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