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

It was a big, sombre, restful place, with high windows of stained glass, a great carved overmantel, and electric lights set in the ancient oaken ceiling.

From The White Lie by Le Queux, William

In this instance the carved consoles support the shelf rather than the panel of the overmantel, which engages neither the shelf nor the cornice with its prominent double denticulated molding.

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank

We will leave it where it is now, where it will lie, I dare say, until the crack of doom—behind the overmantel in the servants' parlour, gentlemen, with its back to the wall.

From Anthony Lyveden by Yates, Dornford