| Although fireplace mantels were originally | | | | sizes, and even texture, you can develop an |
| used for cooking and heating, contemporary | | | | interesting landscape that commands |
| mantels have become the key focal point for | | | | attention. You can create a symmetrical |
| setting the decorative style and atmosphere | | | | design by centering one item on or above the |
| of a room. You can utilize simple accessories | | | | mantel, and surround it with a series of |
| to enhance the room, or go all out with | | | | identical items on either side. Each half of |
| themed holiday decorations to transform the | | | | the mantel is a mirror image of the other. |
| entire space for any special occasion. Paying | | | | You can also layer items by height, with |
| attention to basic design elements such as | | | | shorter items overlapping larger pieces. This |
| color, texture, balance, and size will help | | | | style is often used to create a sense of |
| pull your decorations together into a | | | | formality. Asymmetrical designs are usually |
| beautiful display. Getting Started | | | | the most popular, as they create a sense of |
| Professional designers often start decorating | | | | motion by having different items on each side |
| projects by jotting down ideas for the mood | | | | of the mantle. The key to this form is to |
| they'd like to create, and then collect an | | | | keep the weight of items balanced visually. |
| assortment of items to emphasize that style. | | | | For instance you might have two larger |
| They might not use everything they've found, | | | | objects on one end of the mantel, with a |
| but having things on hand means they can play | | | | grouping of five small objects on the other |
| with different combinations until hitting on | | | | end. A radial design is created by placing |
| the best design. Spend some time considering | | | | objects around a central. The center item, |
| how you'd like the type of event you'll be | | | | regardless of shape, acts as an anchor. This |
| hosting. Are you having a flashy black tie | | | | kind of arrangement is best done similar to a |
| cocktail party, or a relaxing springtime | | | | symmetrical format; otherwise it can become |
| brunch? Maybe you'd just like to find new | | | | too busy. A layered look with lots of pieces |
| ways to freshen up the everyday look of a | | | | and filler (such as greenery or garlands) |
| room? Either way, remember that different | | | | works well for fall and winter, but is often |
| combinations of colors as well as the style | | | | too heavy for other seasons. One exception |
| (Victorian, modern, retro, country) of items | | | | might be if your mantel is located in a large |
| you use will affect the overall mood of your | | | | banquet or great room with high ceilings, |
| room. Choosing a Backdrop To begin, you'll | | | | otherwise keep things minimal by leaving |
| want to select an item to be the focal point | | | | breathing space between items. Wrapping It Up |
| of the display. Often this will be a painting | | | | Whatever design style you select always be |
| or wall hanging that is placed on the wall | | | | sure to follow safety precautions when using |
| just above the mantel, or even resting on the | | | | the fireplace. Do not place any items too |
| mantel. You can even change the focal point | | | | close to the hearth itself, and use a |
| to match the occasion or season. If you'd | | | | protective screen to prevent ignition from |
| rather group several paintings together | | | | sparks. If you don't actually use your |
| you'll want to only use a few items on the | | | | fireplace that often try placing decorations |
| mantel itself to keep things from being | | | | below in addition to on the mantel. You |
| overwhelming. The larger the item or grouping | | | | certainly wouldn't want a black void to |
| the more attention it will draw. A mirror is | | | | detract from your display. A layered |
| always a good choice to use as a large | | | | arrangement of white candles and greenery can |
| backdrop. It not only helps make the room | | | | be stunning for any occasion, but you could |
| feel larger, but reflects and draws attention | | | | also do something as simple as a stack birch |
| to the other pieces you've placed on your | | | | logs. Another alternative is to cover the |
| mantel. Don't forget to light your backdrop. | | | | hearth with a painted fireplace screen. There |
| Whether you use candles or install spot | | | | are hundreds of options to choose from when |
| lighting, you'll want to make sure that the | | | | decorating your mantel, but the same basic |
| focal point isn't lost in the shadows. | | | | principles always apply. Using these designer |
| Placement & Shape The next step is to | | | | techniques can help turn a ho-hum room into a |
| create a 'path' for the eye to follow, moving | | | | memorable space that can easily be changed |
| from the main focal point down and across the | | | | for any type of occasion. |
| mantel. By using a variety of heights and | | | | |