I think your mirror and topiaries are fine. I would add a low piece to the mix between the mirror and one of the topiaries, like a piece of pottery or a small sculpture.

You're welcome, Melissa!

I have a round clock about the same size....I have matching themed square framed pictures on either side of the clock leaning off the mantel. I added some small accents on the mantel.

place a spacer of some sort behind the mirror so it tilts forward at the top, Add 2 similar mirrors on either side, different shape,size and spacing of all three. Keeping the center higher on the wall leaves room for decor on the mantle-not to hide the mirror. Maybe run something "viney" up the wall ,in and around,not over done...

The size mirror Is fine, perhaps a lighter color like the dining table, and the 2 items of Decorating Den Interiors (but in tan color). Or keep the dark mirror with those dark items of DDI

I had an almost exact situation in my basement. I took a rectangular horse picture and stood it vertically....(tall parts on mantle and just under crown) against the wall above the fireplace. My friends always rave about my ideas...mostly stolen from Houzz.

I think the mirror is fine. I suggest adding medium to heavy weight drapes on windows at sides to make entire wall focal point.

I'd try an oval mirror instead or a rectangular picture. Perhaps even three smaller square pictures evenly spaced. I had a a similar problem above our headboard and used the long, rectangular idea.

And I especially think a wide, white frame to complement the fireplace mantel with a bold-colored print would be lovely.

I dont think it is too small with the proper styling of other pieces. Continue the symmetry due to your windows and place a stack of side lying books in the center of those topiaries (moved closer to the edge of the fireplace surround) or hang some candle sconces on either side with small box underneath the mirror which would cast a nice ambient light during a dinner party. Not sure if the rest of the room is done but some window valances and a runner and larger centerpiece on the table might warm the space up a bit. Would also add a fireplace screen. Have fun.

I don't think it's too small. Before putting another whole in the wall, try off-setting the mirror to the right and put the other two pieces to the left (or visa versa). I might even attempt to raise one of the pieces 2 or 3 inches, just so things aren't so symmetrical. Good luck.

I think it is just hung a little too high.

Thanks all! Diane, what kind of fireplace screen would you suggest? It's gas and already has a glass front. I need something though as I have a 2 year old & it gets hot. Would this one look ok?

I would suggest two bold pillar candles holders on the right - (different heights) - and perhaps a big bold vase on the opposite side.

Move mirror down, and add two smaller square or rectangular mirrors to each side... Above topiaries if you choose to keep.

Maybe hang the mirror lower.

Further thought... 2 rectangular mirrors (vertical) to each side with no heavy framing perhaps slightly antiqued. Put topiaries or chosen items in front of side mirrors

The round mirror softens the right angles in the room. Look around the house for items you may already have with similar colors/finishes as the mirror to coordinate with mirror. It is a lovely room!

I like the mirror, but hesitate to ever put one above the fireplace; as it ends up making the ceiling your focal point....since that's all you ever see. A clock or picture would be my recommendation.

The size of the mirror is fine. Put a spacer at the top behind it so that the mirror tips down. As others have said, without the spacer, you'll get a nice view of the ceiling reflected in the mirror. The spacer allows the mirror to reflect what's in the room instead of the ceiling. You need more things on your mantle to style i properly. The two topiaries need to be moved closer to the mirror, actually, partially in front of the mirror on both sides People have a tendency to put things like topiaries too close to the outside edges of mantles, and they always look wrong. Moving them in closer to the mirror makes them part of the arrangement. Then add something low in the center in front of the mirror, preferably a plant of some sort . By adding something low in the center, you will not need to move the mirror down. Then some low items on the outside of the topiaries. This arrangement will frame the mirror, and not make things feel like they're going to fall off the outside edges of the mantle.

Here's an idea of what you could do.

Here's the thing I see most: your mantel is not very deep.

It has a classic, stately design which would make one think it was going to be a solid, old, heavy piece around the fireplace, but it's shallow instead and the mantel shelf is thin, more of a trompe l'oeil. This is going to be problematic to the eye. So things that would look great on a deeper mantel look somehow "off" here.

I like the mirror though I agree about bringing it down a hair, teensy bit or using an oval mirror, but most of all, I'd say what about adding a chair rail molding to this room? It would put the feel of the fireplace into a nice context. Just a thought.

Also, I like your lighting fixture and don't see a need to change it.

YES ! EVIDENTLY ! ! ! OBVIOUSLY ! ! !

In my opinion, I don't think the mirror is too small, or that it is too high. I actually like the place that you originally had it as the ceiling is so low. I do think that the topiaries look better closer to the mirror but would maybe replace them with something else, as others have suggested. A vase or something to add height and and other items of varying heights to add interest.

i would take all 3 pcs down put up a larger mirror!

I would hang mirror up like first pic and move plants closer or get rid of them and put cream or silver vases up there.

If I wanted to make a change I would get a mirror that would take up as much wall space as possible leaving 6" on either side for candles sticks. I would also tilt the top of the mirror by about 2-4 " With a chain or picture hanger wire. Just make sure it's secure. Done it several times and always looks Great ! Hope that helps.

I like the mirror. I think you just need to anchor it with something a bit more on each side like black candlesticks for example.

I know you are just asking about "stuff" to put on top, but when I look at the picture I see the stone feature washed out by the white on the fireplace. Can you change the white to something from the veining in the stone? Or hire an artist to paint in some detail? It is just overpowering. Otherwise I think what you have situated with the mirror, etc, is fine. I get that the mantle is supposed to match the trim, but what is the focal point of the room, the trim or the fireplace? If it was me, I would "pop" the fireplace and "whatever" the trim, but it's up to you of course.
If you want to keep with the theme of the trim (or can't change it), you can go for the more square style of furniture and accessories, but then you see where that leads. You can try to bring the white to the table I suppose. Maybe once the curtains are up you will have a better idea. If you decide to make the focal point the fireplace, I might suggest also adding some color to the accessories, that you can play off of with the dining room table (flowers, runner, etc). But when you place accessories the table, keep in the minimal style of what you have on the mantle. You have to dust it!

In keeping with the rectangular shape of the mantle, I would recommend the same shape mirror, almost as wide as the opening of the fireplace, hung just slghty above the mantle (maybe an lower profile antique, with a distressed gold finish, frame) . I would also suggest a tablescape of assorted objects placed along the mantle ( objects with varied materials and colors -reflective like glass; natural like baskets; some greenery like silk ivy that drapes down from the mantle, a decorative metal box). This will draw the eye to the fireplace and across the mantle and not up to the ceiling.

To me, the mirror and little decorative topiary trees are not enough by themselves. Don't look for "stuff" to stuff up there, choose wisely. The room looks kind of blah, not warm, or cozy, or welcoming (from what I can see). Maybe some chunky (large) candles on pedestals, or glass enclosures next to the little topiary. It would be helpful to see the entire room. I see no window coverings, you might want to consider adding those in a complementary color--be sure the reach the floor.

Hi all, thanks for all The advice! This room has just sort of been redone so yes, I haven't done window treatments yet. As you can see in this picture dining room is open to kitchen and there are two sets of French doors in the dining room although you only see the one set of doors in this pic. I do plan on doing window treatments for sure but I want them to match with the kitchen so I'm not going to go to formal. I'm thinking something like linen Roman shades with a brown band border and then leaving the French doors alone. That is also my mom's old dining room set and we do plan on getting a new more casual one soon. With all that said I do personally like the round mirror and the different shape it gives to the room. I agree with a lot of you that the topiaries just don't look right. I'm thinking of doing two of these ivory vases from Pottery Barn with some longstem green plant flowery looking things that go up to the top of the mirror. Green is my color that I'm trying to put pops of into the kitchen as well. How do u think that would look?

Following already given suggestions, keep mirror, move it down a bit, add several items to right & left of mirror. Another idea: can mirror work in another location? If so, purchase a mirror that can be used as rectangle on wall; then add items to left & right.

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I really like the layout sootsprite posted in the first photo. I especially like the lanterns on the right and think they would add some real warmth when lit. A grouping of three items on the left then would work well (maybe just using one of your trees in it along with two other items as long as each is graduated in height. Make sense? Agree with all who say lower the mirror a bit.

I love Mark's photos especially with the plant. I like incorporating more black so it looks cohesive, gives it some height and the plant just brings it to life.

I love the mirror, but from the pictures your room seems really dark, maybe try a different mirror that would lighten up the space?

Ohh, and also, if those are fake plants you should replace them with real ones, like a potato vine of something, fake plants collect dust and make things look tacky.

Yes

Since the height of the mirror and distance of the topiaries have already been addressed...... I do not believe that additional or different accessories are necessary. If the topiary containers matched the mirror frame's finish it would all come together.

Adding window treatments would make the area look fuller and take away from the sparse feel of the whole wall. Perhaps using asymmetric placement might help.

Everyone is in agreement that the mirror should be brought down a little. Usually around 4" from the top of the mantle. If you like your topiaries then put them together on the left side of the mirror. Place one of them on a book to give it more height. On the opposite side use a vase with either flowers or verticle greenery that is lacy looking. (not heavy) The mirror is fine but probably you could use a nice painting on the wall opposite of your table. A more formal chandelier will also look nice. Good luck!

I like the mirror shape and placement but I think it would look better if the frame was white- can anyone photoshop that just to see?

Yes it's too small & I think a square one would be great. However, as someone else said there is very little room between mantle and crown molding.

I also have a fireplace with a short distance from the mantle to the ceiling, and I've struggled with decorating it as well. I like the round mirror, and I especially like Mark's suggestion. The staggered heights of the candleholders help move the eye down and thereby relate everything to the mantle. I'm usually not a big fan of structured symmetry, so for me the round mirror and varying heights of the accessories help soften the look.

I think the mirror beside the windows is too much glass. I do think the object on mantle should be round or curvy, not square or rectangle. Even a cool metal object would be nice. Just make it big with impact. Forget about a bunch of little things.

You will get as many opinions as readers and ultimately, you have to like it. Just remember, you also have to dust it! I like lower with two items on either side or higher with a garland across the mantle underneath the mirror, but I love that mirror! You don't need a fireplace screen for the 2 year old, you need a fence/gate that is at least 18" away from the fireplace. A metal screen so close to the fireplace will become hot and your 2 year old could still get hurt.

maybe a bigger clock and add to one side 3 of some thing u like different sizes. it will make the mantle beautiful u can go to hobby lobby for somethings.

Yes

I have a similar sized mantle and similar head room... I just put up a painting including frame 39" wide by 27" tall. It really fitted nicely and is stunning. Leaves perhaps 2" from the top (ceiling) and bottom of the mantle. Next is mirrored candle sconces for the sides and a picture light. When it goes right, you know it.