Agreed, vertical but hung higher.

Vertical, hung higher. Will give lift to the room.

Just wanted to say thanks...that's a great way to assess how a shape would work and I wouldn't have thought of it!

I think the fireplace is awsome as it is. Maybe it will be too much the art work with the rocks. But can you give us an example what colors or theme you want to put on?

If you need artwork, try Etsy.com. Just input what you are interested in in the search engine. I have a photography shop, nancyhehmann. Can customize size and media. Photography looks great on Canvas and I work with nationally recognized photo labs. You can chat with each "shop owner" too easily on the site with questions

Vertical but keep the piece no wider than the fireplace opening. Hang it about 5 or 6 inches above the mantel. It doesn't need to be too tall or it will dwarf the fireplace and make it look top-heavy.

A wall sculpture could work instead of a painting and might stand up to the rock better than a lot of paintings.

you don't really need to put anything there. it looks really nice without :) But I know it's tempting :) Have you considered maybe a simple arrangement of a vase with dried branches or flowers? Since you have windows to either side and you will have the fire, it seems like that's all you need (and a bowl of popcorn) :)

I know art is not necessary but I love art! So for me I need something over the fireplace. I'm looking at several different abstract seascapes with teal and cream colors. My husband wants the family portrait up there but I would rather put it on the wall coming into the family room.

Vertical kept within the visual footprint of the fire box.

Some of the artwork I'm considering...

Subject matter is horizontal - may be a conflict. Do you like any with a vertical feeling?

I love those wings leelee posted for your fireplace. For paintings I agree with previous posters on vertical.

I haven't found any vertical subject material I'm drawn to.

Cute family photo btw!

Ok, I'm in the minority here, but I actually think horizontal. The fireplace and the doors both have a "vertical" footprint, so the horizontal would be a nice contrast. Plus the artwork you are drawn to is horizontal.

what size are you looking for? I will try to find something vertical

http://www.etsy.com/listing/162160132/vintage-1920s-landscape-watercolor?ref=br_feed_21&br_feed_tlp=art
http://www.etsy.com/listing/157556566/abstract-seascape-blue-and-gray-original?ref=sc_3&sref=sr_0ca717ad80eff0aa8e41b0b4da15a93d66a7988cc46dbcd038e0319e54e3f9df_1378767097_14124639_painting

I love your family photo!! What a joyfilled family! Would rather see that on a wall, and a vertical piece of art on the fireplace!

I've been looking at 30 x 40 sizes.

Here is one http://www.etsy.com/listing/161849834/tender-light-original-oil-painting-on?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=40+x+30+painting&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all

You could contact an artist whose style you like and have her/him make a painting for you. I do love your photo that you posted above..it's brilliant

Great family portrait!! I bet you have a great wall somewhere to put it. I really like the direction you are heading with the artwork that you posted and would go horizontal, wider than your firebox but not as wide as the mantel.

Can someone explain to me why the family portrait cannot be displayed as husband wants.

I'm with stephmal and Mary Dancey Interiors. I like horizontal as well, and I like the right hand pic in your group of three, (More teal) which I think it goes nicely with the pillows on the sofa, and agree with Mary Dancey on sizing too. IMO, family photos are great (yours is lovely!) framed in a size no larger than 8x10 and displayed somewhere, whether on a wall or tabletop, but not in a poster size.

What if I went with an abstract with no horizontal lines?

Or something like this? I'm drawn to the simplicity of this painting next to the complexity of all the stone.

The rough stone of your fireplace is the backdrop. I think all the seascapes you have posted are too delicate.

How about that theme, but darker, more of a stormy sea.

Your top left example works. Is is an oil on canvas?




Oh, horizontal.

I love this one but I wasn't sure how it would work with the stone. Thought it might be too busy.

I vote for horizonal. And as nice as the family portrait is, it should go elsewhere.

The first one I posted is acrylic on canvas.

Definitely Horizontal. The fireplace and the stone already have the vertical going on.

LOVE the last pic! Definitely!

Wonderful Family Portrait! Love it! An ocean painting suits the space very well. Warm inviting room

Oops I was wrong about the size. The size I have pictured on the mantle is 48x36. I think it's been a good idea to have the blank picture up there a few days. Today when I came down the stairs and saw the vertical it really seemed overpowering to the space.

Of all the design dilllemas, the most common, by far is fireplaces. I did a mock up of a stone firepalce from the 70's. Not all fireplaces need mantles. I used a stainless insert, and tiled around that to make the opening more proportionate, to the amount of stone, put inexpensive marble on the hearth, and aluminum in front.

The hearth was all stone, and contributed greatly to the amounft of stone being very oppressive. I can see something like it done to your fireplace, and it could be a real showstopper with just a dramatic piece of art.

Horizontal; hung 4-5 inches above mantel. Yes, I like the aqua colored simple abstract you posted you were drawn to. The blue/greens will be perfect to complement the view outdoors. Love the darling family photo on another wall or on an easel.

My vote is for horizontal. I like the picture on the far left of the first grouping you showed. Would work so well with the colors in the stone.

maybe a Hopper? sorry, the fi rst one isn't..

A beautiful large vertical decorative mirror!

I ws thinking of HOMER!!! gosh, I havent' finished my coffee. actually, either one is good.

Vertical takes the eye up. Created this piece to hang over my fireplace.

Verticle is best it complements the shape of the fireplace.

8 year old thread