Mantal Decorating Tips For Your Fireplace
Mantal decorating is an important element of your fireplace decorating scheme. The fireplace is a natural focal point of a room and the mantal tends to frame the fireplace. Its height and location creates a perfect place to display treasures, collectables, or just make a bold statement.
Once you have decided on your focal point (or visual asset) above the mantal there are several guidelines that need to be taken into account when arranging your display accessories.
Wall Decorating tips will help with your arrangements
1. Balance does not always mean symmetical. With your focal piece in the middle (usually on the wall) you will arrange your groupings on either side. Three smaller items grouped together will balance a large vase on the opposing side.
2. Occupied space is the key in balancing different items on your mantal. Don't look at each particular item but look at the space it occupies as a group. Three candlesticks can balance a tray of seven assorted meaty candles.

For inspiration and ideas for personal decorating
3. Add varying heights for energy and interest. Small items can be highlighted by lifting with books or boxes. Tip a candlestick over or lean a book this is tremendously creative and makes your display come alive.
4. Layer your items. Pushing back and bringing forward, pulling in front and placing a little behind these subtle moves unifies the pieces as a group.
5. For a balanced and symmetrical look. Start in the middle with your focal point then directly to the left and right side equally spaced place identical items or exact groupings for a mirror effect from left to right. This is the easiest way to achieve balance and hardest to mess up.
More on fireplace decorating

In decorating fireplaces there usually is a focal item placed above the mantal and the groupings on either side highlight this large focal piece. Sometimes we want the focus to be the actual mantal decorating.
Grouping many small items across the entire mantal makes a big statement. In order to achieve this look successfully there are more mantal decorating tips to follow.
1. Theme it. Use a consistant theme across your mantal. For instance sterling silver candlesticks of varying sizes you could casually mix in a few silver picture frames in complimentary sizes for more interest. China or porceline vases in varying colors and sizes layered across the top, black wood picture frames--these are all great ideas.
2. Continuity in your mantal collection will keep it from being too busy. This is achieved by repitition of color, material, or item of interest.
Helpful decorating tips for accessories

Asymmetical, symmetical, themed, color, collectables, art, whatever your mantal becomes it is the easiest place to seasonally or whimsicly change so always continue to play with your creative decorating.
Mantal decorating

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