Lanterns or nothing There is no reason to have anything on the mantle.

Would you be able to consider removing (walling inside and new siding outside) those two upper windows in line above the mantle?

I had a client with this issue and we found a mirror that fit over entire lower window. Turned out great! We put drapery on the lower windows and they put solar shades on the outside of all the windows for a uniform outer look and for sun control. Might try those ideas.

I’ve attached an example, not a perfect one but just to illustrate my idea. I’d buy or have made a stained glass piece to hang in that window with an equal amount of space on each side between the piece and the window frame. It would both filter beautiful light in and act as a picture above the mantle, and then maybe 3 clear or milky glass vases or objects to display in front.

Powered solar shades in all the windows if sun control needed. Long curtain panels on the side windows.

A possibility is an architectural salvage type item between the two windows directly over the fireplace then possibly plants on either side of fireplace in summer and wood logs in baskets on hearth in winter.

Thinking something like item shown over the door.

Wrought iron horizontal piece

Pieces of old structures

Wood pillars from India hung horizontally instead of vertically

Large scale items but a lot of possibilities.

I love that wall of windows ...but you are right ..it's a problem and you have to close that window up ! By hiding it with a mirror , as was suggested or , just simply by taking the window out and using it elsewhere in your house and putting a wall inside the open space ,..then You can do whatever you like ...hang a painting , a mirror ..or many photographs ...but don't use the mantle for those little tidbits of souvenirs ...that wall of window is too beautiful to put little things in top .
I would favor a lovely large painting ...but a mirror ....is such a good idea ....hmmmm!

Am I the only one wondering how that chimney is vented? Where does the smoke go???

Gas fireplace?

Larger items are always better. I would opt for tall candle sticks. Just keep in mind when you are selecting items to keep them more on the solid side then on the spindly side.

I love the prior suggestions about adding greenery. That will help soften the overly- consistent look of the windows.

I've read all the suggestions and questions. First, it is a gas fireplace (thus no chimney). I do not want or need to cover the windows. This wall of windows gets all the oohs and ahhhs in my home. There is nothing special about the view, so I planted tall plants in front of the lower windows to make it semi private without obstructing natural light. I love the windows. I get to feel like I'm right under the sky every day, whether or not I get outdoors. (Daytime pic attached.)

Totally agree that less is more. The "decorations" we're just thrown up there; I know they won't do. LOL. Love the idea of handing a stained glass pic in front of the window above the mantle. Might feel better about a bare mantle with that done. Otherwise, multi height pillars/vases/candles or something clustered together on each side of the mantle.

I also thought, perhaps, wooden shutters on the window (decorative, not functioning). Maybe a kind of shabby type on ea. end of the window ledge (the ledge is fairly deep).

Thank you all so much for your input! You have given me wonderful suggestions. (Feel free to keep them coming.). Now I at least have a starting point and some actual ideas to kick around. Thank you again.

Second the stained glass window "hanging" to bring color and interest. Both too country or rustic looking though.

Nothing too country.....

Don't even think of covering your windows! Beautiful!!!! I suggest that you "imagine" the window above your mantle is like a painting or a mirror and place items on the mantle, accordingly. I'd put three ginger jars of different sizes in blue and white (or an appropriate color) on the left side in a cluster. And on the right, two tall brass candlesticks with ivory candles in them. Done. Less is more!

Yeah, I don't want to cover them at all. But I like the idea of suspending a large stained glass panel inside the frame. I also like the pillar candle holders or lanterns. Unfortunately, the mantle is roughly 7" deep, and the moulding around the window protrudes about an inch out of the wall, thus reducing the usable depth of the mantle by another inch.

Getting these tips is really helpful!! Thank you all.