The mantelpiece most often works as the focal point of any living area. As such, you’ll want to invest adequate time and effort to come up with ideas when designing your mantel décor. However, decorating a mantelpiece poses some unique challenges for all DIY designers. With a mantel, one will have to work on a narrow mantel but at the same time on a surface that is higher than a bedside table and also considerably longer. In short, it is not the easiest thing to achieve the correct arrangement when designing a mantelpiece. So below are a ton of tips, ideas, and principles that I hope will inspire you with some great ideas and also help you avoid some common pitfalls and pitfalls.
1. DECORATION OF THE FIREPLACE TABLE: HAVE ASYMMETRICAL ARRANGEMENT
Opting for a classic symmetrical arrangement is the easiest and most foolproof way to design a mantelpiece in a nice way. All you need to do is choose a suitable focal piece and flank it on both sides with a couple of objects that exactly reflect each other. You can choose a pair of candleholders, vases (preferably taller), or some other decorative items, as long as they reflect each other. Classic symmetry works well with formal and symmetrical decorations, but they will also fit nicely (as a form of variation) within a more informal overall scheme. It’s one of my favorite shelf decorating ideas for every day.
There are only two things to keep in mind when choosing this style of arrangement. First, the reflective objects you choose should frame the focal piece and highlight it. Therefore, pay attention to the proper volume and height of objects. They shouldn’t be too small (like accent pieces), but they shouldn’t overshadow the focal piece in any way either. Second, don’t look for any variation when it comes to reflected objects (otherwise the symmetry will be broken). So, for example, if you want to add some greenery to your vases (a good idea to compensate slightly, but just a little, for symmetry and balance), make sure they have a similar volume and height on each side.
2. CHIMNEY DECORATION TABLECLOTH: HAVE A FOCAL PIECE
This is arguably the most important thing when designing your mantel. Unless we’re talking more electric fireplace decorating ideas, most arrangements will be built around a focal piece. Therefore, you will need to take your time to find the right one for your mantel. Large mirrors and works of art are by far the most common objects chosen for a mantelpiece. But whatever you choose, make sure it is the right width and height. The artwork must be determined by the height of its ceilings. Taller pieces are more suitable for vaulted ceilings. However, for rooms with low ceilings, make sure there is a good distance between the ceiling and the top of the focal object. As for the width, opt for a piece that is one-half to two-thirds (depending on your overall layout plan) of the length of the mantel.
3. CHIMNEY DECORATION TABLECLOTH: MIX DIFFERENT HEIGHTS
Mixing heights is another good mantel decor idea and is applicable to a number of different style arrangements. For example, mixing heights is key to a “grouped object” arrangement. However, it works just as well with more conventional focal piece-based decorations. The principle is simple. Add a vertically aligned object (such as a tall square glass vase) with a spherical one (a decorative bowl, etc.) and/or a horizontal one (a set of boxes, a brass tray, decorative driftwood). You can apply this principle to a small group of objects, as well as to accent and larger pieces placed on both sides of the focal piece.
4. FIREPLACE DECORATION: LAYER ILLUSTRATIONS
This is the more best electric fireplace DIY idea. However, if you are a fan of eclectic decor, and more specifically juxtapositions, you will love experimenting with this concept. Also, as with other Arrange Styles, you can take different routes with this one. For example, you can use a grouping of 3 (see below) to act as a centerpiece. You can use a large piece of art, a small mirror, and a photo frame, all resting on the mantel and partially one on top of the other (layers), for this type of grouping.
For a more daring design, consider placing two pieces of art (one large and one medium-sized) as the central layout concept. You can add a small sculptural piece or two in the right places for accent, but as long as they don’t interfere with the concept of center layers.
5. DECORATION OF CHIMNEY TABLECLOTH: LOOK AT NATURE
Another essential concept that applies not only to the arrangement of mantel shelves but to almost every key style space in a room. Flowers (real or fake), potted plants, etc. They are great but don’t overlook the leaves, foliage, twigs, and branches. If you need inspiration, just Google “Ikebana” (the famous Japanese art of flower arranging) and take a look at some specimens, and you don’t need to look any further!
This type of arrangement with its organic shapes makes the mantel decoration more dynamic in nature, as they encourage visual eye movement. Additionally, these vivid elements add a richer texture to the arrangement and also give you more scope to make changes to the arrangement so you can keep it looking fresh. At the other extreme, if you’re a fanatic or flawless symmetry, you can settle for a few topiaries as well.
6. CHIMNEY DECORATION TABLECLOTH: LESS IS MORE
Another universal principle that will serve you well for almost any area of your home, especially if you like minimalist designs. For your mantelpiece, consider placing two abstract artworks (of uniform size and similarity in color texture, scheme, and overall design) side by side to create a neat and eye-catching arrangement.
Or, you can use a slightly smaller than usual round or oval mirror as a focal piece and a small vase of buds and a piece of driftwood to accentuate. Explore different possibilities and with a little trial and error, you can find the right balance. Minimalist design is another one of my favorite electric fireplace mantel design ideas!
Again, another essential principle that will keep you good for many different style arrangements. Group different or similar objects (like a group of chandeliers), but be sure to mix the heights and volumes of the objects. For the latter, just make sure there is enough variety in your fireplace decor, choice of objects and groupings, to avoid making the arrangement seem too predictable.
