Thank you, I never would have thought to put something in the window itself. I do like the pic you added. :)

I wonder why people don't use stained glass more frequently. In this case, the size of that window is going to require a sizable piece to fit the scale. Treat it like you're framing a picture using the stained glass as the picture and the light as the frame.

The 3 pictures will be wonderful counterpoints. I don't think this idea can be improved on!

I love the idea of having stained glass on the windows - that may be costly - but get an artist in to give you some ideas. Now to answer what you asked - I would keep the mantel very simple with things that don't go above the window frame. I would have just three wide frame square pictures along that space and that's all . If you are going to have the stained glass then you don't want to over do.

Nice idea Jamieson, as usual. I think instead of three pictures, I'd do a simple grouping of objects at either end of the mantel, letting nothing compete with the glass at front and center.

So, bamhartgallery, Do you mean I do not need stained glass in my glass? When the leaves are on the trees you see that.

HI - A good glass artist can do a pattern of several textured glass pieces with clear and beveled and jeweled pieces etc. that you would still be able to see through in parts- but it still breaks up the large mass of plain windows. I think something done that has NO stain colors would be beautiful . I think keeping the mantel uncluttered is better than several little objects at either end - I would think that is distracting and messy and that is what everyone ends up doing.

The windows need definition. I would add mullions for design. Install granite or marble around the fireplace. The mantle needs a collection: perhaps candlesticks to add height and dimension .

Treating most windows with drapery warms a room and provides a finished look--evenif the panels are inoperable, so as never to block the view. Particularly with a tall ceiling and big room, warmth is important. Keep the mantel decor simple...add an object with more height on one side. Personally I'd leave the window alone and embrace the view and trees.

Don't cover the windows they are beautiful!! I suggest removing everything on the mantle. Buy 3 big interesting pottery pieces in white from Jonathan Adler.
Put them on the mantle and be done. The view makes the room!!

I would add a curtain rod over the window and create rich drapes that open up to this window - this way the look will be finished and at the same time the beautiful view outside will be enhanced

I like betsyweisbergs advice. Perhaps an upholstered stool under each window and one tall tropical plant on each side. Good luck deciding and have fun!

Hi gina -- I meant let the stained glass be front and center.

Hey gina, doesn't have to be a "stained glass" I think more of a leaded glass...Keep it natural and light, just need some attention up there to tie things together!

First ,those windows are lovely and I agree with Taylor Bryan about the healthy large plants on either side and the repitition of stools or similar.

The fire place is dwarfed and needs to be beefed up with stone and lightened.A thick mantle will hold larger items such as oversized crystal wood and metal candlesticks or bowl ect.Perhaps even sconces.

The furniture could be changed out as well with a large patterned rug for warmth.

Love the stool!!

I agree the windows and fireplace are disproportionate for the space. The answer is to create a balance. Start with a travertine or granite around the fireplace and all the accessories ideas will fall into place.

Personally, I think your "decoration" is the window. Hard to compete with that. Alternatively, I think your fp surround and window need to "merge". I could see some very artsy decorative tiles installed on the wall between window and surround.. This would be your decoration. Nothing on the mantle at all. I also would not clutter the window hanging things in it. But the tiles would need to be strong and artsy. Find an art school student to design you something. Have the wall as an art statement with nothing else in the way.

Change the proportions of the window with color. You want the window to bring in light, and to see sky. Isolate the fireplace by painting around the fireplace the following colors: Devine Cocoa or Devine Spice.( http://www.devinecolor.com/devine/colorcollections/trend-proof.jsp)
It buys you height to accessorize the mantle.

HI -- I just want to add another idea ---- You could extend the window mouldings down to the floor (remove the baseboard ) paint the little bit of wall under the windows the same as the mouldings. Now you could REMOVE the mantel and the baseboards in that area - then fill in all the area around the fireplace with stone vaneer ( ledge cut ) . Simple and tailored. If leaded glass cost to much then have the windows etched ( frosted) with a pattern of branches and leaves - then it goes with what what you see outside the windows. I think this will make an elegant feature of that whole wall.

If you havent found any solution to your windows yet, our company makes custom stained and leaded glass work. We can create any pattern to your size and color requests (you can go without color too and use pretty beveled glass). We have done windows similar to yours. Even though it is a large window, we can create the panels in sections so they would mount up side by side, or perhaps you can hang stained or lead glass in there. Check out our website, hopefully you will get some ideas. You can also call us as we are in the office ready to help and answer any questions.