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