We need to see the whole room decor is not done one wall at a time The piece of art for me is too high I lke art above a mantel to be about 4" above the mantel.

I’d keep it pretty simple - maybe a set of 3 candlesticks (different heights) on one side to bridge the space between the bottom of the art and a textured pottery piece for the other side?

The artwork is definitely too high. It gives the appearance of floating in that huge white space, which makes it look too small.

Love that you didn’t hang the tv above the fireplace!!!!

The painting is too small for the space but I totally get that you need to keep it there. Find something with volume - pottery? plant? that covers just a bit of the lower left siide of the painting so it visually connects the painting to the mantle and makes the whole tableau seem bigger. Candle sticks seem too skimpy here.

Congrats on your new build.

Your mantle appears so shallow I don't think you could really place anything on it.

A picture of ours.

Mantle is 10” deep. Previous owner placed a TV upon it - our mirror covers the electrical outlet.

We change the mantle seasonally.

Second photo didn’t link:

The art should be lower, BUT Kendrah has a good suggestion regarding how to connect it more to the mantel. Mantels look best when kept simple IMO.

Adding a few simple pieces to your mantle will make it feel complete. Notice the vases, fireplace tools, and small decor items.

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Lower art and the best way to decide on what/where to accessorize is by testing.

Could even add a light.