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