How to Arrange a Fireplace Mantel

Decorating your fireplace mantel can make your fireplace the focal point of your room. Use a favorite painting or mirror to reflect your tastes and interests. Display a collection or seasonal items on your fireplace mantel. There are many ways to decorate your fireplace mantel; keep it simple, or make it formal. Whether you choose a symmetrical, asymmetrical, casual or contemporary look, your fireplace mantel can pack a lot of punch into your decorating.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Posterboard
• Picture wall hooks
• Hammer
• Personal items: candlesticks, photographs, paintings, mirror
• Collections
• Seasonal items

Arranging Items for a Symmetrical Display

1. Create a symmetrical look by placing your largest statement piece in the center of your fireplace mantel. Symmetrical designs are often seen in homes that are formal in design. Placing the largest item in the center of your fireplace mantel will create a focal point. Often this is a mirror or a painting.

2. Add your smaller items, such as a pair of candlesticks, on either side of your statement piece. Construct a design that is balanced on each side of your statement piece.

3. Place a low or small decoration, such as a bowl of flowers, in front of your statement piece. Selecting an item that is small or low will not block the view of your statement piece.

4. Step back from your fireplace mantel, and observe your arrangement. Make sure you are satisfied with the arrangement before you attach anything to the mantel or to the wall above it.

5. Measure the size of the painting or mirror. Cut out a piece of posterboard the same size as your painting or mirror. Use the posterboard as a guide to determine how high you wish to hang your painting or mirror. Consider that you may wish to place a low bowl of flowers or other small item in front of the painting or mirror.

6. Measure the wall above the fireplace mantel. Find the center of the fireplace mantel. Measure how high you would like your painting or mirror. Mark where to place the picture wall hook with a pencil mark.

7. Place a picture wall hook in the center of the mark. Hammer the picture wall hook into place.

8. Hang your painting or mirror. Place your candlesticks on either side of your painting or mirror. Add a low arrangement in front of your painting or mirror.

Arranging Items for an Asymmetrical Display

9. For an asymmetrical look, place the largest item to one side of the mantel.

10. Balance the asymmetrical look by adding smaller items across the length of the mantel. You will have the look of asymmetry with a visually pleasing balance.

11. Step back from your fireplace, and observe your arrangement. Make sure you are satisfied with the arrangement before you attach anything to the mantel or to the wall above it.

12. Measure the size of the painting or mirror. Cut out a piece of posterboard the same size as your painting or mirror. Use the posterboard as a guide to determine how high to hang your painting or mirror. Consider that you may wish to place a low bowl of flowers or other small item in front of the painting or mirror.

13. Measure the wall above the fireplace mantel. Find the center of your painting or mirror. Measure how high up you would like your painting or mirror. Mark where you want to place the picture wall hook with a pencil mark.

14. Place a picture wall hook in the center of the mark. Hammer the picture wall hook into place.

15. Hang your painting or mirror. Place your smaller items on your mantel.

Arranging Items for a Casual Display

16. Place your statement piece or largest piece on your mantel. You may choose to place it slightly off-center.

17. Add collections to your fireplace mantel display. A group of paintings, shells or photographs add interest and can create a topic of conversation. This type of arrangement is ever changing and creates a casual feel to your fireplace mantel.

18. Step back from your fireplace and observe your arrangement. Allowing your mirror or painting to rest on your fireplace mantel adds to the casualness of your arrangement.

19. Attach items to the wall or mantel if you feel that would add to your display. The beauty of the casual look is that you can make or break design rules. Make sure you are satisfied with the arrangement before you attach anything to the mantel or to the wall above it.

Arranging Items for a Contemporary display

20. Select a statement piece for your contemporary mantel. You may choose a single, large painting, mirror or sculpture.

21. Strive for a clean, contemporary look to match the feel of your contemporary fireplace mantel and your decor. Attach your painting or mirror to the wall, or place the item on your fireplace mantel.

22. Match your contemporary mantel display to the decor in your room. Clean-lined or organic items, such as a rock collection, display well on a contemporary fireplace mantel.

Tips & Warnings

• Take into account the ceiling height, room size and the look you want to create. A room with high ceilings may be able to handle a single, large statement piece. A casual look may mean displaying your child's artwork. Live with your design for a few days before you attach anything to your wall or mantel. Paintings are usually hung at eye level. Add seasonal pieces to your mantel, such as a wreath or an antique holiday item.
• Make sure any items you place on the mantel will not be damaged by the heat of the fireplace.

References

• Creating Perfect Mantel Displays