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:
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.
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.
~ concord carpenter