Thank you for your response. My mantel is a hodge-podge of stuff that I didn't have a place for, so I definitely understand your proportions suggestion. :)

I particularly like the graphic nature of the artwork above the dark mantle in this inspiration photo.

The first thing that caught my eye when looking at the photo is that the mantle feels very top heavy compared to the hearth. I'm not sure what the material is on the hearth but I would suggest painting / staining / refacing it with a darker colour to help ground that wall. As for the niche, I don't feel that the shallow depth of it warrants a different paint colour, unless you were going to hang something - (architectural, sculptural, mirror, clock...) in it. I do agree that it should be treated differently though. How about getting an antiqued mirror cut to fit the arched opening? Then reorgainze / edit / add the accessories.
A couple examples of what an antiqued mirror is:



Love the dining room!

mich/mom - nice art piece - I like it too! Something like this with a touch of blue would be great in arch area - a bit bigger - go on a hunt and seek -

I would place the lantern on to the other side of the arch to balance the three candles. I would remove the clock entirely. The mantel could use some undecorated negative space!

I would find an art piece almost twice the size of the current one and hang it inside the arch.

There needs to be some "weight" to the bottom area of the hearth. Perhaps a basket with some birch logs.

The blue floral ottoman right next to the fireplace is throwing things off, and just doesn't work there.

By the way: your dining area is beautiful!

Noted comments on the heaviness of the mantel. Think about painting the raised hearth to match the mantel and balance that weight. If your clock mimicked the arch shape I could see it alone with just a couple of substantial candle sticks.

I would probably have a mirror cut to fit inside the recessed arch for starters. If I'm seeing what I think I'm seeing, the base of the fireplace (the brown) may be concrete or something?? If it is, maybe some black cushions to go on top of that. The fireplace does seem to be top heavy in black. Maybe that would balance it out without you having to paint or stain anything else. The clock on the mantle may be better suited for hanging on the wall somewhere else in the room or the adjacent room. If it's not "hangable" (not sure that's a word, lol), then mount a small shelf on the wall and let it live there. I like the candles on the right hand side. Maybe add a big floral arrangment in a pretty vase on the left side of the mantle in front of the left side of the mirror, for your color.

Or paint the mantel a creamy color and get rid of the black completely????

I see the hearth more of the problem than the arch. I would resurface in a rich darker tone tile/marble/natural product. You have several suggestion per the arch but I agree its too shallow to repaint. I'd hang the picture you have, and remove the lantern for starters. But if you did get the mirror Mackenzie suggested, very few other items would need to be added.

I would paint that arch (a shade darker) and hang that picture centered in it. Along with your current accessories I would add a floral arrangement. Either make or see if you can find one.... a long box and fill it with flowers. Like the picture below. You want to fill all that negative space and highlight that architectural detail!

I like the black mantel and other decorations. I even like the painting: but if you think it is boring try high definition photography. It shows the color and detail more vividly than a painting. You can also have photography printed on canvas or on the new aluminum prints (metal) You would not have to hand either of these if you do not like because they are firm and don't necessarily require a frame unless you would like one. I even have photography on this site you could view or my Etsy shop, nancyhehmann.

I would not use a mirror because you already have 2 round ones hanging fairly close by and it would be too redundant.

I think a dark basket on the hearth might be an anchor or a wooden box or tray painted black might balance the darkness of the mantel. And perhaps you could try the mantel without the clock as others have suggested (that certainly would be easy enough)

Paint the Hearth, the brick, and the mantle the same color and oil glaze. Looks to busy the way it is. This fireplace is painted and glazed.

Looking at fireplace a second time and reading others' comments: fp is way too top heavy.

Paint the concrete bottom to match the mantel and add substantial wood trim to each side, from mantel down to hearth (see fp above under Michigamemmom comment). That should balance it out much more than moving accessories around.

Wow! Thanks for the comments, fellow Houzzers! I'm definitely starting a discussion with hubby on adding some substantial wood trim to each side (thank you pcmom) and looking into having a mirror made into the same size as the niche (nod to the many who suggested this) with minimal accessories. The attached picture of the dining room is actually some distance away, so I'm thinking this wouldn't make us too vain. ;-)

Also, I failed to note (thank you for pointing it out) that we have three small children, thus the hearth is actually covered in fitted foam padding (that's very ugly!)... thus preventing injuries.... although, it pains my eyes every time I look in that direction. ;-) I have attached a new picture (with the foam padding removed) to get a better idea of what is underneath.

I agree, once the hearth padding is removed (when they turn 18?), I think there should be something placed on the hearth to "ground" the space. Although, I can't do this yet, since anything decorative (baskets of logs ---great idea!, planter, etc) gets within radar of the kids (ages 6, 5, 1) and will be used as toys. I'm in love with the idea of Glen Houston's image. I might toss that idea back and forth with hubby as well.

Lastly the blue ottoman is used as toy storage but will be moved shortly, as I feel it makes the area feel disjointed.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to comment on my dilemma as I have much to think about!

Looking much better!

So much better, but if it was mine I would continue the mantel with pilaster on either sides to stop the floating look and ground the mantel to the hearth.It would also go better with the rest of the room which I find absolutely beautiful . I think the picture should be re-framed with a larger size frame (same width of wood, just bigger ) and wider matting ( at least triple the matte size) and mounted perfectly centered in the wall niche. (or get a bigger picture altogether), this one is too small.

dreaming....looks much better. Just enlarge frame/matte of currant artwork and hang it inside the arch.
Ditto on the form for the hearth. We do the same thing when the grandbaby comes over...can not stand the thought of a little face hitting the edges of those bricks. I think you will be able to remove it before they turn 18! LOL!!!
Your dining room is gorgeous. I love how you have balanced both sides.

Yes the new picture looks much better. I think everyone was handicapped by not knowing about the foam.

For right now go to the fabric store for some black vinyl material to match mantel some, and cover the foam. That will help for now.

I do remember the days: we used foam pipe insulation, split it and duct taped it on all edges! Not the most attractive look!

pcmom1....I can't get my pool noodles and duct tape to stay on. Have started using twin bed sized foam mattress topper, cut in half and then lay a quilt (folded in half) on top. Working so far and easy enough to pickup and put away when grandbaby goes home.

From what I'm seeing in your photos, the color of the mantle is not repeated anywhere in the rest of the architecture. Therefore simply painting the wood mantle piece a lighter neutral color with a medium glaze to tie it in with the stonework would take away some of the weight. Then just re-frame your art piece to enlarge and cover the white margin, it then would balance with the darker firebox.