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michelle_defriez

Does this mantle decor look good?

4 years ago

I am trying for a clean minimalist look for my mantel decor arrangement. Does it look balanced, should I buy more black candlesticks, is it lacking anything, does the pot and branches look ok?


Comments (46)

  • 4 years ago

    Well balanced!

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    How a mantle is accessorized is not easy. The mirror’s style and size are not great and items don’t relate well to each other. Hope inspiration below helps and there are a ton of pictures on Pinterest.



  • 4 years ago

    I would replace mirror with art.

  • 4 years ago

    I think the mirror could be fine, lowered… and painted black to match the piano, or the white to match the fireplace surround. Take that little framed item off. Try out a few other choices of vases to see how it looks.

  • 4 years ago

    This feels close, but I think the mirror and little picture throws it off. I agree with a previous comment that the mirror size, shape and color are not the best with this grouping. I love the pot and plant and the candle sticks. Almost there!

  • 4 years ago

    You’re close! I agree that the mirror you have should be lowered a couple of inches. Ideally, I’d go for a gold or antique brass framed large round mirror to break up all the square. Remove the tiny print and on the others side, find a slightly shorter pot/vase for some not so tall greenery.

  • 4 years ago

    I agree with painting the mirror frame black to match the piano, and lowering the mirror a few inches. Then, scootch items "in" a bit so that they overlap slightly with the mirror. Love the pot and branches and the simplistic candlesticks - and think the small picture will look better once the mirror frame is painted. Nice!

  • 4 years ago

    I think the main problem w that mirror is the chunky, heavy frame, same mirror with a daintier frame would look better (to me) I think tho the composition is balanced and modern. I like @Maureen s suggestions.

  • 4 years ago

    Agree art would be nice. Lower the mirror as Maureen’s examples show with the mirror and art. Remove the small frame, and group the candlesticks with the shortest or tallest in the center.

  • 4 years ago

    Everyone has an opinion and most are well thought out and graciously given. The bottom line in any of these design dilemmas is whether whatever it is works for you and your family. Use what you love and what means something to you. It’s your home.

  • 4 years ago

    Looks very well balanced, so much so that in my opinion it looks cookie cutter. Try to find some more interesting, artistic/crafted items to display on the mantle, something unique. Don’t have to do all at once, but buy things that inspire you. Unfortunately what you have there now could have been bought in the Christmas Tree shop (not saying you did). This is just my opinion.

  • 4 years ago

    It looks lovely!

  • 4 years ago

    Looks lovely! The only thing I would do is move the pot with the branches just slightly more over toward the mirror.

  • 4 years ago

    It looks great. No need to change anything.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    You could recreate movement with paintings of different proportions. Or keep the mirror but with a white frame that gives amplitude to the room.


  • 4 years ago

    FS Studio suggestion for a white frame on the mirror is a cool idea considering all the white trim you have in your room. (Just looking at my mantle though I have the exact opposite - a massive chunky dark framed mirror in a room with white trim lol - each to her/his own.)

  • 4 years ago

    I would remove the frame and move the candles and plant a little over towards the mirror.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Ya, it might be the mahogany frame on that mirror that is bugging everyone lol. The glossy piano is inspiration. I like Angel 18432's idea to remove the frame or get a massive mirror in a black frame (not glossy) to pair with the piano (clearly the piano is the star of this part of your beautiful home).

  • 4 years ago

    Good start! Plant and candlesticks are well balanced. Yes, the dark wood frame on the mirror is what is throwing off the clean minimalist composition.

    Consider large black and white photography or modern abstract art to pair with your existing art.

    Add more white ceramics to the white plant pot. Layering simple like-color items will enhance the look you are going for.







  • 4 years ago

    On 2nd look, the mirror might look better vertically, leaning against the wall.

    We need a peek of the whole room to see if this would work.


  • 4 years ago



  • 4 years ago

    Thank you so much for all your comments. I really needed that extra inspiration and guidance to help me with this mantel. I am replacing the mirror and found a beautiful more modern mirror at Kirklands!


  • 4 years ago

    I will also add more black and white art work, too. When it is all put together, I will post updates.

  • 4 years ago

    Love your mirror!

  • 4 years ago

    Looks so much better.

    Michelle thanked Angel 18432
  • 4 years ago

    What a difference your new mirror has made. Lovely!

  • 4 years ago

    Looks fabulous!!!


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Wow, very nice!

  • 4 years ago

    So much better! The mirror is beautiful. Please hang the mirror (don't lean it).

  • 4 years ago

    It looks awesome! Nice job!

  • 4 years ago

    I think the layering of the picture and the mirror looks nicer with the mirror leaning. If the mirror was hung, you kind of lose the look.

  • 4 years ago

    The new mirror is a game-changer. Looks so much better!

  • 4 years ago

    Perfect

  • 4 years ago

    In a word, Yes

  • 4 years ago

    Have you given any thought to painting the tile? I painted ours white and the transformation was amazing, but black might suit yours better. Hope this helps.


  • 4 years ago

    I love @Maureen’s idea to paint the tile!

  • 4 years ago

    The weight and soft shape of the new mirror works so nicely with the plant and candlesticks. yes, maybe hang it just a few inches above the mantle— not as high as the prev. mirror was.

    really pretty look!

  • 4 years ago

    I have thought of painting the tiles black or white. What type of paint do you recommend to paint over tiles?

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Looks great but leaning a mirror not a stable or safe way to display unless you have brackets attached to mantle to prevent bottom from moving forward and off.

  • 4 years ago

    I love your new mirror, but I think it should be hung about 4" above the mantel. It would help to see the height of your ceilings, with regard to the mirror/FP. If you have high ceilings, that mirror may be too small for the space; if they are not excessively high, then the mirror will be fine, especially if you hang it above the FP a little. I would love to see the rest of the room, too; I love to see a piano in a room!

  • 4 years ago

    Depending on what other colors you have in the rest of the room, it might be best to leave the fireplace tiles alone. It appears you have beige/tan walls and carpeting, which work with the current tile color. If you choose to paint, I think black will work best.

  • 4 years ago

    Black,paint for the tiles.

  • 4 years ago

    Question for the experts: If the fireplace tile is painted black, is the floor tile also painted black?

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I probably wouldnt paint it either, the tan tiles match the flooring in her home. To me, the way it is looks transitional, and well balanced. Enlarging the black hole just adds visual weight to me. Also, just not a fan of tile painting.

  • 4 years ago

    I decided not to paint the tiles. I am going to leave the fireplace as is. I am still waiting on my furniture for this room that I ordered back in October from LazyBoy! They are still waiting on the chips for two of my reclining chairs and couch.