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