all high end with interior designers involved also, including his wife, a well known professional. I just bill it out.

I'm not sure what you were expecting? Looks pretty good to me.

I think it looks lovely and very close to the inspiration picture. As others have mentioned, if you shorten the mantle a little, that will make it near perfect. A bigger issue is the decision to put a TV above the fireplace (very poor position for proper viewing). If this is the focal point of the room then place artwork that inspires you above the fireplace.

The overal height is perfect. The overall width—from floor to ceiling—is also perfect. The trim detailing under the mantel shelf is actually better looking than what’s in your inspiration picture. The only thing that needs modifying is the width of the mantel shelf: bring it in a bit. That’s it.

Aside from the mantle being a tad long, it looks great. It shouldn't be a difficult fix and I wouldn't sweat it!

I agree with shortening the mantel. I think the trim makes sense since it matches the rest of the trim in your house. Before you make any other changes, here's a rough mockup with the shorter mantel. If you like that better, just ask for that first.

"Also, close up you will notice the legs and the header are not level... Could there be a reason?" That's a question for your builder, but I like the change in depth and when it's painted will be less noticeable.

I think it will look very nice!

yep, mantle is to long, out of balance, and I'm never a fan of the tv over the fp. The room will look great in the end with a minor adjustment. Good luck, best, Debra

First put a level on it and check. Then cut a piece of cardboard for your tv and paint it black. Tape that in place and evaluate everything. That size tv needs to be in place before you consider changes.

Well the mantle does look too long now, but when the giant tv is installed, you might need the width to balance it out.

FYI, folks:

It’s mantel, not mantle.

To ask for a re-do to lower the mantel 4 inches is just silly. He may also be dealing with fire code clearance regulations, so it may not be possible.

I like the longer mantle, especially because it looks purposeful. I like that big slab.

What I really, truly dislike is the shiplap. So tiresome and overdone, and on a fireplace, no less.

Following.....

Sammy thank goodness you are here to save us from spelling errors! Seriously...

Sammy

FYI, folks:

It’s mantel, not mantle.

THANK YOU!!!

A pet peeve of mine!! :-)

Mantle was used until the mid 16th century and then mantel become a more popular spelling to differentiate a fireplace mantle from all other definitions. So technically, both versions are correct. Regardless of spelling, a TV does not belong on top of it! A pet peeve of mine. :)

Yes. It does.

TBH, I think your builder did an excellent job replicating what you asked for.

this architect just can't decide

The funny part about it is the inspiration fireplace has issues. Then your carpenters are building on the fly without any plans. Outlets just sticking out of anywhere on the side.

The inspiration pic used crown moldings built up your did not ad thats where its loosing its detail. The legs on both are just odd and need more detail and refinement.

The biggest issue is in yours and the original is does that mantel pass code for that fireplace with regard to combustible materials?

Its obvious that the mantel is too long and the molding below it isn't built up enough with enough details to create a shadow line.

65" TV? Look into Samsung Frame or OLED that are about 1" thin and can be framed. They hang on the wall with zero gap needed which makes framing it very easy.

Make sure you have spirit runs for power and TV HDMI and also run a couple extra in the wall as if one goes bad you don't have to tear it out to fix even though wireless is coming on strong.

Have him caulk and prime it will make it come together a lot better.

Also tell them to vac an clean up what kind of slob leaves a job site full of saw dust like that. Sorry its an indication of quality in my book.

No matter what you do, placing the TV above the fireplace will throw off the proportions.

I like the overall look as is, including the mantel length. The molding, to my eye, should match the weight of the shelves on either side. What might look fine on its on looks too thin in relation to the shelves.

OK. Since no one can agree on this fireplace, let's move on to an entirely new and more interesting design.

This will put the OP's house at the top of the list for the Sunday Parade of Homes, and insure photos in the local newspaper.

How's this for a fireplace:

If you want it to be right, the first thing you do is fire the clueless hack who built this thing and hire a finish carpenter.

Butt joints where there should be miters and to make it even worse, the end grain is front and center.

Plywood scraps pieced in for trim and not even edge banded! All those nails and probably not a pocket screw one.

Your 'builder' hasn't progressed much since he/ she was playing with Legos.

I have not read the comments but I think your fireplace looks fantastic as is. Enjoy!

That railing is in the wrong place

ci_lantro:

I had to click on the picture to see what you were talking about, but you are correct. No miters, end grain, and the untaped plywood edges are never going to paint properly. Looks like it was built by a rough framer.

Good catch.

Yes what ci_lantro and Joseph are saying. I just looked at the fireplace enlarged too. Get a finish carpenter to do it correctly.

And why is the outlet where it is?

Virgil I'm afraid that fireplace is dated. I asked Joanna for an update.

:-)

HAHAHAHA!!

SSE... I'm writing a white paper about a rather dry topic and I needed a break! Glad it made you smile and thanks for the props :)

The only problem with Chicagoans update is...the palace has no electricity...! :-)

Virgil, I guess the faux rustic pendant will have to go. Sigh. It's ok; I'll find a place for a barn door and it will be complete.

I think it looks lovely!

It is hard to spot the differences, but those details do make the fireplace look better. Well done. Love the way you decorated the room, especially the artwork over the fireplace. A TV would ruin it.