How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantle Like a Pro
An Interior Decorator Inspired Fireplace that is Balanced & Unique
When winter sets in, everyone loves to stoke up the fireplace; heating the home, warming the heart and kindling the spirit. The winter season tends to be the time when attention is drawn to the hearth; wondering how the fireplace can be made more appealing, contemplating different ways to spice up the mantle.
With a few simple decorating techniques, breathe new life into a hearth and make it so much more than utilitarian. The task can be as simple as a new and interesting mantle display of favorite things or like decorator objects, or it can be a long weekend project to give the fireplace a completely new identity.
The easiest way to inject personality and strong décor sense into a hearth is to dress up the mantle. Whether that means creating a permanent interior decorator inspired display or a festive holiday vignette for Christmas or Thanksgiving, the beauty of mantle décor is that it can be changed whenever and as often as desired.
The Magical Design Illusion of Mirrors
There is a reason so many people choose to place mirrors above the mantle. A mirror does so much more than provide a place to check hair and makeup. It reflects light back into a room, giving the illusion of more space.
A tall, rectangular mirror painted to match the walls and blend in, will give the illusion of higher ceilings.
A wide, ornately framed mirror that is offset from the wall color will give the fireplace more weight on the wall and create a feature wall instantly.
Regardless of the style or color of mirror chosen, be careful not to over-accessorize the mantle. Instead, let the mirror be the primary focal point or décor showstopper.
For Mantle Design, Always Use Symmetry
When arranging photographs, vases, candle lamps and figurines on the mantle, remember to keep things symmetrical. It is important to have a mantle that appears balanced and not heavily weighted on one end. Use the same or similar frames for all photographs, use vases that are either similar in size, style or color to create balance, interest and flow.
Experiment with Spaces Around the Fireplace
Don’t be afraid to expand beyond the mantle shelf. Especially if the fireplace has a narrow mantle, use a little creativeness to display creatively on the hearth floor with nature inspired storage boxes or baskets, potted topiaries or oversized candlesticks. Or, add an interesting small table to either side of the fireplace with gleaming silver buffet lamps.
Pay Attention to Utilitarian Design Details
Pokers and fire baskets are functional but with all the options available, they can also be a piece of art that adds to the design of the fireplace décor. Choose brushed nickel to match the room’s lamps, or consider a striking black leather log carrier and keep it neatly stacked beside the fire. If the fireplace is used infrequently, check the local flea market for a unique fire screen, such as black wrought iron that has little shelves that hold tea lights, or have the family crest recreated in a stained glass fire screen.
Decorate Based on Lifestyle and Room Use
Plants, sterling silver compotes, Royal Doulton teapots, a stack of antique books or a collection of knickknacks can all look great on the fireplace mantle, when displayed with restraint and balance. However, for those with a busy lifestyle and active family, the added chore of watering plants, polishing silver and dusting figurines might not work. Always decorate based on lifestyle; which ensures that the decorator look achieved can be maintained.
A Dreamy and Festive Christmas Mantle Vignette
|
Unique, Storytelling Mantle with Symmetry
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Home & Style
Latest Articles