When I get emails asking for help – for some reason I always get a fair amount asking “How do I decorate my mantle?” So, I wrote this article for my website as a basic guideline. (Note I did not say “rule.”)
First of all, allow the theme – or style – of the room to guide you. Most fireplaces have ample wall space above the mantle which scream to be filled in some manner. The main ingredients needed to fill this space are: plenty of personality, a little creativity and most of all…the willingness to try different things.
1) Theme: Choose items that relate to the room and best reflect the room’s personality….as well as your own!
A family room with warm, earthy colors – for example – would not visually support an ornate, gilded mirror placed above the mantle. Rather, a showcase of collected prints that compliment the room’s decor and color palette would be the better choice. Also, keep in mind your own personality and that of your family’s, when choosing objects. Don’t be concerned about what’s “in” and what’s “out.” I am often asked is it “okay” to display family photos. You bet it is! As far as I’m concerned “family” will never go out of style. One way to display family photos is to choose a variety of frames which all relate in style. Perhaps you enjoy the look of wood frames. Choose assorted frames with slightly different looks. Then, select one main mat color which is complimentary to the room’s color scheme – and stick with these colors.
Its always a good idea to keep the measurements of this area with you at all times when you adventure out on shopping trips. This way, your chances of second guessing will be almost eliminated. Scale is very important in the greater scheme of decorating your mantle and the space above. If the piece is too small, there are artful ways of pulling these items into scale (read “Art”-iculated Rooms to get a better understanding of this concept.) Scale should also be taken into consideration in conjunction with…
I, also, want to discuss one of the most important guidelines, in my opinion. …
6)Give ’em a lift:
Use lifts and props to give added height when shorter items are not quite tall enough. For example, a small clock can be placed on a stack of antique books. A plate will get an extra boost of height by placing it on a plate stand – and then on a stack of books if even more height is needed.
7)Odds-on Favorites!
I know you’ve heard it before but its a guideline worth repeating. Accessories used in odd numbers always look much more pleasing than even numbers. Why is this? I was once told by a design Professor that it pertains to how humans visually relate to objects. He went on to say that this is primarily because the human body possesses body parts – for the most part – in pairs. Eyes, hands, feet, ears, etc. We also mentally perceive and formulate things in pairs – “right and wrong,” “yes and no,” “him and her,” etc. When things are used out of this norm – such as an odd number of items, the human mind perceives this as more stimulating. It made sense at the time! LOL Whether this is true or not, I don’t think anyone will argue with the Odd Concept. For whatever reason, using an odd number of objects just “feels right.” Sometimes the best explanations are the easy ones.
I think you will find that once you begin – and you employ some of these basic guidelines, accessorizing your mantle will become second nature. After a while, you won’t have to rely on these guidelines because your instincts will take over. I want to stress again that these are simply a few recommendations to get you started. Allow your own tastes and desires to lead the way. Have fun with your mantle!! And while you’re at it…consider these same guidelines when accessorizing other areas of your home.
Happy Accessorizing….Barb
Carolina Mama says
Great post. Those mantels are pretty.
View CommentBlue Eyed Tango says
Barb, this is so nice of you to share your wealth of information and talent with us. Thank you! Hope you’re feeling better! I first met you on MiCasa! I just started a blog….not as exciting as yours! I don’t know how to add everything to it yet? Gotta take time! If you’re interested in visiting me: blueeyedtango.blogspot.com. Take care. Luanne Lozier (lulodesign)
View Commentmarty39 says
Great ideas Barb. I really love all the examples that you show. I don’t have a mantel, but this helps with walls and tabletops also. Made me think ( that’s hard to do.) lol Hugs, Marty
View CommentKathleen says
Great advice…better still.come do my mantle!
View CommentKathleen
cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
justabeachkat says
Hi Barb
I saw you’ve decided to “follow” my blog and I just wanted to say thank you and welcome you. I hope you’ll come often (and leave comments please)…you’re always welcome. I love blogging and meeting other bloggers. I’ve enjoyed my visit here to your very lovely blog. So much “eye candy” and so many good idea.
Hugs!
View CommentKat
prof en retraite says
Great post, Barb! Hope you and your family are feeling better. Love your new header!…Debbie
View CommentOur really empty nest says
Gosh am I glad to have found your blog! I love learning more and more about decorating. I will check back often oh wise one! Sue
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