O.K. Let's try:

Top Shelf: remove plate or look for a simple black pottery plate. Move the three plants together to this shelf.

Bottom Shelf: Move the African head (very nice!) slightly to the right so it sits "in relation" with the stacked stones. Allow the left-side to be "empty" so that the head/stones appear stronger.

Hang the sun over the bottom shelf so it has more of a "grounded" feeling. Hang it about level to the top shelf.

Hope this makes sense!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

I can't tell for sure but is there some turquoise color in the pillows on your couch? If there is I think something turquoise would pop on the wall of brick.

agree to move the plants together on bottom shelf. I am not 'feeling the love with the sun where it is. It just doesnt seem to fit with the accessories. But I think if you move it diagonal to the bottom shelf where you will have all 3 plants, just to the right, it might look kind of cohesive, like it is giving sun to the plants. Then I would put ONLY one round plate on the higher shelf as you have you brick with a busy pattern already. OR: another idea is to put the sun in the middle of the firebox just above it and the plate all alone on the lower right shelf and the 3 plants alone on the upper shelf. Put that cool african head on a table nearby.

I think you need something to offset the height of the top shelf, either something that trails down from the shelf, or something hanging under the shelf (sun?).

Here are my quick-look ideas:

Find planters that are the same size as the two shelves and put ivy or another plant that will trail down. However, lack of bright lighting and the heat from the fireplace may not be good for the plants.

For the shelf on the right, lean a large picture (portrait direction) on the shelf. Try for one that is almost as wide as the shelf and extends up to where the bricks change from horizontal to vertical. I like the idea of a round plate on the left side, but would look for a plate that is more - and I detest this cliche - more organic. Maybe something with some gray tones that go with the color of the mortar between the bricks.

Thanks, all, some great suggestions. Take a look at these pictures:

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

I'm inclined toward the second arrangement: I do like the plant hanging down, it seems to help the proportions. I could get a bigger vessel or basket and replace the faux with pothos or something. I like the African figure, but am beginning to think it's just too small for the mantel. Bigideaslittlefunds (me too!), the couches and accent colors in the pillows are green, not turquoise. I did buy a gorgeous art glass vase with swirls of blues and greens and aqua's that I'm planning to put out in spring.

I've got the sun hanging on dental floss rather than committing a nail to the brick or mortar. I have to see if any of those brick clips would fit to avoid holes.

Thanks, all! Any more ideas, keep 'em coming.

Use clear fishing line, you'll never see it.

At first I agreed 100% with teacats. Now that I see the last pic you just posted I really like what you have with one exception. The statue now looks too small. The plant is just not right size, shape, type. I think like teacats (again, agree with her) you need a dark plate or something on that top shelf. Also, I wonder if the plant across the top of the doorway to the right is distracting to the items on the mantel?? It is slowly coming together.

I like the last arrangement best! It a HUGE improvement! Good JOB!!!