The fireplace is a natural focal point in any room and is an ideal place to decoratively enhance in order to really liven up the room's atmosphere. In any room where there is a fireplace, people automatically tend to arrange furniture to focus on the fireplace. The natural beauty and deep seeded connection between humans and fire make the fireplace mantel a place to display a home's most treasured, symbolic items. If you're on a time or monetary budget, the fireplace mantle is a great way to make an incredible impact in a room quickly and inexpensively.
Keep items proportionate to the scale of the fireplace mantel
Choose items that compliment the proportions of the mantel. If your fireplace is small, add decorative tiles, stone, or bricks to increase the overall size and install a fireplace mantel to fit the new dimensions. Most stylish and decorative fireplaces are between 8 and 10 feet in width and about 5 feet high. Installing the mantel, bricks, and tile is a simple project that most people can do themselves after just a small amount of research.
Choose items the define the unique qualities of your family
Because of the significance of a fireplace mantel in a room, choose treasured items in your home that represent your family history, goals, and ideas. This may mean an antique item passed down through the family, artifacts collected from family travels, or something symbolic like a decorative compass to signify your family's unwavering pursuit toward an ultimate goal.
Showcase your pictures
Pictures are a natural choice for decorating fireplace mantels for both their visual appeal and significance. Do not worry about size or dimensions when choosing pictures; instead choose those that represent your most cherished memories. You can bring importance and stature to the pictures on your fireplace mantle by matting your photos in large frames that compliment the room. Adding matting to your framed photos creates more of an artistic look and feel, suited for a fireplace mantel.
Vary sizes and heights
One of the most important overall concepts to consider when decorating a fireplace mantel is to choose items of varying heights, shapes and sizes. Try to keep something of a balance in terms of height. Candles and candlesticks that accent the color of the room are a great way to add height to your fireplace mantel design. Plants can also be an excellent way to add depth, dimension, and natural lines. An oversized vase with a full arrangement of real or silk flowers and foliage can quickly add color, natural beauty, and height to your mantel.
Decorating a fireplace mantel or adding fullness around a bare fireplace with a mantel is a cost effective way to make an incredible impact in a room's appearance. The natural stable significance of a fireplace mantle makes it an idea place to showcase your most important memories, traditions, beliefs, and the goals of your family.