A basic mantel shelf would look fabulous. Look at the shelves collection, specifically the Santa Ana or San Jose at www.emantel.com

We did a white quartz stone fireplace wall without a mantel. The contractor thought we were nuts, but we love the look. It fits very nicely with the rest of the contemporary decor.

A mantel shelf is a great opportunity to display beautiful accessories, otherwise the wall looks empty.

Adding a mantel take away from the stacked stone.

I would really think it depends how tall the fireplace is. If it's really tall a mantle may look good. If its short. maybe not so good.

8 years later and this is the discussion we’re having. Stacked stone, 11ft ceiling, same as you. What did you decide ?

Add five months to that and we decided not to add a mantle , house is built and husband bought a mantle to add to the stone , it's sitting on the side we ARE STILL NOT SURE!!