Three Ways to Style a Mantel

Most of us have them, yet are perplexed at how to make this focal point shine!

Let the Fireplace be the star of the room!

Of all the design issues I see when I first walk into a clients home, its how they have styled their mantels! I see the same thing over and over and I want to help! Most of you take this ledge and make it your gallery of keepsakes . Pictures of the family, the ubiquitous figurine, and a clutter of other small objects. The problem is where's the focal point? I am not saying you have to get rid of all the sentimental items, just let me show you how to display them.

Use one key piece of art in your arrangement

This is your basic mantel. By using the hanging art and the 2 sconces you have created a focal point that is in scale with the fire place itself. So now the whole fireplace is one cohesive unit. As you can see the other things are displayed with purpose and in an asymmetrical way. This gives it more interest. But at the same time they match in scale. You could put the 2 planters on either side and make a more symmetrical arrangement as well.

Don't fight the stone with busy art!

For those of you who are lucky enough to have the natural stone as your fireplace, this one is my favorite! Because quite simply the art is in the stone, so the use of simple art, like this one, doesn't compete with the stone. I will typically use an antique mirror to contrast with the muted stone. Candle sticks are always a go to accessory for any mantel, just make sure the size matches the scale of the mantel.

Of course, now a days we have big black boxes, aka the flat screen TV, above the fireplace. One cool way to make it less visible is to paint a darker color on that wall to lower the contrast. See in this picture you notice the fireplace and not the TV! Then keep the accessories simple, to keep it from being too distracting.

Hope this helps!