Stunning mantel!  So happy!  I chose "provincial" finish and it was perfect for our modern farmhouse decor.  Wanted a little rustic charm to complete our living room.  The color is a rich darker brown and although some people thought theirs came too distressed, ours wasn't.  Newly stained, it took a few hours for the smell to subside.  No complaints here. It was just what we wanted. We went with the 48 in length and found it on sale here much, much cheaper than other websites.  I gasped when I opened the box at how beautiful this mantel is.  Can't wait to hang it.