Fireplace Mantles Part I

Everyone has a fireplace mantle to decorate. This post is for those of you- and hopefully you know who you are- who need a little help with yours. Let me start by going over some common but not so obvious mistakes people make.

1. Do not hang your art (or clock- or whatever you are hanging over your fireplace) too high. It's hard to get it too low. In fact- it can lean on the mantle in many cases. This example, from the cabinet room in the White House, is hung too high. (yes- I am using the White House as a poor example - that does not make me unpatriotic!)

2. There is more than one correct way to put accessories on your mantle- in this case- (the cabinet room again)- I would say that the urns are too small. They would look better a bit larger and overlapping the picture a bit. When the accessories overlap- it brings everything together, as one cohesive display, rater than four separate distinct items, as seen here.

3. Don't select art for the wall above the mantle that is too small. This is VERY common, and again, the case here in the Cabinet Room. I am sure that this picture has great importance- but it can be framed larger if that is the case. Probably the most common reason (for the public in general- not the White House) for this is the larger the item- the larger the price- but hey- save up and do it right :) The art should have a relationship in size with the fireplace.

Picture this area with a larger frame (much larger)- the urns- (larger also)- or if they are of some great sentimental importance (given to the presidnet at the signing of a peace treaty or something)- they could be put on beautiful wood boxes or lovely books, or something to give them more height. Then- have the picture hung lower- I would say only 4-6 inches above the mantle.

Shoking that I wasn't consulted on this job, huh? Thanks to Architectual Digest for the photo :)