Why Consider A Black Wood Mantel, Valentine Treats For You, More Good Things
Why considering a black wood mantel makes sense (with examples), fun Valentine gifts to treat yourself, what to read and more. It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
Why A Black Wood Mantel?
Before we moved into this house, I sent white paint samples for the painter, Cliff to try in different places and then we had a video call. I would have rather been there in person (instead of across the country), but when he told me BM Simple White was crisper than BM White Dove, I trusted him. He said the interior was darker due to all the exterior overhangs and I knew this was right.
He also said that we may want to paint the mantel a darker color to hide the soot that was on there. I said I’d think about it. After two years, the soot is getting worse and I can’t clean it that well, I thought why not paint it?
I researched “wood mantel black” on Pinterest until I was comfortable with the decision…
A black wood mantel can add a little drama and provide a nice focal point.
And a black wood mantel can hide soot.
I ordered three black stick-on samples from Benjamin Moore. They all looked pretty similar but I selected BM Black Satin 2131-10. The painter is coming tomorrow to paint! I don’t trust myself to do it. Would you?
You may also like Updating A Builder Grade Mantel Before/After.
Why Not A Little Valentine’s Gift For Yourself?
It may be an invented Hallmark Holiday, but… three things I know.
- Don’t go out to dinner on February 14 as the prices are usually jacked up.
- If your husband brings you flowers, thank him profusely (don’t complain that you don’t love a bright mix of carnations)–my mom taught me that. It’s the thought.
- Buy yourself a little treat. You deserve it. And on that note…
Baroque Pearl Earrings • New Burgundy Readers • Lightweight Cashmere Sweater for $50 (I love mine) • Classic Chanel Lipstick • Ghirardelli Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar (my favorite) • Drop Pearl Chain Necklace • Small Red Leather Wallet (easy to spot in your purse and on sale) • Red Suede Or White Leather Adidas To Update Your Blue Jeans
Better For Air Drying The Dishes (That Don’t Make It Into The Dishwasher)
I saw this on Instagram and thought it would be better than using dish towels that get so wet. This large stone drying mat IS more absorbent! And neater and collapsible.
What To Read: The Wedding People by Alison Espach
We’ve been watching a lot of violent espionage-type programs on television, so this book was a nice divergence. Although there is some severe depression involved in the beginning, it is humorous too.
“It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. “
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
In general, I love touches of black, but my faux limestone fireplace looked terrible painted in soft black. I repainted it quickly with BM Revere Pewter. It looks so much better with my dark brown hardwood floors and creamy white walls and furniture. To use dark colors successfully, you need to consider the other elements in the room, otherwise the one dark color becomes the boss of the room. Hopefully, you have enough touches of black/dark color in your room to pull it off.
Good luck with your project!
Thanks, I have black accents in every room that you can view from the living room.
Mary Ann, I love the idea of a black mantle! I hope you try it! Love the red things! x
I meant mantel!
Hi, Mary Ann,
I love black mantels! In the south, we have a long tradition of using. “Charleston Green”. You can google and read the history! The color is so dark, it is almost, black! It is a very old color. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, I think, have this color. I know your mantel will look lovely in your choice of black! No more constant scrubbing. One little tip from me, Murphy’s Oil Soap works miracles on soot and safe around children and fur babies.
I enjoy all your posts.
Take care,
Terry
Looking forward to seeing your new fireplace look and your furnishings, once reupholstered — any black in your upholstery OR throw pillows?? I am sure you have the big picture all in mind, Mary Ann!
I have a pink and red zip-top mini ‘purse’ by Italian brand, Mywalit (love their color combos and styles), and it holds a ton (3 card slots, my change, bills + all insurance and info cards in a clear sleeve), despite being TINY, so that I can carry small bags for everyday and travel. I’ve steadily whittled down what goes in my wallet over the years! Do love the petite red wallet, tho!
Love the Adidas in red and white — fun to perk up an outfit w/ navy, black or white pants!
I loved The Wedding People! I listened to the audio book and the different voices really made the book come alive. I love a book with a satisfying ending….not one of those that leaves you scratching your head!
MA! Love the drama of a black mantle and look forward to seeing the finished product in your living room. It will create a flattering backdrop for Chief when he’s snoozing in his bed in front of the fire. I need that dish drying mat … thank for the link. xo
Your mantle will look smashing in black. I spent a year looking for the perfect white. Got sick of it and did a 180 and had the newly installed bead board on our first floor painted BM black—-including fireplace brick chimney. Still love it.
The black mantle ideas look great but in the meantime you may want to try my cleaner suggestion. Several years ago I moved in to a 35 year old house with soot all over the brick. Scrubbing Bubbles instantly cleaned it up with ease.
I vote for the black mantle! You will love Benjamin Moore black satin. We did all our doors in it and I love it.! Talking about a red wallet. I bought one in 1974 out of red ostrich skin… I hadn’t taken it out in a long time as it was originally a passport wallet, but it is so beautiful. I took it out and started using it again. I love having a red wallet as you can spot it easily.!!
I love the black mantels and bet yours will be beautiful. I could never do it in this house with our huge mantel, but I love it in other’s homes. I can’t wear either of those Adidas (but I love the look). I just ordered the spezials which are supposed to be wider (fingers crossed). I ordered the drying mat you suggested. What a great idea!
I bought that Madewell red wallet a month ago. I truly hate it and wish I could return it. With coin pocket on inside as well as credit cards, id, etc and bills it won’t close. The leather is very stiff. Just my opinion.
Dear Mary Ann,
I’ just ordered the sweet red wallet as an everyday replacement for the large red and very worn leather wallet that was my mom’s. It was her first purchase after she returned to work in the mid l960″s. As inconvenient as it sometime is, I’ve loved carrying it. It will now be featured in the front of my collected “purse shelf”.
Your newly painted fireplace surround will bring you joy. Can hardly wait to view the
result.
Love from Mercer Island,
Diney
I love the black mantel. Can’t wait to see yours when it is finished.
Rita Konig is another source for examples of painted mantlepieces. You can find pictures of them from her North Farm. And also from the decorating she did for Deborah Neddleman’s house. See the winter sitting room.
Our painter suggested a dark grey on the bricks in our fireplace. We left the mantle dove white.
It turned out so great. What a change from the white when we moved in !
You asked about painting the mantel yourself, and I would definitely hire a professional to do the painting. I had mine painted (not black, but I think it will look great in your room) by a professional, and it looks so much better than what I would have been able to do. I look forward to seeing the after pics.
Ha! NO way, Kim. I know my limitations and Cliff is way better.
We painted our mantel, twelve years ago, BM Iron Mountain. It is magificent! Then we painted the stair bannister, railings, and wood treads (on either side of a runner), the same color. Each is visible from the other room. I’ve now had two friends up in Vermont do the same thing! Nice high gloss for all surfaces. Highly recommend .
Nice to hear from you, Libby!!
I look forward to your posts because they bring peace to this crazy world. Thank you for showing the beauty in our world.
Thanks, Jeri Ray…means a lot!
We changed our fireplace from beige tile to a dark gray melange made with abstract tiles. Since we have a gas fireplace, we used gray fireballs instead of the usual logs and, I have to say, it’s absolutely stunning.
Sounds great! I want to change our insides too… that might fix the soot. Send a photo!
Coincidentally I’m in market for a frame tv over fireplace, and thought I think Maryann has talked about this. Look here, front page! Sure I’d give black a go and given its focal position I think a pro painter is way to go.
Loving the black mantle! Great choice
Thanks, Mary. I will show it when it’s finished.
Mary Ann! I love the idea of a black fireplace… so much that ours is painted black! I can’t wait to see yours!
I love your gift guide too! The sea salt chocolate reminds me of my wonderful stays in your SF guest room!!!
Xo
Mary Ann—Have you cut back on your postings and only doing one new post a week on Sundays? When I check the blog during the week thinking I’ve missed something, there’s old posts resurrected. I miss the decorating posts and before and after projects. They were so informative and gave great ideas that we can incorporate into our homes,
Rose, I religiously post on Sundays with Annie and Cindy. I do a second post on Tuesday or Thursday when it’s something special (like we have a white jeans in Winter post coming up).
Sometimes, I update old posts that are still helpful to people (the research shows they are still getting traffic). Like, the post of our bedroom shows the new configuration with the writing desk and antique bookcase as a television console.
Thanks for commenting and being a subscriber!
Mary Ann,
I shared the same sentiment on my blog yesterday. After numerous emails and comments I thought it best to address the situation. Just because some of us choose not to talk about politics and other controversial issues does not mean that we are not interested or care. Thank you for sharing the same.
Our blogs are a respite from the storms of the world.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of a black mantle! We are in the process of a remodel that continues to grow. And next up in passing a fireplace and bookcases to our Indigo blue living room, they will also be blue. A completely color drenched room just like we had at our last house.
YOUR house is a reflection of you and it looks fabulous. I am looking forward to seeing the new mantle.
Have a wonderful Sunday, happy February.
I am going to read your post now, Elizabeth!
Yep…I’m “all about a black mantel,” I’m sitting under one now reading your blog. And, horrors of horrors…it’s early 1800s…&, we painted it all black. It is stunning, imo. ❤️ franki
I would love to see a photo!