8 Ways to Make Your Mantel Shine
Welcome fall and winter with special touches that turn your fireplace into a focal point
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors. It's my greatest pleasure to inspire you to live well, to live in style, and to extinguish the myth that style and budget are mutually exclusive. Read more about my design philosophy and my work at http://www.blulabelbungalow.com
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward... More »
As the weather gets cooler, our focus turns toward the warmth of the fireplace and its surrounding beauty. The mantel in particular is a place of prominence, and special attention is given to the objects that oversee the entire room.
A couple of questions to ask yourself as you decide how to decorate your mantel: "What type of atmosphere am I trying to achieve? Will the area above the mantel play a pivotal role in how this room functions?" The answers will get your started in creating the best focal point possible.
A couple of questions to ask yourself as you decide how to decorate your mantel: "What type of atmosphere am I trying to achieve? Will the area above the mantel play a pivotal role in how this room functions?" The answers will get your started in creating the best focal point possible.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Reflection. Hang a mirror above the mantel to open up a closed space. It reflects sunshine from an adjacent window and provides the illusion of more natural light. You also receive another vantage point. Be sure the walls across the room are attractive as well. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Sculpture. Highlight artful wall nooks with beautiful sculptural pieces. At night, they cast dramatic shadows and make wonderful conversation pieces. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| TV. Above the mantel may be the only place to mount a television, especially when you have more windows than wall. Tasteful built-ins effectively disguise your electronics and do not disrupt the flow of your relaxing atmosphere. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Shelves. When your fireplace is constructed as a focal point, not much else is required to accentuate what is already an obvious benefit. These floating shelves complement the design without competing with it.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A large piece of art. Vibrant artwork is one of my favorite mantel décor options. Cool, crisp abstract art accompanied by a touch of greenery and balanced by an eclectic wall sconce makes this vignette intriguing.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Or three small ones. An uncomplicated triptych introduces a third accent color to this living room. Its scale is perfectly given the size of the fireplace. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Lighting. The addition of wall sconces above the mantel provides both the beauty and function of accent lighting. The remaining décor items are well edited and kept at a low-profile to not crowd the mirror. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Lanterns. Hurricane lanterns are charming alternatives when electrical outlets are not available for wall sconces. Accenting your mantel with candlelight is nature's method of soothing the soul and covering a room with a sense of calm. More: 16 Stunningly Beautiful Fireplaces Tiled Fireplace Surrounds Make Your Mantle Shine for the Holidays |
Ideabook published on Sept. 28, 2011.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
For optimal viewing the center of the screen should be at eye level when seated. Some say it can go 20% higher (so the line at 1/3 is at eye level).
Exception: above the fireplace might work in the pool room where everyone is standing.