I have been in love with this mantel since I first set eyes on it in the Pottery Barn Catalog a few years ago.  I love that it is big and chunky {how I like my chocolate chip cookies}.

I made my own, smaller version and it is now in my bathroom.  This project is posted HERE.  Here is the bathroom version. And, yes that is a roll of toilet paper hanging over the ledge. I used the roll of toilet paper to center the mantel- 5squares on the right and 5 squares on the left.

Of course, not one to enjoy the moment for too long, I realized that my mantel might not have the depth and trim details that I envisioned for over out bed.  Here is our bed pre-mantel and old comforter.

I wanted the mantel  to be positioned over our bed in our master bedroom ( versus the bed in our  laundry room). Like where else would our bed be located?     And, I knew I would need a little help.  I made monthly trips to Home Depot and talked to Chuck in the mill work department about the measurements and design details. I brought the PB catalog along with me so Chuck to appreciate my vision.    After my deck project was completed this fall,  I was ready to commit to this project.

FYI.. the PB dimensions listed a  66′wide  x 9″ deep x 15.5″ high).   Here is the inspiration one more time:

I adjusted the measurements a little because I decided to make the top “box” wider than the 66″ .  I matched the bottom box to the width of the headboard and added approximately 2″ for the remaining 2 boxes.

This is where it started.  I was just going to make 90 degree angled cuts on all three boxes, but it was my {first} husband’s idea to angle the top one to a 45 degree (approximately) .

Last year I received an air compressor and nail gun for Mother’s Day.  It cut the time in more than 1/2 from my first mantel.   It took a 2 week project to a day and half (maybe 2.5 hours max).

I set all of my wood out in my garage and just stacked the pieces of lumber as I cut them.  I am a visual person and needed to map it out on the floor.  You are basically building three boxes with the back side  open.  See photo below:

I used these scraps of 1×2′s to add support to the back side of the mantel.   I glued them along the edge to place them in position.  This made it easier to nail the trim pieces from the other side  and attach the boxes to each other.

After I built the 3 “boxes” I added the trim.  A miter saw was key to this project for the angled cuts and trim work.

I primed the mantel, sanded, took a few chunks of wood out with a screwdriver, added some stain and then painted with an random can of off-white paint in the garage.  And  then repeated the steps above.

This was a two person job to hang this up.   My {first} husband and I  added a cleat to the wall so the mantel could be  placed on top of the cleat (with the top ledge “attaching” to the top of the cleat)  and then screwed from the top ledge into the  top edge of  the cleat.

And, here it is on the wall. This mantel is heavy! It was a two person job and a little tricky standing on top of the bed. But, totally worth it.

And, here it is decorated for winter!  I love it!  The whole family loves it!

Here are the materials used for this Pottery Barn inspired mantel.

• 3   1x6x10 for the front facing pieces
• 2   1x10x8  for the top of the shelves for the 2nd and 3rd tiers
• 2   1x8x8  for the bottom piece
• 40 + feet of assorted trim pieces ( I went with the cheapest trim to keep it in my price range)
• Total Cost for Materials:  $122.57

LINKING TO:

LIZ MARIE BLOG

MISS MUSTARD SEED

STONE AND GABLE

HANDY MAN CRAFTY WOMAN

504 MAIN

CRAFTBERRY BUSH

FUNKY JUNK INTERIORS

SHABBY CREEK COTTAGE

COMMON GROUND

FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE

FINDING FABULOUS

DIY SHOWOFF

HOME STORIES A2Z

A BOWL FULL OF LEMONS

DIY SHOWOFF

HOUSE ON THE WAY

 

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