Friday, March 4, 2011

The puzzling mantel

My mantel has become my nemesis. Everytime I come home, there it is, just staring back at me, so big and mysterious. Do some of you feel the same way about your mantel? Some of you have figured it out, and you know it, you smile with satisfaction...because all the accessories are in the right spot, your pictures are hung nice and symmetrical, your artwork is perfectly balanced with your amazing tapered candles..I envy you.
I'm going to figure it out..I've been searching all over for inspiration and ideas. I'm thinking these might help more than just me! It's a puzzle and we're going to figure it out!


Simple with artwork and one accessory?



I love a large mirror with artwork layered on top..looks so good.


This is a little too much, in my opinion...too much clutter. I like balance.


This is the perfect balance to me...artwork, accessories, and tapered candles!






Tell me about your mantels? Is it working for you?

9 comments:

Kirsten Krason said...

I always love a mirror over the mantle. Great images.

OneCraftyFox said...

These are all beautiful!! That first one especially though drew me in.

My mantel is fairly average, not large and overpowering (although I would love it to be!)so it is quite easy to work with. I have placed a very large piece of art over it... set directly on top, not hung... and adorned with two limestone sculptures, two large candles, and bits of hand-blown glass.

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Samantha said...

Great examples. (Except for the cluttery one.)

Mantels are tricky. But so much fun to have because it means there's a fireplace nearby.

Michelle @ Ten June said...

I actually had a hard time with my mantel too! Definitely start with a mirror, then just add pieces you love! And leave each arrangement around for a day or two, to see how you really feel about it! Good luck :)

K&B by the Sea said...

Mantels are tough to decorate. On one hand, you want them to be well-decorated and be a real focal point in a room. But on the other hand, you don't want them to be too overdone.

We don't have much on our mantel - just a couple of knicknakcs, and a couple of pictures hanging on the wall above it. I really need to do something more impressive with it, because when you walk in the front door, there it is right in front of you.

Good luck decorating yours :-)

Fran said...

Currently, I have a large piece of artwork on my mantel with two huge hurricanes filled with tangerines on either side of the artwork. I'm liking it for now...

Gretchen O. said...

I have found that taking photos of the mantle helps me edit...and I also change mine out all the time. I know you will figure it out!

Unknown said...

I've been having the same dilemma - and completely ignoring it - so thanks for the concept images!

Robin Baron @ Simplifying Fabulous! said...

These are very inspiring mantle pieces, great finds!