I love the idea of an interesting mirror hung over the mantle to reflect the light into the room with a black frame.
Candles in varying sizes, mercury glass balls and mercury candle holders.'
hope this helps.

I actually think your mantel already looks pretty nice. The paint color is beautiful. I would add a small green plant or flowers on the mantel and I like the idea that Linda suggested to add mercury glass candle holders or balls in varying sizes to give it a little sparkle. Also a small stack of leather books might also look nice. I like the affect of the big circle basket that you already have on your mantel as I think it is a nice counterpoint to all the rectangles that make up the moulding around the mantel. However, the basket may not work with mercury glass. More specific suggestions could be made if we could also see your style of furniture.

You could also try an inset of mirror as shown in this photo. You can go to any custom glass shop and they can cut a mirror to size, bevel it etc...



Other pics for inspiration

For a traditional look, pairing is always nice. I'd just center the bowl on the mantel and flank it with two identical vases. Like the one next to the bowl on the left. This traditional home has flanking topiarys..or you could do two hurricane style candle holders.

I would suggest some color. Try picking up some color from the room and find a decorating piece with that color on it to put ont the mantel. I would also suggest a 3 foot plant on the the floor beside the fireplace. It would be warm and cozy and get light from the window.

Thanks for all of your suggestions and for posting pictures. Here are some pictures of the living room to give you a better idea of my tastes/style. The end table and lamp will be replaced with something different at some point. My only concern about placing a mirror in the spot above the mantel is that it wouldn't reflect anything but a wall and the ceiling. I like the real simple approach. It looks really nice in the pictures.

This rug would look nice under the coffee table. : ) It will add some color and pattern and "funk". These birds are cute. But, I was actually thinking to leave the bowl there..but add two candlesticks (tall & medium) on the left.