I have this ugly old mantel and i cant remove it from the wall but would like to make it look more attractive.
Answers:
MitchHellman is correct: You can build a box to cover the old mantel, giving it a more modern, updated look. Oak or maple planks shouldn't cost more than $80 or so, and you can change the look with stain. It doesn't even have to be permanently attached, if that's an issue.
Other answers:
Build something that encloses it, so you won't have to remove it.
Build something that encloses it, so you won't have to remove it.
Paint it build around it cover it i.e make it into a wooden book shelf or something, why can't you remove it from the wall
Be creative. Either put bright and pretty decorative items on top or strip it...then repaint it and staple on silk flowers & leaves & lace & butterflies or whatever (if you're a guy, add guy things), or repaint it like you would an ugly wall, or repaint it like you were artist and that's your canvas. Did you see the word repaint?
I say paint it and use it as a "frame" for a beautiful large mirror or painting.
I was going to answer your question, but these suggestions are great ideas. I especially like staple something decorative on it.
It might not really be ugly if all the paint was stripped off and the wood polished real nice.
I would strip it down to see what it is made of. If you decide that it's original finish is still ugly, you could paint it or cover it with a piece of material that matches the sofa (if it's in the living room) or curtains in the room. Use the mantle to place a picture or two with some nice candles. Go to a craft store and buy some artifical leaves with or without berries, drape it on the mantle and add some candles. You could change the artificial leaves with the seasons. If the room gets plenty of light, you could also put hanging plants on the mantle, they would cover the mantle and hang down nicely. The mantel may be ugly now but with the right look you can make it a beautiful focal point in the room.
There are alot of great ideas in here. Why do you think it's ugly? Is is something you can possibly faux finish to look like marble or perhaps add some decorative trim from your local hardware store? Decide on the look or you room. Is it contemporary? Could you use one of the metal or leather finishes with maybe an oversized mirror framed in similar materials? If it's just a complete eyesore to you, I would suggest painting it in the same color enamel as the surrounding walls to detract attention. Again, a mirror will work wonders. Try using on with no frame mounted to your wall and concentrate on some really nice accessories to pull your eye from the mantel.