Shelf and Mantel Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Shelf and Mantel Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to enhancing your home with character and function, shelves and mantels are hard to beat. Whether you're refreshing your living room with a bold mantelpiece or adding rustic floating shelves to your kitchen, these elements offer a perfect blend of style and storage. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?

This buying guide walks you through everything you need to consider—from materials and styles to installation and maintenance—so you can confidently pick a piece that fits your space and lifestyle.



Understanding the Difference: Shelf vs. Mantel

Before diving into buying tips, it’s helpful to understand the distinction:

  • Shelf: A horizontal surface mounted on the wall, used for storage or display. Shelves can be purely functional, decorative, or both.

  • Mantel: Also known as a mantel shelf, it’s the structure above a fireplace. Mantels often act as a decorative centerpiece in a room and may support additional shelving above.

 

 

 

Choose the Right colour

Colour plays a big role in how your shelf or mantel will complement the rest of your interior. That’s why we offer a wide range of wax finishes to suit every style—from rich, dramatic tones to soft, neutral shades.

  • In the Oak range we have Light Oak, English Oak, Smoke Oak finish colours and  Natural Oak

  • In the Pine range we have Walnut, Teak, Smoke Pine, Medium Oak and Rustic Pine

To help you find the perfect finish for your home, we offer Wax Sample Pack to find your perfect finish.

 


 

Installation Considerations

Proper installation ensures your shelf or mantel is both safe and stunning.

  • Floating shelves look clean because you don’t see any brackets. But they need strong hidden supports and must be fixed firmly and level. Due to their heavy weight, our shelves are not suitable for new-build wall types

  • Bracketed Shelves Are easier to install, often add extra strength and can add a nice design touch too.

  • Mantels If your mantel is going above a working fireplace, it needs to be high enough—usually at least 12 inches above the firebox to stay safe

 


 

Maintenance Tips

  • Dust Regular - Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface. This removes dust and prevents scratches.

  • Clean Gently - Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Lightly dampen a cloth (don’t soak it), wipe down the wood, and dry immediately with a clean cloth to avoid water damage.
  • Deep Clean & Polish - Use a suitable wood cleaner for stubborn spots. Then apply a wood polish or wax to restore shine and protect the surface. Our wax care packs are the ideal way to care for your Funky Chunky Furniture shelves or furniture.

 



 Buying Tips from the Pros

  • Plan before you buy: Measure your space, mock up the shelf/mantel with painter’s tape.

  • Think function + flair: What will it hold? Décor, books, candles, picture frames?

  • Mix and match: Don't be afraid to contrast wood tones and textures in a room.

  • Check load limits: Especially important for floating shelves—confirm they can support your intended use.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Style Meets Practicality

A well-chosen shelf or mantel is more than just a functional piece—it tells a story, frames your space, and gives personality to your home. Whether you’re adding a floating oak shelf in the hallway or a chunky mantel above a wood-burning fire, make sure your choice reflects your taste, supports your lifestyle, and fits your home’s character.

Need a starting point? Explore our handmade, solid wood shelves and mantels. 

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