I love the mirror! Try moving the vases towards the middle so they overlap the frame , they candlesticks can be grouped to one side and add 1 more. Most of all paint over the brick with a neutral color maybe a tone darker than the walls.

move the plate on the hearth to the opposite to the candlesticks on the mantle

Sorry I do not like the mirror. I think it is too large for the space and wrong style for the fireplace. The fireplace looks very traditional and the funky mirror may be better served somewhere else.

I will try the ideas suggested first, but, sadly, I tend to agree the ajkriv in that the mirror is too large for the space. About the only other area I could place it would be over the sofa which is so neutral I feel I need color there unless I incorporated some artwork which I could certainly do. I'll try rearranging things first and see if I can talk my husband into painting the brick (which we have discussed before). Tinafin, when you suggested adding another candlestick, I assume you did not mean one in the same family I have?? Thanks all.

My sister in law hesitated to paint her brick fireplace because she thought it would be too difficult but when she did it was really easy and made all the difference in the room. Maybe I can get a pic to post. the grout took a slightly different tone than the brick but it looked awesome. She scrubbed it first with a wire brush, vacuumed off the residue and painted over the whole thing. Add a third candlestick to make a group of three. It doesn't have to be exactly the same as long as it has a common feature, I.E. color or style

I moved the vases and rearranged as you suggested (don't have that third candlestick yet) and it did make a difference. I told my husband about the suggestion of painting the brick. He wasn't too happy but didn't say no. I really think it would help greatly. Would get away from the traditional look a little. I would love to see a picture of your sister-in-laws fireplace. That might be just the push he needs.

I don't know that I would paint the bricks, I would be inclined to lose the mirror and paint the mantle and fireplace white and see how you like that. Easy enough to paint the bricks after that if you still want to.

Oh my ... the mantel WAS white when we purchased the house and we decided we wanted it black. We both like it better black. I'm beginning to think that it's time I decide I really don't like that mirror there and I need to change. It was pretty expensive but perhaps I can sell it and recoup something. I am still thinking about painting the brick, though. My husband is definitely against it. Now I guess my next question is what to put in place of the large mirror if I do decide to get rid of it? I suspect another mirror but something not quite so overwhelming. Should I go round or square? I could do artwork but I would be inclined to do something a little abstract, in which case I would probably need to paint the brick since it is somewhat traditional.

The mirror is really too big for the space. It looks like it needs some room to breathe, Try taking down everything from the mantle and see if that helps.

Also less contrast among the mantle, wall and brick. I would look to paint the mantle the same color as the wall. Maybe a shade or two darker.

pic of painted fireplace, if you paint the fireplace a shade darker than the walls it won't stand out as much, also grouping the objects in front of the mirror will make the mirror more of a background feature. I think it all depends on your style, if you prefer full bold groupings or a cohesive minimalist decor

I agree that the mirror is too big. We will need to find some willing neighbors to help us remove the mirror from above the mantel since it weighs 88 pounds and is somewhat awkward to handle. I think just a fresh start, whether it's a smaller mirror or artwork. I am leaning towards painting the brick for a cleaner look. There is just too much going on. I appreciate everyone's comments and you've validated what I've felt for the last three years -- the mirror is too big for the space.

Well now I'm going to have to do some thinking. Some of you like the mirror and it truly is a focal point. I can certainly remove the vases, etc. and see how that works. I am beginning to feel strongly about painting the bricks a couple of shades darker than the room color though.

try the vases on the hearth

You could always paint the mirror ???

I like the mirror and think the size of it there brings drama to your room. I think having only the mirror over mantle will help greatly, the other items make it look too cluttered and busy. You might try painting card board and putting it over the bricks to se how you feel about painting them. I would say paint brick if it weren't for the hearth, not sure how that will look. Painting will definitely make if more modern and fresh, will hearth look awkward painted though, not sure. Good luck.

The mirror does bring drama, but then it loses its snap when we see the ceiling fan doubled in it. Mirrors should reflect something beautiful or interesting. The size of it makes me think of hotel lobby decor - oversized and often misplaced. Where do you watch TV? I think you can continue to have drama on that wall with black paint and a TV above the mantel that just disappears. Otherwise, art is the answer. Keep it no wider than the firebox and below the top of the window. Here's some inspiration.

i think you need some color up there. Everything seems to be the same shade.

Take the 2 vases down and put them on the floor on each side of the fireplace. Move the plate up on the mantle on one side and group the 2 candle holders on the other side. Three candle holders would be better. Keep the mirror the focal point.