My mother was always fabulous at decorating the mantle! She would always have a theme - by color or subject. How about putting removable wallpaper on the wall behind these items? I'd love to see a lot of color here (if that goes with your style). What other colors do you have in this room? Do you have an inspiration item, such as a piece of fabric, accessory, or wall decor that you love?

Good idea. There is just white shiplap behind there and I think I would like that to stay; however, I do agree that I do need to add more color. My walls are repose grey and my curtains in the room is gray. The over all dining room is of a farm style feel with dark olive chairs

Pretty mantelpiece. I would not use those arched pieces though. They're too busy and don't convey anything of your own personal style. I would instead hang nicely, but simply, framed artwork on both sides; pieces that are large enough to have an impact and definitely artwork that means something to you. Could be photographs, paintings, prints -- whatever you gravitate towards ... but those faux "architectural" pieces really fight with your clean, lovely lines.

What about layering some art that is about 2/3 the size of the arched pieces in front of them and then putting the lanterns together on the other side. I'll look for pictures to demonstrate this. Your arches and lanterns are too similar and need something else to make them interesting.

This but not a clock.

I agree with IdaClaire regarding some framed art. Simple and nice. Mantels always seem nicer to me with less.

I have those same lanterns in various sizes...8" to 32" tall. I've really enjoyed them. :-)

These are different styles of mantels, but they're simplicity looks calming.