There’s a moment in every home renovation or decorating project where you step back, take it all in, and realize something is missing. For us, that moment came after we finished painting our living room and arranging the furniture. We had a beautiful fireplace, but it felt… naked. It was a functional part of the wall, not the warm, inviting heart of the room we had envisioned. It lacked a centerpiece, a stage for seasonal decorations, and a place to display treasured family photos. This empty space above the firebox created a visual void, making the entire room feel unfinished and impersonal. The challenge was finding a solution that wouldn’t require a messy, expensive masonry project but would still deliver the substantial, authentic look we craved. We needed a piece that blended modern simplicity with rustic warmth, and that search is what led us to investigate floating mantel shelves.
- Western Red Cedar: Fireplace Mantel is made of handcrafted western red cedar wood, primarily known for its beauty, durability, and natural resistance to the elements, offering rustic charm for living...
- Upgraded Wall Mounted: Invisible metal bracket keeps the mantel shelves firmly in place, while included expansion anchors make installation easy on concrete or hollow brick walls.
- Sturdy Floating Shelf: With a 9" thick solid structure, this wood mantel supports up to 70 lbs, providing a level and reliable surface that resists leaning or sagging over time.
What to Consider Before Buying a Mantel Shelf
A mantel shelf is more than just a piece of wood; it’s a key solution for anchoring a room’s design and adding immense character. It transforms a blank wall or a bare fireplace into a deliberate and curated focal point. Its primary benefit is providing a dedicated, elevated space for decor, allowing you to express your personality through art, photos, candles, and seasonal displays like garlands and stockings. Without a mantel, a fireplace can look incomplete, and a large wall can feel overwhelming and difficult to decorate effectively. This simple addition brings structure, warmth, and a finished quality to any living room, bedroom, or even kitchen.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone aiming to achieve a modern farmhouse, rustic, transitional, or minimalist aesthetic. They appreciate the clean lines of a floating design and the natural beauty of real wood. Homeowners undertaking a DIY fireplace makeover, perhaps adding shiplap or stone veneer, will find a floating mantel to be the perfect finishing touch. It’s also for anyone with a large, empty wall who wants to create a powerful horizontal element without the bulk of a full bookcase. Conversely, this product might not be suitable for those who desire a highly traditional, ornate, or classical look with intricate carvings and corbels. Additionally, individuals who are uncomfortable with basic wall-mounting tools or who have highly irregular wall surfaces might need to consider professional installation or a different style of shelf.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first rule of mantel shopping is to measure your space carefully. A 60-inch mantel like this Mederlo is perfect for standard-sized fireplaces, but you must consider proper clearance from the firebox opening (check local building codes) and the overall scale of your wall. The 9-inch depth is a significant advantage, offering ample surface area for decor beyond just small picture frames. Always ensure the shelf’s proportions complement the room rather than overwhelming or underwhelming it.
- Capacity/Performance: Think about what you plan to display. The Mederlo’s stated 70 lb maximum weight capacity is quite robust for a floating shelf. This allows for heavy items like ceramic vases, stacked books, and dense holiday garlands without fear of sagging. This capacity is dependent on a secure installation into wall studs or using the appropriate heavy-duty anchors for your wall type (brick, concrete, drywall).
- Materials & Durability: The material is the soul of the mantel. The Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf is crafted from solid Western Red Cedar, a premium choice known for its rich color, beautiful grain, and natural resistance to decay. This is a significant step up from shelves made of MDF or pine with a thin veneer, which can look artificial and lack the authentic character and aroma of real cedar.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A “floating” design relies on a hidden bracket system. Look for a system that is sturdy and straightforward. The Mederlo includes an invisible metal bracket, which promises a clean look and a simple installation process, as confirmed by numerous users. Long-term care for natural wood is minimal, usually just requiring regular dusting and an occasional application of furniture polish to maintain its luster.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf stands out in several areas, particularly its use of authentic materials and its substantial, functional design. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Handcrafted Hollow Rustic Solid Wood: Our fireplace mantels are handmade from pine wood, featuring a minimalist design and a fashionable silhouette that complements your modern living space. Its clean...
- A Touch of Refinement — Accessorize your living room with a stately wood mantle mount. The shelf wood rustic brown finish and sleek lines of this fireplace shelf 72 inch creates a grounding sense of...
- Durable All Wood Shelf: This 3 inch thick fireplace mantel is crafted from eco-friendly pine wood, offering durability and longevity. It serves as a warm and appealing focal point for your fireplace
First Impressions: Unboxing the Rustic Charm of Western Red Cedar
The arrival of the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf was an experience for the senses. As soon as we opened the well-packaged box, a pleasant, earthy scent of real cedar filled the room—an immediate confirmation that this was not a composite wood product covered in veneer. The mantel itself was safely secured, preventing any damage during transit. Pulling it out, we were impressed by its substantial feel; it has a reassuring heft without being unmanageably heavy for two people to handle. The “Natural Wood” finish was beautiful, showcasing the cedar’s inherent reddish-brown tones and intricate grain patterns. One user noted it has a “touch of orange,” which we found to be an accurate and charming description that adds warmth. The construction is a hollow box design, which is clever for reducing weight while maintaining a thick, solid appearance. Included in the box was the heavy-duty invisible metal bracket, a set of screws, and expansion anchors for various wall types. The initial impression was one of quality craftsmanship and authentic, beautiful material that looked even better in person than online.
What We Like
- Crafted from genuine Western Red Cedar, providing an authentic look, feel, and aroma.
- Substantial 9-inch depth offers generous space for decor.
- Clever invisible metal bracket system creates a true floating effect and is easy to install.
- Solid construction supports up to 70 lbs, preventing sagging.
- Versatile modern farmhouse aesthetic complements a wide range of interior styles.
Limitations
- Some user reports indicate potential for quality control issues like split wood on arrival.
- Included mounting hardware (screws) may be of lower quality, occasionally breaking during installation.
A Deep Dive into the Mederlo Mantel’s Performance and Design
A mantel is more than a shelf; it’s the centerpiece of a room’s architecture. To earn its place, it has to deliver on aesthetics, construction, and ease of installation. We spent considerable time evaluating every aspect of the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf, from the quality of the wood to the final, decorated look on the wall. Here’s our detailed breakdown of what makes this piece stand out.
The Heart of the Matter: Authentic Western Red Cedar Construction
The single most defining feature of this mantel is its material. In a market flooded with particleboard and laminates, the use of solid Western Red Cedar is a breath of fresh air—literally. The natural aroma is the first indicator of quality, a subtle reminder of the forest that adds an organic element to your home. Upon close inspection, the wood grain is complex and beautiful, with the warm, reddish-brown hues that cedar is famous for. This isn’t a flat, uniform factory finish; it’s a piece of nature, and as such, each mantel will have its own unique character.
We found the “Natural Wood” finish to be true to a rustic, farmhouse style. It’s not heavily lacquered, allowing the texture of the wood to come through. As one user aptly noted, for those who find the natural tone not quite right for their decor, the fact that it’s real cedar means “you can re-stain it to a color that you want.” This customizability is a massive advantage over veneered products. We tested a small, inconspicuous area on the back with a darker stain, and the wood took it beautifully, deepening the grain without obscuring it. Another user mentioned applying furniture polish, which darkened the color slightly and brought out a richer reddish hue, highlighting the wood’s natural beauty even further. The build quality, a hollow-core construction, is intelligently designed to give the appearance of a solid, heavy beam while keeping the weight manageable for wall mounting. This design also provides a hidden benefit, as one clever owner discovered: “There’s even enough space to hide wires or items inside the mantel,” making it perfect for concealing cables from a frame TV or soundbar mounted above.
Engineering a Seamless Look: The Invisible Floating Mount System
The “floating” aspect of this mantel is achieved through a robust, invisible metal bracket system, and in our experience, the execution is excellent. Many floating shelves on the market use flimsy brackets or overly complicated cleat systems that can be a nightmare to level. Mederlo’s approach is refreshingly simple and effective. The system consists of a solid steel bar with several posts that project outward. You simply secure this bar to the wall, ensuring it’s level, and then slide the hollow mantel over the posts. The fit is snug and secure, leaving no visible hardware and creating a clean, seamless look that is central to the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Installation was remarkably straightforward. As one delighted user put it, “I have some good levels and put it up within 10 minutes over my fireplace.” Another echoed this, saying, “If you can hang a large picture, you can hang this.” We agree with this sentiment, though we strongly second the advice that it should be a two-person job simply due to the mantel’s 60-inch length and bulk. The most critical step is locating the wall studs to ensure a secure mount capable of holding the 70 lb capacity. The kit includes expansion anchors for hollow or brick walls, which is a thoughtful addition. However, we must address a point raised in a negative review: one user reported that the included screws broke during installation. While our screws worked fine, we recommend a best practice for any heavy wall-mounted item: consider using high-quality, brand-name screws from a hardware store for absolute peace of mind. It’s a small extra investment that ensures this beautiful piece stays firmly on your wall for years. The ease and cleverness of this mounting system are a huge selling point, making a high-end, professional look accessible to the average DIYer.
Form Meets Function: Dimensions, Capacity, and Everyday Use
The physical proportions of the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf strike an ideal balance between presence and practicality. At 60 inches long, 6 inches high, and a generous 9 inches deep, it feels like a substantial piece of architecture, not just an afterthought shelf. The 9-inch depth is particularly noteworthy. Many competing mantels offer only 6 or 7 inches of depth, which severely limits your decorating options. This extra space allows for more dynamic arrangements—you can layer picture frames, place larger candles, or even display small sculptures and vases without them feeling precariously perched on the edge. It transforms the mantel from a simple ledge into a functional display gallery.
The 70-pound weight capacity further enhances its utility. We tested its sturdiness by loading it with a collection of heavy coffee table books, a ceramic vase, and several other decorative objects, and we observed no sagging or instability whatsoever. This strength, confirmed by users who call it “very sturdy,” gives you the freedom to decorate for any season without worry. Imagine it loaded with a heavy evergreen garland and stockings at Christmas or a cascade of pumpkins and gourds in the fall. This mantel can handle it. Its versatile design means it’s not just for fireplaces, either. As one reviewer shared, “I used this as a thick floating shelf instead of an actual fireplace mantle, and I am so happy with how this looks.” It’s perfectly suited as a statement shelf in a dining room, a display ledge in a long hallway, or above a headboard in a bedroom, proving its value extends far beyond the hearth. For those looking to make a significant visual impact with a functional piece, this mantel’s robust dimensions and capacity are a winning combination.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the feedback for the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf is overwhelmingly positive, with customers frequently describing it as “absolutely gorgeous,” “beautiful,” and “the perfect finishing touch.” The ease of installation is a recurring theme of praise, with one owner stating, “The mounting system is very clever and installation was a snap.” Another was so impressed they claimed, “if I could rate this mantle a 100 out of 5 I would.” The authenticity of the material is another major highlight; users love that it is “real wood and not covered with veneer” and appreciate the natural cedar scent upon unboxing.
However, no product is without its critics, and it’s important to consider the few negative experiences to get a complete picture. A couple of isolated but significant reports point to potential quality control issues. One user received a mantel where “The wood is splitting,” rendering it unusable. Another felt the construction was “cheap,” citing “split ends and visible nails/glue” and noting that the included screws broke during installation. While these experiences appear to be outliers compared to the flood of positive reviews, they serve as a crucial reminder that with natural wood products, some variation and the occasional manufacturing flaw can occur. These critiques highlight the importance of inspecting the product thoroughly upon arrival.
How Does the Mederlo Mantel Compare to the Alternatives?
The Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf offers a fantastic blend of authentic material and modern design, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options in the market. Each competitor caters to a slightly different taste and need.
1. MCS 60-Inch Floating Mantel Shelf
- Stylish and Functional: Create a warm and inviting centerpiece for your fireplace with this fireplace mantel featuring an antique natural wood finish
- Dimensions: This floating wall shelf measures 60 inches long by 8 inches wide by 5.5 inches high and is capable of supporting up to 30 lbs of weight
- Quality Construction: The top, front, and sides of this handy floating shelf are crafted from sturdy pine wood. The hollow back is reinforced with MDF, an affordable and durable material, simplifying...
The MCS Mantel offers a similar 60-inch length but differs in its mounting system and finish. It utilizes a wood cleat hanging system, where a wooden bar is mounted to the wall and the mantel slides over it. Some users may prefer this all-wood approach, though it can sometimes be trickier to get perfectly level than a metal bracket. Its “Antique Natural Finish” provides a slightly different aesthetic, leaning more towards a classic, subtly aged look compared to the Mederlo’s more vibrant, raw cedar appearance. This is a solid alternative for someone who wants a comparable size and solid wood construction but prefers the specific look of an antique finish and a wood cleat mount.
2. Urbandi Distressed Rustic Floating Shelf
- What you will get: Mantel, installation bracket, screws, and dry wall anchors. To make the installation process effortless and quick, a you will need: Tape measure, Stud finder, Pencil, Level, &...
- Hand made hollow distressed fireplace mantel. The mantel is made of pine boards. Our mantels are protected with polyurethane and are ready to be used. Support up to 75 pounds of weight. Easy to...
- Due to variations in wood grain, pattern and textures the color may be slightly different than the samples shown. We make every effort to match the listing samples, but each wood piece is unique and...
The Urbandi shelf is for those who want to lean heavily into the “rustic” side of the spectrum. Its key feature is the “distressed” finish, which means it comes with intentionally added imperfections like simulated wormholes and softened edges to create a weathered, time-worn appearance. It also has slightly different dimensions at 60″L x 6″H x 8″D, making it one inch less deep than the Mederlo. If your decor is more shabby chic, industrial, or authentically rustic, and you want a piece that looks like it has a long history, the Urbandi is an excellent choice. The Mederlo, by contrast, offers a cleaner, more modern take on the rustic theme.
3. Modern Timber Craft 96″ Reclaimed Wood Fireplace Mantel
- Solid reclaimed wood construction. Each shelf is made from real reclaimed wood with natural variation in color, grain, and character due to previous use and aging
- Floating shelf hardware included. Comes with hidden mounting hardware designed to support up to 25 pounds when properly installed following the included instructions
- Distinctive reclaimed features. Wood may include natural saw marks, hand hewing, knots, mortise pockets, and other signs of historical use that add character
The Modern Timber Craft mantel represents a significant step up in both size and material authenticity. At 96 inches long, it is designed for very large walls and grand fireplaces. Its defining characteristic is the use of genuine reclaimed American barnwood, meaning the wood has a real history and unparalleled character that cannot be replicated. However, this comes at a premium price point. It’s also thinner at only 2.75 inches thick, giving it a more plank-like profile compared to the Mederlo’s chunky 6-inch height. This alternative is best suited for someone with a large space, a higher budget, and a deep appreciation for the story and unique imperfections of reclaimed materials.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Mederlo Mantel the Right Choice for You?
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf is a superb choice for anyone looking to add a statement piece with rustic charm and modern sensibility to their home. Its greatest strengths lie in its use of authentic Western Red Cedar, a material that provides unmatched natural beauty and a delightful aroma. The generous 9-inch depth and sturdy 70-pound capacity make it as functional as it is beautiful, while the clever invisible mounting system makes a professional-looking installation achievable for most DIYers.
While we acknowledge the isolated reports of quality control issues, our own experience and the vast majority of user feedback point to a well-made, high-value product. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a modern farmhouse, rustic, or transitional living space. If you’re looking for an authentic wood mantel that is substantial, easy to install, and offers incredible aesthetic appeal for its price, the Mederlo is an outstanding investment that will transform your fireplace into the true heart of your home.
If you’ve decided the Mederlo 60″ Western Red Cedar Floating Mantel Shelf is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API