Why do you have the cedar over the fireplace. It really looks out of place. I would have carried the stone all the way up.

If I were doing it over, I'd have a reclaimed wood mantel and the stone would go all the way up. But for now, it is what it is.

I like the cedar! How about a decorative mirror.

I like the idea of a mirror. How large? What shape? What style? What kind of frame?

What about adding a canvas of a family photo. Would add some personal touch to the space. Canvas is popular.

I think the wood is lovely and really suits your room..I wouldn't put anything there but would find a really nice piece for the mantel.

A salvaged architectural piece would be interesting. The clock thing is way overdone.

Detail Woodworks: I like the idea of a family photo on canvas. I don't know that I have one that would be suitable for the space. Maybe it's time to take some new ones.

Leelee: Can you give me some guidelines for selecting an appropriate salvaged architectural piece?

jacksplash: I learned recently that "mantelscaping" is quite an art. This is a pretty large mantel, which would need several well-curated pieces.

Yes it can be tricky...maybe something like this which still leaves your lovely wood exposed? It doesn't have to be this design ..

How about a mirror like this?

City Homes · More Info

A portrait seems a little tacky and outdated. I would definitely go with an art piece.

I agree! I think a large rectangular mirror would look really nice.

What search words would I use if I were looking online for a mirror like the one in Margo's photo or a wall sculpture like the one jacksplash posted?

I just put in metal sculpture for over fireplace..Margos one,maybe architectural mirror? ..here's another idea..may not be your style but I will post it ,see what you think? I also thought the accessories on the fireplace looked nice.

I like that one a lot, jacksplash. It echoes the windows that flank the fireplace. I'm also taken by the accessories shown. And I know that there's nothing accidental about their selection or placement. It looks like this one.

Eagan Multipanel Large Mirror, 44 x 55", Bronze Finish · More Info

Try this;)

http://www.christopherguy.com/details_search.php?idt_product=2097&finish_id=101&idt_tag=40&idt_tag_child=0-44

Thanks, Margo!

At your service Madam;))

I like the angled pattern of the cedar above the rectangular, horizontal brick and the contrast in texture and lines. Since the room appears to be dark, I would suggest a large mirror framed in metallic gold or silver to bring brightness into the space. I would suggest a mirror that can be centered with about eight inches of cedar exposed on each side of the mirror. I also would suggest placing a small lamp on each side of the mirror for more light and perhaps keeping the turquoise accents you already have and like so much.

This post is 7 years old!!!!

It may interest shirlpp to know I have l lived in my current home since 1978, and I still have not been able to fix everything I wanted to change. Maybe the poster still is in the same home, for all anyone knows. Also, even if the post is seven years old, the suggestions may help someone else with the same design dilemma.

I'm still in the same home, and I still have the same fireplace. I've accessorized the mantel differently since that early photo, but I've yet to find a truly suitable solution. Maybe I'm just a timid shopper, or maybe I don't trust my sense of design. I've visited several shops specializing in architectural salvage pieces, but haven't found anything that really resonates.