two... definitely

you might try if lieu of the vase if you like one on one side and two on the other.

I vote for just the two.

Though I would like the vase to be a little larger. Are you planning to add anything else to the mantle? When decorating mantles I like the "cantaloupe" rule, basically keeping a few large items instead of many little ones (limit any items smaller than a cantaloupe)

Also, I would consider keeping the largest candlestick and second largest and ditching the little one.

I feel the vase is lost......blends in too much not showing up well against the darker wall. In person it may look completely different though!

I'd move the vase in a little and put the biggest candle holder next to and behind it.

I love your choice of candle holders with the painting.

It is not balanced. In decorating you always decorate in 1's, 3's or 5's. Your scale is not right from the candles to the vase. I would get smaller candle holders. Less is always more

Two

The vase may need a stand to raise it a bit it looks kind of squatty but a nice piece. The candle sticks are rather large for this application. Reducing to two vs three would be helpful

I suggest you remove the vase. Leave the 2 smaller candles holders on one side. Add the 3rd candleholder on the opposite side.

The candleholders should overlap the art somewhat.

I also suggest lowering the art.

Unfortunately the mantle is not wide enough. Thanks/

Try one on one side and two on the other for grins and post if you are inclined and think this is an option for you. Otherwise you might pick something that stands out a bit in a vase vs. the darker and a bit taller as mentioned above.

You can place the smaller of the three on one side and place them upon 2 smallish scale books so they fit on the mantle you said is narrow... doesn't matter at all if a candle stick is a bit in front of the piece of art. If you have a couple of books that fit try it with the smallest on the left!

Photo for inspiration.

if you can return the other vase it if it new or relocate to a table top:

I personally am not a fan of putting candles on a fireplace mantle. It's like why would you do that ... you already have a huge candle (ie, the fire) right below it. I think art and interesting decorative objects make more sense. In your case, i would hang that picture a little lower. And then go to Home Goods and get yourself a couple of interesting pieces that are skinny/thin enough to fit on that mantle. If you're going to do vases, fine, then get several in varying heights and balance them on either side of the painting.

I'm concerned if I hang the picture lower that would leave a huge empty space above as these are cathedral ceilings and at least 18ft high. Thoughts?

I was also thinking the vase should be a lighter color than something darker. Thoughts?

I selected the one above as it is a silver tone at the top and is darker it appears than what you have....

You can do virtually any vase.... yet I would try to stay away from a shape similar to the candle sticks.

You might not be able to get you head around something as such. Yet it would look very nice.

If you were to start over, I would recommend a higher piece of art (one that reaches almost to the ceiling. So, if you are willing to change out the art, that is my recommendation.

If you are not willing to change out the art, then I would lower it to about 2" above the mantle.

Once you have decided on art, you can then choose accents.

A photo from farther away from the mantle would be helpful. Thanks.

Yes, that would be helpful as well as the width of the mantle as you say it's too narrow when given options. What you have is fine yet on the other side you need to pick a piece that is different.... white coral can look very elegant. It doesn't mean you have to have a coastal theme at all.

Thanks for all of the suggestion. The coral is an interesting idea since we live in a beach community. As far as the art, my wife would kill me if I touched that picture so that has to stay. But thanks for the suggestions. God stuff.

Here is the rest of the room for a better perspective. Both sofas are Stickley Broadway, and a Stickley Recliner.

That's a beautiful space! I would consider putting nothing on the mantle. The room is simple with clean lines.

What a beautiful living room! I especially love the Stickley recliner! I would suggest keeping two candles on one corner of the artwork and opting for a taller item, on the opposing side. The corner that currently shows the blue vase could use some additional height. One option would be a taller vase with simple foliage inside of it, for additional height. I also like the idea of adding in some coral pieces for texture. Good luck on your project!

[20" Tall Vase[(https://www.houzz.com/products/global-views-ovoid-vase-celestial-prvw-vr~20580545?lid=9501013)

Very pretty room I love it... you can get white or silver sea fans on stands and or interesting beautiful shells on stands as well if you prefer the height!

Here is a design of ours. Consider using just the two candles like you see in the photo below.

Family Equestrian Estate · More Info