The first one, of course, it matches the golden palette you're already using, the greenery looks good with the wall mounted antique gold framed mirror.

I agree - the first one.

The mirror is too big for the fireplace. It should be no wider than the mantle.

I was waiting for someone to comment on the mirror size. LOL. It's the same size as the mantel. I wanted it large. I had smaller and it seemed very ho hum. I've seen mirrors as large as the table/ mantel and liked the appearance. Here on Houzz, I saw a long rectangular mirror extend past the console table by a few inches on each side. It worked great in the room. I like this mirror size over my mantel. The scale works well with my 52" blue and white porcelain floor vase sitting in the corner on the opposite wall.

I think the mirror is too big also but since you are defending it, can you take a picture from far back so that we can see the rest of the scale of the room and then recast our vote?

The set up in the first photo suits the mantel.

The "vote" is for which mantel. The mirror is not in the equation. LOL Thanks for the help everyone!

I like the second one, but I’m always going to choose blue and white if it’s an option.

Honestly I think the end objects are fine but the book and small gold thing don’t look like decor, they look like things you just walked in the door and laid there for convenience. I think you need something taller in the middle.

It's an antique compass and a whales tooth on the book. I have lots of collectables. I was wondering how varying sizes of blue and white would look. It's only a 38" mantel so It wouldn't hold much. I could try some more arrangements with taller items all the way across. Thanks.

I prefer the second option with blue and white. I know you know the mirror is too big, it is. This is your space, do what you want and be happy! That's the most important thing, make yourself happy!! Enjoy and have a good weekend!

They are both lovely, but I prefer the second. I really like the look of the blue against the white mantle.

Are the flowers in the bowl in the second photo real? If not, would you mind sharing what they are and where they are from? Gorgeous!

I like the blue and white. But definitely not a designer or expert.

I know the mirror is big. It's not an accident. I wanted it this size. If I thought it was too big, I'd replace it. I had a smaller mirror there and did not like it. I'll replace this one if and when I decide I don't like it. For now, I like it's "presence."

Almost as large as mine. LOL

I love this huge round mirror!

I think I like the blue. It repeats the other blue and white pieces in the room and adds a contrasting color to the mantel. The flowers in the bowl are silk magnolias. I purchased them online at Pier 1 imports.

The first one looks more office, the second looks more kitchen.

I vote for blue and white.

I prefer the top one because it coordinates with the mirror. However, if you like the blue one, go with the blue one! It's important that your space reflects what you like, not some people on an app. Also, I love the large mirror. I'm not sure why people would comment on it and criticize it though, because it's not even a part of the question lol. Hope this was helpful in some way!

You can do both! Switch out whenever. I love both but would like a real plant in the first one.

Molly Ross - I'd give you a heart instead of a "like" if I could. Thanks for your comment.

Aw no prob!

Another vote for the first look.....wish we could see more of this interesting room.

Alicefoley, I am sorry that happened to you. I hope your space turned out how you wanted! This fireplace mantel isn't a big deal. I thought it'd be fun to hear people's opinions which looked nicer. Of course, some people have to ruin it for the poster. I am deleting any comments unrelated to my question. The purpose is not for me to defend my fireplace, mirror, room, or choices. Just a simple answer to my post. Thanks for your kind opinion.

FYI - A while back, I posted pictures of my 13' x 15' office asking for opinions on how to redecorate it. I've redecorated it and know from that previous experience that people would critique and discuss everything about my office, and not my mantel. I put up with the mean comments in my prior post because I did ask for help with the entire room. I'm not posting pictures now because I don't want to encourage opinions about my office as a whole, just the mantel. Thanks.

The first photo, but maybe with a taller plant to bring the eye up higher along the mirror.

I like them both! Do you like to switch things up periodically—best of both!

I like your inspiration photo with the gold sunburst mirror and black candles flanking your fireplace surround. Maybe put symmetrical tall pieces on either side of the fireplace to visually widen it?

I love the mirror. Where did you find it if you don't mind me asking?

If the giant mirror has to stay, go with the blue and eliminate the book and whalebone thingy. Most of the photos with the big mirrors you posted all have simple, limited additional items. IMHO that is the look you want.

You have lovely blue/ white bowls! In your inspiration photos, the items on the mantel are tall enough to reach up to the mirror so they relate the mirror to the mantel. And in your original post, the ship sails reached past the bottom of the mirror. Therefore, I think the bowl on right needs something tall in it like a big tropical leaf, or needs books under it to make bowl higher.

I like the last option much better than the book/bone thingy :) I would have voted for the first because I think the colors tie together with the mirror better. But I always love blue. I agree that maybe something taller would be a nice balance with your controversial mirror lol!