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Mantel provides décor opportunity
I’ve recently selected the new gas fireplace,
which will be installed in the corner of my new remodeled
family room. It will have a raised hearth for extra
seating, and the granite tile surround will be capped
with a cherry wood mantel. Accent lighting in the form
of recessed cans will highlight the fireplace and the
art that will be hung above the mantel. Then the decorating
fun begins. As I have not had a mantel for twelve years,
I look forward to decorating this prominent place in
the room.
Clients often ask me whether they should hang a mirror
or a piece of art. Usually I tell them to hang art instead
of a mirror. Mirrors above mantels are often too high
to reflect anything beautiful. Art adds color and interest.
During a recent one-day redesign, my client did not
have a piece of art large enough to hang above the mantel.
Making due with what was available, I found an empty
wood frame and hung it on the wall. Inside the empty
frame I hung a cherub found in another room. I hung
candle sconces on either side of the frame. The result
was a unique grouping that added dimension, color and
texture to the space.
Another idea for highlighting art is to paint the fireplace
wall in a bold accent color. For another client, we
painted the wall in a rich, gorgeous red, which really
set off the artwork.
One thing I notice frequently in clients’ homes
is that many mantels are covered with just too many
items. Less is usually more when it comes to decorating
mantels. Sometimes during a redesign we hang art but
leave the mantel completely clear. Other times we place
just a few items on the mantel-- a grouping of candles,
or some family photos, or a piece of sculpture. In a
formal room, we often create a symmetrical arrangement,
such as one large candlestick and a green plant on either
side of the artwork. For informal rooms, an asymmetrical
arrangement works well. Try an arrangement of ceramic
vases (odd numbers and varying heights) on one side
of the mantel.
Important considerations for successful mantel arrangements
are balance and scale. The large size of the fireplace
requires large pieces of art and large-scale accessories.
Lots of small knick-knacks will look out of place and
just appear “cluttery”. Balance the arrangement
by placing items that are equivalent in terms of visual
weight, height or size. For instance, balance a large
vase on one side with a stack of books topped with a
green plant.
Mantels are perfect places for seasonal décor.
Tuck candles of varying heights and colorful glass ball
ornaments into a garland of evergreen or ivy for a festive
holiday look. In the spring use the mantel to display
a bunny collection or an assortment of glass eggs.
With a little imagination and careful selection of items,
the mantel can be a beautiful focal point in your room.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on Nov. 27, 2004.
Go
back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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