I am sorry to report that I think it is way, way, way too busy. The eye has nowhere to rest.

Looks nice. Here are a few minor tweaks I might try. Only have one white vase with foliage on the mantel (on the right). The three other objects on the left in a line of tallest (on the outside) to shortest on the inside (and the shortest a bit under the mirror). Second from the bottom shelf on the right side - I'd move the tall object on the right 2-3" to the left. Bottom shelf on the left, I'd place the middle and right object as a pair about 1/3 of the way in from the right side.

Yes, too busy. There is too much action going on in the mirror frame. Why not empty the shelves and style them with 1/3 books, 1/3 large decor, 1/3 open space. Then add art above the mantel. It should be no wider than the firebox and should have its bottom frame 3-5" above the mantel.

Love your room and mantel, but I feel like you have too much going on...too many objects. Since you already have a lot on the shelves, I would consider keeping the wall above the mantel very simple with a large piece of art and nothing more as suggested MarleneM. I love your subtle colors in the room-would try to find a contemporary painting that ties those subtle colors together.

Some fabric ideas to possibly soften the room and connect some of your accessories to your seating surfaces..... Fabric samples from ARKfabric.com are twice the size of an Ipad.

You've got some great objects on the shelves - my eye is especially drawn to the beautiful blue glass. Try a larger, but simpler piece of art on the wall above the mantle. Then keep the mantle free of other sculptures or knick-knacks. Look for a piece that draws colors from the objects you already have on the shelves. Something simple and abstract would look really great as a contrast to the details of what's happening on the shelves!

When creating an arrangement or vignette like this, I find it helpful to think of it in layers. The first layer would be the back layer: what you are going to hang on the wall. Depending on what you select for that back layer will then determine what you put on the actual mantel. (I almost always do gorgeously framed mirrors over the mantel, mainly because I like to change up what I have on the mantel and a mirror will go with anything.) Regarding how high to hang the picture or mirror, to be visually connected to the mantel, it should be no more than 12" above the mantel, and preferably only 6" above. (for people that are accustomed to hanging stuff too high, this can look shocking at first) However, let me say that if you are going to have a large piece of something sitting on the mantel, then the mirror etc. could be a little higher, but for sure the bottom of the mirror must be lower than the top of item sitting on the mantel!

I have a few posts on creating different looks for the same mantel: HometoCottage.com Mantels

Then for the actual arrangement of items that are sitting on the mantel, I think the key will be how to make it look balanced but not too symmetrical, given the strong symmetry already present with the flanking bookshelves. I have several posts written on how to create a visually appealing vignette: HometoCottage.com Secrets on Creating Vignettes

I liked the example abstract that MarleneM posted above -- wanted to add that I'd put a dark frame around whatever you find, to help tie to the kitchen cabinetry. I guess you already had that idea with your dark mirror frame, but I agree with others that it's all too much.

You don't need to sweat Finding The Perfect Art Work -- start at a poster shop, where they usually have bazillions, and get something that's a decent size and has colors you like, and then get it framed. You can spend the next few years browsing art fairs or whatever for something you truly love, but meantime you can get something appealing that can hold its own in the space... (horizontal is most important -- it's ok to have blank space above the art when you hang it.)

Also, once you have this piece of art, try to go for six months without putting anything further into that space. Then maybe one or two asymmetric pieces...

Cypresschik, typically for art above a fireplace, you want it about as wide/big as the black firebox but in your case, you also have the tile rectangle within the hearth/trim rectangle. Just curious, what is the diameter of the mirror (largest diameter, point to point)?

greatbigcanvas.com is a great place to order large art from. I just ordered a 35x35" canvas and with the coupon code always provided on their first screen, it was $180. It arrived beautifully stretched and ready to hang. I couldn't have been more pleased. I think a square size might be perfect for your space, in either the 35" square or the 48" square. How wide is the rectangle formed by your tile around the firebox and how wide is your black firebox? Art is a very personal choice, but here are a few I saw on that site that might work in your room.

I also wanted to bring a picture of your room in to see if the colors of any of those look right.

I think 2, 4, and 5 could look very nice with your colors. I think 3 has too much yellow/gold and 1 might not be the right style. I really like #5.

I also love art by Caroline Gold (this one from art.com) but pieces by her might all be too horizontal or too vertical to nicely fit your space.

One more and also wanted to take a second look at #5 next to your room, since I like #5 a lot.

Add Zgallerie to that list too. It seems nice art is easy to find these days.

If your budget allows, working with a local artist to commission a piece could be a wonderful option to get a piece of art that truly complements your space. Many artists will work with you to decide color, design, proportion, etc. There are a lot of ways to find original artwork without blowing your budget - do a preliminary search of artists in your area (or any that you really admire) and then inquire about what they would be able to make for the budget you have in mind. Keep an open mind and let them guide you - these are the visual experts!

You may want to consider painting the back of the bookcases in a gr

color just to get some depth.

What about a large metal clock

Nailed it! The room is gorgeous.

I'd lower the mirror to 5" above the mantel and you're done!

On all but the top shelves I'd scoot the outer items in toward the center a little bit. Right now those items look like they are nearly touching the sides of the shelves. And, then on both sides - on the second shelf from the bottom (where there are just two items or groups), I'd have those be beneath the empty space on the shelf above (the space between the left and center item and the space between the right and center items). This way the shelf decor will look more staggered and balanced.

Wow, cypresschik! Looks great. Love the addition of your curtains. They really warm the space up and complete it!

I'd use your plates on the top shelves and get 3-5 more in a variety of sizes and hang those on the wall over the fireplace, filling the entire space. 3-d art!

This thread is rather old, so not sure if the poster is still visiting it.