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barbara_davis

How do I decorate with these vases? Pictures included.

28 days ago

I really thought I was going to love these on our mantel, but now that they’re in place, I’m not so sure. It looks a bit off to me with one on each side (photo attached).

Do you think it would look better to use just one and add the smaller coordinating vase next to it on the same side? Or would you suggest trying something entirely different?

I chose these pieces because they coordinate so nicely with our artwork, but the balance doesn’t feel quite right. I’d really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.





Comments (15)

  • 28 days ago

    First, it appears that you have a floating hearth that you want to use the vases on - not a fireplace mantel.


    A floating hearth is typically used in modern design (which matches your home). I'm not sure that you need anything on your hearth. However, if you want to put something on it - it should be very minimal:







    The vases appear to be the same height - however, the circumferences of the vases are different - is that correct?


    I think that if they are the same height, they would look odd grouped together on one side. However, they also look a little odd having one on each side if they are different circumferences.


    Are you planning on adding anything to the vases? Do you have anything else that you want to add to the hearth?


    I think some live greenery would look nice - for example:


    You could add types of snake plant to your vases - they are very easy to take care for + are one of the best plants for purifying air:



    This one below - Snake Plant Mikado - can grow up to 40" in height:




    Cylindrical snake plant is modern looking:




    The cylindrical snake plant above can be braided also.



    trifasciata snake plant:





    There are other types of plants that could work in your vases - I just didn't know if you are a plant person - and snake plants are so easy to care for = great for a newbie.


    You'd need to use a smaller pot that fits inside your vase - or you could grow some type of plant that works as a hydroponic plant instead - that way you won't use any dirt in the cermaic vase.


    You also could use bamboo in your vase - it would work with your modern style:







    I don't think that you need two vases for you floating hearth - if you want to use one, I think that would work. Do you have another area for the smaller vase (bedroom?) - or are you able to return it?

    Barbara Davis thanked dani_m08
  • 28 days ago

    you've chosen such a sleek fireplace design, and really don't have enough room for them on the hearth. If you love them, I'd find another spot for them.

    They aren't large enough to sit on the floor, and too large for the end of the hearth.

    Barbara Davis thanked Lyn Nielson
  • 28 days ago
    last modified: 28 days ago

    I second dani’s suggestion, i have two of the ”trifasciata” snake plants in my modern home. i think adding some greenery ( & some other colors ) would look good & I don’t think you need to coordinate your accessories with your art. BTW, your doggies are nice accessories , even they are black & white :).

    Just curious, are you in Canada?

    Barbara Davis thanked K Laurence
  • 27 days ago
    last modified: 27 days ago

    I don't think the fireplace needs anything, but if you want to add some warmth to all the smooth surfaces, and you want to use at least one vase, give it a job! Add some natural branches in wood tones that echo wood floor, or add birch branches. Use the other one by the front door inside or out for umbrellas.

    What's more important as you go forward is to introduce wood pieces to warm up the room. Note the coffee table and sofa table below--wood plus metal legs that echo metal railing--modern cool combined with the natural warmth of wood.

    Michigan Lake Retreat · More Info


    Barbara Davis thanked housegal200
  • 27 days ago
    last modified: 27 days ago

    A no for me as well for a few reasons and if you search Pinterest for “flush modern fireplace with tv“, 99% of them are not accessorized. If you love the vases, maybe try one a side table or console and create a vignette. Imagine below with your vase and it will also be more appreciated.


    Barbara Davis thanked Maureen
  • 26 days ago

    As, I am assuming, a fellow equestrian, I love your decor!

    Barbara Davis thanked akrogirl32
  • 26 days ago

    Are those ceramic or glass? And you live with dogs but want to put them down near the floor? Maybe you should just keep one as a backup when the other one breaks. Or find a different place for them. They are too small to anchor the hearth, so they don't work there.

    Barbara Davis thanked thriftyboho
  • 26 days ago

    The vases need to be larger BUT how about putting them on a pedestal beside the hearth on the floor? Raise them up to give them stature and prominence.

    Barbara Davis thanked Lorraine Leroux
  • PRO
    26 days ago

    IMO too matchy with the art work and you do not have a mantel BTW. I think if you love them put them not in the same space as the art. I also love horses but too much is always just too much. I agree the FP needs nothing actually or maybe a plant

    Barbara Davis thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 26 days ago

    I would not put the vases there at all. They belong elsewhere.

    Barbara Davis thanked WestCoast Hopeful
  • 21 days ago

    Thank you everyone, I agree that the scale is wrong and that they are too matchy matchy.

  • 21 days ago

    Hi K Laurence, we used to live in Minnesota, so we were very close to Canada. We moved to San Diego, California, ten years ago for the weather.

  • PRO
    21 days ago

    Place both of them together but with one a few inches in front of the other. Add some greenery to the one which subletly breaks up the black and white.


  • PRO
    21 days ago

    The fireplace is so beautiful..I think adding something warm in a wood tone like your floors would be a nice addition to all the cool stone…something like this