I’ve recently selected the new gas fireplace, which will be installed in the corner of my new remodeled family room. It will have a raised hearth for extra seating, and the granite tile surround will be capped with a cherry wood mantel. Accent lighting in the form of recessed cans will highlight the fireplace and the art that will be hung above the mantel. Then the decorating fun begins. As I have not had a mantel for twelve years, I look forward to decorating this prominent place in the room.

Clients often ask me whether they should hang a mirror or a piece of art. Usually I tell them to hang art instead of a mirror. Mirrors above mantels are often too high to reflect anything beautiful. Art adds color and interest.

During a recent one-day redesign, my client did not have a piece of art large enough to hang above the mantel. Making due with what was available, I found an empty wood frame and hung it on the wall. Inside the empty frame I hung a cherub found in another room. I hung candle sconces on either side of the frame. The result was a unique grouping that added dimension, color and texture to the space.

Another idea for highlighting art is to paint the fireplace wall in a bold accent color. For another client, we painted the wall in a rich, gorgeous red, which really set off the artwork.

One thing I notice frequently in clients’ homes is that many mantels are covered with just too many items. Less is usually more when it comes to decorating mantels. Sometimes during a redesign we hang art but leave the mantel completely clear. Other times we place just a few items on the mantel– a grouping of candles, or some family photos, or a piece of sculpture. In a formal room, we often create a symmetrical arrangement, such as one large candlestick and a green plant on either side of the artwork. For informal rooms, an asymmetrical arrangement works well. Try an arrangement of ceramic vases (odd numbers and varying heights) on one side of the mantel.

Important considerations for successful mantel arrangements are balance and scale. The large size of the fireplace requires large pieces of art and large-scale accessories. Lots of small knick-knacks will look out of place and just appear “cluttery”. Balance the arrangement by placing items that are equivalent in terms of visual weight, height or size. For instance, balance a large vase on one side with a stack of books topped with a green plant.

Mantels are perfect places for seasonal décor. Tuck candles of varying heights and colorful glass ball ornaments into a garland of evergreen or ivy for a festive holiday look. In the spring use the mantel to display a bunny collection or an assortment of glass eggs.
With a little imagination and careful selection of items, the mantel can be a beautiful focal point in your room.

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on Nov. 27, 2004.