The pic is too narrow for the fireplace, needs to be at least as wide a the firebox, can be as wide as the mantle posts. The lamps make it hard to see the painting, I'd remove them. If the current painting must stay over the fireplace, it can be part of an overall composition with a couple of substantial accessories that coordinate, with the totality odds the composition extending to at least the width of the fire box or brick surround.

Just saw this earlier today. How to Style a Mantel

Okramar, do you mean accessories on the mantel or something like sconces on the wall? If accessories on mantel, what kind?

I would get the art work framed so that has a presence on the mantle

The painting could work if it was placed in a wide frame, and mounted just above the mantle. For the bookcases, try to use them for function as well. Books on the lower shelves for the 7 year old, rectangular baskets to hold smaller items, etc. Bigger is better. Keep the hearth clear. The pear would look better on a shelf.

Love the fireplace

Agree that the art should be framed and with not putting lamps on mantle - doesn't help art work. The pear would look better on the mantle by the art. There is a lot of white so consider painting the back of the book cases a deep color, I love green and white together and that would pick up some color from the art. Agree also with going with a few big decor items like the pear and green pitcher as opposed to lots of little stuff and BOOKS on the book case. Try clustering the family photos together instead of one per shelf and not so many small gold frames but consider wider black frames.

Calidesign and Cctuttle, framing the picture is something to consider. Good idea to put books for children's books on lower shelf. We will try the other suggestions, too. Pear on mantel or shelf sound like "look good" ideas. Will try both places and post pictures. Are you saying NO books on shelves? Will try photos placed together instead of spread apart. Big items do have more impact. The bookcases make the room appear more casual. It is on the back of the home but isn't the family room. Thank you so much for offering ideas. If you have any others, please post. Thank you.

Kelly, thank you about the mantel. There is another like it in the family room. That one wasn't hard to add items to at all. Probably because the room is furnished and is open to breakfast room which is also furnished, the two rooms have a more finished look. They are also very bright rooms because two walls are solid windows.

I like the look of books on book shelves

The painting is beautiful. There is really no right or wrong way to do any of this.... so much of it is about personal style and preference. I believe a fireplace mantle is a sacred place, and it's very special to have a beautiful painting done by a friend, to grace it.

I actually like the way that the painting is set/positioned, unframed - on the mantle; I think this complements the style and feel of the piece. The painting has great presence. I also like the idea of lamps on either side. I would bring in some taller lamps... either some interesting hurricanes, or some interesting vintage art deco style lamps... to that effect...

Something along these lines proportionally, etc.... (Can click to enlarge.)

As far as the bookcases: I think I would use less framed items and put a few more of my books there. Along with that, I would bring in a couple of substantial glass pieces... probably vases.. in blue and green - to complement the art. Perhaps one significant blue glass vase placed on one of book shelves on left side, and a green vase on one of the shelves on right... something to that effect. I would keep it all somewhat minimal.... sort of let the fireplace and art take center stage.

It's a beautiful space. I hope some of these thoughts are helpful. All the best.

The painting is not large enough for the wall. The lamps are not right on the mantle. They attract attention away from the painting. I have placed sconces on either side of the painting to fill out the area. I would install a linear picture light ABOVE the picture to highlight it.

Here is the type of the picture light I recommend.

I have no decor advise as I seek help myself. I just had to say...that is a beautiful painting!! It is so lovely in your daughter's wonderful home no matter where it is displayed.

My daughter and I both agree that the lamps should be taller. The picture is very pretty in person. Daughter is going to a favorite shop to look for some larger accessories for higher shelves and keep books on lower or second shelves from bottom. She is also going to try the pear and green pitcher (that is currently on one of the shelves) on the mantel.
If taller lamps do not look right, she will look for wall sconces. Beverly, I am going to get her a light to hang over the top of the painting. Just did not think of that but have always liked how they looked highlighting a piece of art. Thank you each and every one for your suggestions. You have made wonderful suggestions. Leigh will post pictures when she has made some of the changes. Thank you again.

Here are various mantle designs from our design portfolio. Perhaps it will help to look through them?

Donna, it looks like a lovely home from the photos. One of many things I've learned here on Houzz is to keep about 1/3 of the book shelf space open. Just seems to have a better look and feel when less is more.

Beautiful home. Congratulations. One small suggestion: the shelves in the bookcases would look better if the shelves were aligned on each side.

Chloebud, do you mean 1/3 of the total shelves or 1/3 of each shelf.

Still very thankful for all of the suggestions. We read each one and talk about them. Getting some great ideas.

Their home is beautiful, but it's a lot to decorate, and they have to decorate on a budget. Thank y'all.

Bayberry Cottage, love the first mantel. Thank you for taking the time to post.

Donna, it would be 1/3 of the total. You just need some open space to add 'calmness' to it all. After doing it myself, I've seen what a difference it can make.

I would just like to see the outlets hidden. If the picture is framed out to be larger and left leaning it would cover the outlets.

I would not do sconces. You'll get the same kind of harsh light that you have with the lamps. Do a single picture light over the artwork. Adding sconces is overkill.

Agree about sconces and that a picture light will enhance the art. Like the wire basket in pic above. Unframed artwork can be very pleasing but in this setting the art needs something to give it stature and a real presence to balance it against the visual weight of the fireplace with all the stone and black insert void. That is partly why the wire basket looks good. It is dark but doesn't take away from the art. Consider resting the unframed art in a solid base like a block of wood painted black for visual weight. Imagine the green vase behind a wire basket like the one pictured and the gold pear to the right with a picture light above and you will begin to get the drama you need to make the art a focal point.

grover's looks great.

Hi Donna,

I agree with several other comments that what you need is balance and proportion. Your painting can work, but it needs to be visually balanced with other pieces instead of making it dead center on the mantel.

Consider adding sconces to the fireplace instead of placing lamps on the mantel. Your bookshelves need more visual weight, maybe add some large books stacked or leaning, a vase of florals, or other art objects.

Grover, I love what you suggested. Leigh (daughter) has objects that are very similar to those in your post. Thank you and thank you again. I am going to call her tonight and have her to arrange like yours and post picture.

What a great jumping off space! Does your daughter have a HomeGoods, Marshall's or TJMaxx nearby? They often have nice accessories for less than you'd pay most anywhere else.

Info mom, yes she does and takes advantage of it:)

Indomom, I typed "f" instead of "d". That was a mistake.