There is not one way to decorate a fireplace mantel since there are so many different decorating styles.
The most important thing to remember when decorating a fireplace mantel is scale (the approximate overall size). The primary focal point decorative item needs to be similar in scale to the fire box.
Whether you want your mantel to look traditional, asymmetrical, or collected, here are a few ideas for decorating your mantel.
photo courtesy of Bill Wilson flickr.com/photos/okchomeseller/25255962763/
Traditional
The easiest way to decorate a fireplace mantel in a traditional style is to have one large focal object in the middle and two smaller surrounding objects.
The large focal object can be a large wall clock, large piece of artwork, or a large mirror.
The two surrounding objects (one on either side of the focal object) are usually tall and skinny and are the exact same or have the same visual weight.
The surrounding objects can be candlesticks, flowers, vases, wall sconces, or tall and skinny sculptures.
Asymmetrical
If you prefer to decorate your fireplace mantel in a more modern way, or you have a fireplace on a corner, there are several ways to decorate in an asymmetrical way.
One way is to simply use one focal point, but make sure it is not centered over the mantel.
You can fill in with one item or a collection of smaller items on the side without the focal point to balance the visual weight of the mantel.
If you have a fireplace on an outside corner, you can decorate around the fireplace in a random asymmetrical pattern that seems to have a balanced visual weight.
For a modern look, make sure to select a few simple yet high quality items instead of many ornate items of lesser quality.
Collected
A fireplace decorated in a collected style walks a fine line between well decorated and looking cluttered.
A collected fireplace mantel starts with a focal point just like the traditional style.
There could be one large focal point or the focal point could be a collection of 3 different large items that are slightly overlapping.
On the far outside of the mantle should be your two "bookend" objects, which usually have a similar visual weight, but are not identical.
Fill in the space in between the focal item(s) and the surrounding objects with items of different heights.
You could decorate your mantel with hardback books, candles, vases, flowers, little sculptures, framed photographs, decorative spheres, glass jars, or unique vintage items.
Try to use items of varying colors, textures, and shapes for an interesting display.
TV
If you want to display your TV over your fireplace, you will want to minimally decorate your mantel.
You might opt for nothing on your fireplace mantel or a skinny tall item on either side of the TV.
Make sure you don't mount your TV too high over your mantel, else it will be difficult to view.
Your TV should not be wider than your fire box, else it will seem out of proportion and appear visually too heavy for the space.
Tip
You might also like the article How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantle for Christmas.
