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simonebum

Fireplace Mantel Decor

4 years ago

I am looking for a way to decorate my mantle just to make it look put together. What are some items that you think would work well? I bought the two vases pictures today but I’m not sure how I feel about them. I cannot change the brick or the mantel so I need idea based around the way it is now. Thank!!!

Comments (14)

  • 4 years ago

    Those vases look fantastic on your mantle, they just need more room to breathe. Try starting them 12" away from the wall so they are somewhat close to the middle of the fireplace. And leave a few inches between them. I would not put much else on the mantel. You don't want to crowd it.


    Are you committed to keeping the lantern and other items to the right of the fireplace? I think it makes the space look a little crowded.

  • 4 years ago

    I'd try moving the vases or whatever focal point you settle on to the right side. As pictured, they draw attention to the grouping of switches and panels on the adjacent wall.

  • 4 years ago

    ^Yes, the vases need to be moved from the switches/panels. I agree with Kendrah regarding the hearth items looking a bit crowded.

    I think simple is key with most mantels and hearths. You have pattern in the stone that puts more emphasis on simple IMO. My own choice might be just some art with nothing else. You don't have to hang the art. It can lean against the stone.

    This is an example of art on a stone fireplace. However, this mantel looks longer than yours. In your case, I'd just go with the art. Something about 2/3 to full size of the firebox opening. Nothing else.


  • 4 years ago

    I will move them over. I am not committed to keeping the other items. I agree with you that it shouldn’t look crowded. Do you think I should add some sort of extremely minimal greenery to the vases?

  • 4 years ago

    Without seeing the rest of the room to know your style: I would get a large piece of art. It should be about the size of the fire box. Lok for reasonably priced art on minted.com; greatbigart.com; art.com. Items look better in 3's so if you could find a 3rd vase similar to the 2 you have that would look really nice. Then I would not put anything on the hearth, it will be too cluttered looking.

  • 4 years ago

    Simone, jck has a good suggestion if you keep the vases...get a 3rd. You really don't need the vases (or anything else) if you find some art you like.

    We're all different when it comes to mantel and hearth decor. Bottom line is what looks good to YOU.

  • 4 years ago

    So this is some of the rest of the space with new furniture that I just got. I’m waiting on a couple more pieces to come in. I love the idea of getting another vase which I can probably do if I get back to Homegoods tomorrow. Which additional size vase would you suggest that I get?

  • 4 years ago

    Hmmm, seeing this photo makes me think just the art for the mantel with no vases.

  • 4 years ago

    Any ideas for the console table on the back wall behind the couch? I was thinking of doing a gallery wall of family photos above it.

  • 4 years ago

    Why do you have the back of the sectional to the FP? Hard to tell but it doesn't look like you have room for a console table and "a few more pieces"

  • 4 years ago

    I'm sorry to digress from your question - but is there any option to relocate some or all of the electrical items away from the mantle? If not, maybe you'd find a color here that might make some of them less prominent. It's hard to tell what your wall color is.....

    https://www.leviton.com/en/renusupsup

    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lutron-Claro-Single-Pole-Bluestone-Compatible-with-LED-Rocker-Light-Switch/50399798



  • 4 years ago

    I’m not looking to relocate anything at this time. The sectional is positioned the way it is because of the shape of the room and where the tv is. When I say a few more pieces I’m referring to a couple of throw pillows, and ottoman and two benches that slide completely underneath the table in the back.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    This makes so much more sense to me seeing the whole picture. Now I understand why all of the light switches are so close to the fireplace. And knowing that the fireplace is not the focus of the room but just in the background really makes a difference.

    I would just do the two vases you have now and that is it. If you are doing a gallery wall of family photos above the back console table, you are going to have a lot of focal areas in this room and I think you need to not have more going on with the fireplace area than you already do. The vases are the prefect color and height. You nailed it. Now move on to focusing on the console area.

    You said maybe benches that slide under the table in the back. When they are pulled out, where in the room would you put them for more seating?

    Just for kicks I'd try removing the yellow planters, the fireplace hearts, and the items on the floor by the fireplace, then stand back and take a pic of the room. I think you will find that the vases you have look great and are enough.

    I agree that it would look nice to color match some of the light switches near the fireplace so they blend into the wall.


    Beautiful sofa by the way.

  • 4 years ago

    Thank you for your input. What color frames would you suggest for the gallery wall? I am definitely removing the planters from the table. They are there from Christmas. Just forgot to put them away.