Day 151: Mantel Displays

When you walk into a room, your eyes are drawn to a focal point, the commanding feature of the overall design. A fireplace is often that element, not only because of its size, but also because it conveys feelings of warmth and coziness, of chilly winter nights and warm blankets. From a decorating perspective, this means the mantel is a great place to highlight your style. Here are some tips to creating the perfect mantel design.

Balance: No one wants to see a lopsided mantel. A great rule of thumb is an anchor in the middle and flanking pieces on either side. The anchor could be a treasured piece of art, or in a less formal setting, a mounted television. Pro tip: For a traditional design, like featured above, choose matching vases with greenery to complement the featured piece of art. And experiment with leaning the art against the wall instead of hanging it!

Layering: Taller items should go in the back, and as you move forward, pieces should become smaller. This is because a mantel is viewed from across the room, not just straight on. Layering pieces creates depth and allows for you to showcase your prized possessions—like this moose—from every corner of the room!

Cohesion: Don’t assume everything on your mantel needs to match! If you have a visually heavy item on the right, place a grouping of items on the left for balance, as we did in the above project. Strive for a cohesive look, however, to avoid everything seeming random. Objects should complement each other in color, style, or theme. The sconces we added provide further symmetry to the design, while also showcasing the artwork.

Spacing: Avoid overcrowding! All of your items will need space to breathe and should be thoughtfully placed. Mantels should not appear cluttered or haphazard. We also wanted to feature the beautiful stone and wood in the above Connecticut project, so we were sure not to overload the mantel!

Wonder what should go on your mantel? Here are some suggestions:

·      Picture frames

·      Mirrors

·      Candles or hurricanes

·      Greenery like topiaries or flowers

·      Books and bookends

·      Clocks

·      Statues or pieces of art

Relax and have fun! Styling your mantel, whether for every day, seasonally, or for the holidays, is a place to showcase some of your favorite collectables. It’s a great way to freshen up a room!