Fireplace Mantle and Flanking Bookcase

By Robert Robillard on Design

Designing A Fireplace Mantle and Flanking Bookcase

The image below is one I use to give clients ideas on bookcase and mantle design.   A fireplace mantle and flanking bookcase seems to be a popular one these days.

Besides using design magazine and manufacturer catalogs this simple image spells out the following:

Fireplace Mantle and Flanking Bookcase

ABOVE IMAGE – LEFT SIDE:

Flanking Bookcase:

With adjustable shelves and traditional detailing, a bookshelf adds instant character to a mantel wall.

The photo below shows a stand alone bookcase I built for a client in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Fireplace Mantle and Flanking Bookcase

ABOVE IMAGE – CENTER:

Over Mantel:

Created to match the style and detail of the mantelpiece, the overmantel adds a sense of luxury to a room.

Mantel: I also use past projects to show a mantle in place, see below.

ABOVE IMAGE – RIGHT SIDE:

Flanking Breakfront:

Sitting below an adjustable shelf bookcase, a counter top and cabinetry add closed storage and creates additional display options.

Several door styles are available.

Below: Flanking Breakfront with a window seat to the left. To deal with the ugly baseboard heat that was on the wall we installed it into the floor just in front of the bookcase.

The black grille is a recessed radiator can be see in lower right of photo.    We use this technique when bookcases run into baseboard radiator obstructions.

Fireplace Mantle and Flanking Bookcase

~ concord carpenter

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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