I am using this mantel as part of a larger project in my living room. We'll be shiplapping the wall and installing an electric fireplace with this mantel as the focal point. It is pretty much exactly what I envisioned. The wood is made to appear distressed and it is a convincing treatment, very chic. Couple notes - this is not a solid piece of wood, it has a hollow inside and it comes with a French cleat as a fastening device. I'm not sure how much weight it can hold up, definitely wouldn't put a TV up there, but it should be able to hold the decorative items I plan to display.