5 min readWhen I moved into my current New York City apartment in 2021, I knew that I wanted to transform what was essentially a bland, white shoebox into a timeless, storied home that better embodied my European-inspired aesthetic. One key step? Adding a bit of architectural intrigue in the form of not one but two faux fireplaces, which now reside in my living room and bedroom. These pieces, which I sourced via Trumeau Stones and Facebook Marketplace, respectfully, have drastically transformed my space—in all honesty, most of my guests are shocked when I inform them that these pieces are not, in fact, original to my apartment!
I’m far from the only person who’s gone the faux fireplace route, though—it’s a common design choice for many looking to infuse a bit of extra character into their space.
When designing a new build, MK Smith Boykin, the co-founder of Smith Interiors, “wanted to incorporate elements that would bring a sense of history, character, and permanence to the interiors.” As such, Boykin wove multiple antique stone mantels into the home, including the European limestone piece dating back to the 16th century pictured above. “Beyond serving as a focal point, they bring a richness and authenticity that simply can’t be replicated, helping a newer home feel layered, timeless, and deeply rooted,” she says of mantels.
It’s up to you whether you’d like to source an antique mantel, as Boykin did, or design your own from scratch. Shana Shaiman, the founder of Shana Shaiman Interiors, customized a mantel for her New York apartment’s living room, having first sourced a marble slab. “I had a stone fabricator visit the space and create a template,” she explains. “This was crucial to ensure that it would fit in the elevator and that it would be cut at the precise angle to attach to the wall seamlessly, since older walls are never straight.”
Eager to learn more about the art of installing a faux fireplace? Below, experts weigh in with their top tips for how to incorporate one into any room, without it looking like an afterthought.
Call in the Pros
Not all mantels are created equally. “Before discussing installation, I encourage people to consider three things: the material, the budget, and the role they want the fireplace to play in the room,” says Molly Acorn, the founder of Mantel House. “A wood mantel, cast mantel, and natural stone mantel all require different handling and installation methods.”
Generally speaking, installing a faux mantel so that it truly appears original to the home means calling in an expert team as opposed to going the DIY route. “We always rely on skilled craftsmen who understand the intricacies of antique stone,” Boykin says. “Having the right team in place makes all the difference, particularly when working with materials that require specialized handling and expertise.” For marble mantels, Acorn recommends hiring a stone mason or stone fabrication company. “Countertop fabricators work with stone every day and are often well-equipped to handle fireplace installations,” she says.
In Shaiman’s case, five stoneworkers worked in tandem to transport her completed mantel up to her apartment unit. “They had to cut it down on-site so that it lay perfectly against the wall,” she reflects. “Once it was attached, I hired a contractor to caulk the gaps and skim coat the wall so that any imperfections would no longer be visible.”
Keep in mind that, in some instances, installing a mantel isn’t always an afternoon-long process. “Installation timelines vary considerably depending on the material, complexity, and scale of the piece,” Boykin explains. “Some mantels can be installed in a matter of hours, while others may require days or even weeks of preparation, assembly, and finishing work.”
The installation process itself can also be an investment. “Installation costs should be considered in proportion to the mantel’s value,” Acorn says. “People are sometimes tempted to spend heavily on the mantel itself and then cut corners on installation, but the reality is that a fireplace mantel is often just a collection of parts until someone assembles, aligns, and installs it properly.”
Not sure how much to budget? “A simple prefabricated wood mantel may only require a few hundred dollars in labor to install, while a custom surround with stone, tile, or reclaimed architectural elements can quickly reach several thousand dollars,” says Megan Helmuth, the founder of Riverwards General.
Get Creative with Your Backing
Not all faux mantels come equipped with a proper backing, but there are many ways to incorporate one after the fact if needed. At first, I simply slid a black trifold poster board from the craft store behind the mantel in my bedroom, and it did the trick. A few years later, I sourced a more proper-looking summer shield on Facebook Marketplace, which added more visual interest to the setup.
When it came to the fireplace she installed within her 1900s Philadelphia rowhome, Helmuth also got creative. “We wanted the installation to feel authentic, so we created a faux firebox using reclaimed thin brick veneer and grout to mimic traditional masonry construction,” she says. “The texture and variation in the brick help reinforce the illusion that the fireplace is original to the home.”
That said, there are plenty of other options to consider, too. “If you're looking for a simpler solution, consider painting the backing a contrasting color, applying decorative molding to create a recessed panel effect, or installing a textured plaster finish,” Helmuth offers. “The goal is to avoid a flat, empty opening and instead create enough visual depth that the fireplace reads as an intentional architectural feature rather than a piece of furniture attached to the wall.”
Be Extra Mindful in Rentals
If you’re curious about installing a faux mantel in a rental apartment, know that it is possible. In fact, if your rental is on the smaller end and lacks other interesting architectural features, a faux fireplace might be exactly what you need to spruce up your space. “A faux mantel can serve as an architectural frame for artwork, a mirror, or decorative objects and can dramatically improve a room that otherwise feels flat or lacking in character,” Helmuth says.
It’s important to consider whether you’d like a permanent mantel or one that can be removed at the end of your lease. As Acorn asks, “Are you hoping to take it with you one day, or are you creating something that becomes part of the apartment itself?” If the latter, definitely run the addition by your landlord first. “In some cases, they may even appreciate that you’re improving the space in a way that feels thoughtful and it may not need to be reversible,” Helmuth notes.
When it comes to materials, Boykin recommends that renters who seek a temporary fix consider a mantel made from wood, as opposed to stone. “Wood is significantly lighter, easier to install, and much simpler to remove when it’s time to move on,” she says.
Of course, you’ll want to opt for a less invasive installation when possible, too. “Rather than cutting into drywall or making structural modifications, consider installation methods that can be more easily reversed, such as screws, nails, or removable construction adhesives, depending on the weight and design of the piece,” Boykin notes.
That said, there’s no reason not to go all in with your mantel setup, even in a rental. “I recommend considering a hearth, even in a decorative installation,” Acorn says. “It can help protect existing flooring, distribute weight more evenly, and complete the overall look.”
