Hi there!

If you could attach a picture that would help get the brainstorming started!

Oh sorry I thought I did

will try again

My fireplace

A mirror can surely look nice but I prefer something more interesting.

I like the wreath but it needs a bigger one.

I agree if using a wreath it would look better larger.

I’m partial to a large painting or print propped against the mantel.

Well first of all, I have to comment on the pictures jalarse posted - those mantels! Those ships! All that amazing millwork! And the extent of the themes down to the whimsical oars! The work of some true artists there - I really enjoyed those pictures.

This one was a toughie for me! I’m just going to ask and throw it out there - you can completely ignore me, but are you considering painting the brick? I only ask because I think the color of the brick is a bit hard to determine in pictures and the walls (and light at night) give it a strong yellow cast. With it going all the way to the ceiling it certainly makes itself known in the room. Not a bad thing by any means (I promise I don’t always want to paint brick), but I think paint would allow for art or the mirror to be the main focus of the mantel instead of the brick. Ok! Off my paint box...

I think as you suggested, a mirror would look lovely. I think we all have a tendency to try to fill such a tall space but as long as the mirror is wide enough and the accessories large enough in scale, we can keep the decor close to the mantel while maintaining a full, finished, and proportional look.

I mocked up a simple, symmetrical look - this mirror is from Ballard Designs “select-a-size” collection as your fireplace can definitely handle a large, wide mirror. A chunkier frame will keep it from disappearing into the sea of brick. The hurricanes are the London hurricanes from Crate & Barrel and they are affordable and come in multiple sizes. The largest and second largest sizes will look best.

These accessories can be built upon based on the season and/or holiday so you can hang your wreath from a grosgrain ribbon on the mirror and fill the hurricanes with whatever seasonal accoutrement strike you.

And I threw in some linen roman shades from pottery barn to give the windows a more finished look.

Hopefully that helps inspire you to find the items that best speak to you for the space.

Oh! And those cutie pies on the mantel would look great front and center on a table a bit lower - like side or end table.

Have fun decorating!

Thanks for all the ideas!
I purchased a mirror this weekend