overmantel

American  

[oh-ver-man-tl] / ˈoʊ vərˌmæn tl /

adjective

1. situated above a mantelpiece.

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noun

1. an ornament or panel situated above a mantelpiece.

overmantel British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌmæntəl /

noun

1. an ornamental shelf over a mantelpiece, often with a mirror

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Etymology

Origin of overmantel

First recorded in 1880–85; over- + mantel

Example Sentences

The 16th Century linen-fold panelling, the fireplace overmantel and the carved and moulded ceiling beams were dismantled, crated up and sent to America.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2017

The Commander is standing in front of the fireless fireplace, back to it, one elbow on the carved wooden overmantel, other hand in his pocket.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

The architrave casings of the doors with their horizontal projections over the lintel are in pleasing accord with the corresponding projections of the overmantel frame and of the facing of the fireplace opening.

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank

The architectural treatment of the fireplace end of this room, with exquisite carving above the overmantel panel and above the closet doors at each side, is greatly admired by all who see it.

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank

Tradition has it that the overmantel in the Great Room was done at a later time than the other decorations by two Hessian soldiers captured at the Battle of Trenton.

From Legends of the Skyline Drive and the Great Valley of Virginia by Northington, Etta Belle Walker