Inset gas fire with a mantelpiece?

[XpelairHamPortal]

We're planning to install a gas fire in our lounge. We want an inset fire (a bit like the picture), as we don't want to lose the floor space if we have a traditional floor-mounted one with a hearth and fire surround.

But... I really want a mantlepiece to put decorative shite on. Does anyone have this set-up? I can't really visualise how it would work, and I can't find any pictures online, which makes me think it's not a workable idea. I know there are regulations about what you can have in the vicinity of an inset fire (e.g. no wallpaper). Any pictures would be gratefully received!

I don’t think you will find a picture because it would look really odd. A really sleek insert fire but then the wall broken up with, effectively, a shelf.

This is the closes I can find and it doesn’t look right. It would look even worse with stuff on it.

Hm, I was afraid that would be the answer!

I might have to go back to the drawing board and find somewhere else to arrange my clutter

(Thank you for looking, btw, I appreciate it)

https://www.behr.com/colorfullybehr/diy-stained-mantel/

How about something like this?

I'd just put shelves Above to put your decorative stuff on. That way it doesn't look like a redundant mantlepiece.

Or, the arrangement @Settlebettle has shared is really nice. Mire appealing than a floating fire, in my opinion.

Oooh thanks for the additional pictures, I've just realised that I'd missed them. I like @Settlebettle 's photo, but we've been told by the fire shops that if the fire is "floor standing" rather than inset into the wall, we need a 300mm hearth in front of it (though my googling suggests that's for stoves rather than fires?). The most common options seem to be inset without a mantle or floor-mounted with a traditional hearth and surround. I'm just struggling to picture the hybrid of the two and make it look intentional. Maybe shelves in the alcoves either side of the chimney breast would look better. Hm. Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

We have an inset gas fire with an oak beam mantle .Our beam is at the right height not to cause a fire hazard, it’s also treated. The fire is over 20 years old , personally I don’t think it looks dated . The fire is set about 6 inches from the floor with a small granite hearth, at the time that was a requirement of installation. We got an off cut from a local marble / granite supplier so not very expensive. Our fire is serviced every year and has never caused an issue . I’ll attach pictures for you to see .

Thanks, @TheGreatWoofington, I haven't seen that arrangement before with the little floating hearth. I like the oak mantle, I think we need to have a chat with the fire shop people when we go back to see what they can suggest. Many thanks