overmantel

American  

[oh-ver-man-tl] / ˈoʊ vərˌmæn tl /

adjective

1. situated above a mantelpiece.

---

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

---

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

In the overmantel, double dog-eared molding outlines the center panel and two flat fluted pilasters reach from mantelshelf to the heavy modillioned cornice which is carved in alternating modillions and rosettes.

From Seaport in Virginia George Washington's Alexandria by Moore, Gay Montague

William squared his heavy shoulders and regarded himself complacently in the overmantel.

From Imprudence by Young, F.E. Mills

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