An internally illuminated mantle utilizing a light strip or similar series of small, low heat emitting bulbs placed inside the interior of a fireplace mantle having a top section of clear plate glass or other light transmissible surface, so that light from the interior of the mantle can be projected upward through the light transmissive or glass surface illuminating structures atop the mantle as well as the wall area above the mantle and providing illumination within the space or room in which the mantle resides.