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You may click on the photo above, and if that does not work for you (you are not a Pinterest user and don't want to go there) Then click on direct link below:

http://www.sasinteriors.net/20...o-decorate-a-mantel/

After the Holidays sometimes we want a change on our Mantels when reassembling the decor. Here is a pretty good tutorial with photos and sketches as to why we place items where we do for movement, balance and a pleasing arrangement.

MR, I did not go to the link because I don't have a problem decorating my mantel, but periodic threads on this topic indicates others have in the past. Your illustration and link should be of great help for the mantel-challenged. BTW, I seem to recall someone (you?) recently posted this illustration to assist someone here. In any event, thanks for sharing the info.

That's very helpful Mary Ruth, Thank you for posting it.

Froo, I had to read your post twice to understand it... LOL Must be my brain is in weekend mode!

OH well I guess it was worth repeating!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Mary Ruth,

I posted it on CaraRose mantle thread. I agree that it has alot of good info.

Thanks, MR -- it gives a lot of good information on mantles. But I still think the best way to do it is to "play"!!! But this DOES give good info as to what to play WITH!

Martha

annie, see how brilliant you were to post that link!!! Sorry I missed it the first time!

Martha,
Once you have the 'formulas' in your brain, like:
Knowing what you like and what you like to look at
Whether you are comfortable with Asymmetric or Symmetric
Items you own already are easy to access
(play good music while playing!)
Are in a Good and Happy mood!
Have courage to try and let others see it
Try something different than you have done before...

Then Playing is so much FUN! All I mentioned above... comes naturally to some of us... but to some... a 'block' happens sometimes, and viewing ideas can unlock it again! Then thinking 'outside the box' is a stretch but can be FUN too!

Then sometimes....this happens to me!!!
LOL

And sometimes it takes a little help to get things going...

Yes Annie posted that to me and it really helped. I printed the picture and also some other information.

Thanks to you too MR.

It was cleverly hidden in the middle of a post. It deserved it's own thread! Maybe someone will add some beautiful mantels.

I love the driftwood candleholder on this one....

That is a cool candle holder Annie, love that one too

CaraRose,
Aren't you sweet!

annie,
Oh I love that branch! And to have the candle light in that too means a glow from that mantel too. I like it.

lilsophie,
Don't you just love the clear vase and candle holders too?

quote:

Originally posted by Mary Ruth:
And sometimes it takes a little help to get things going...

My 'creative juice' bottle is in the form of a box wine called "Sunset Blush"!

Nice bit of information, Mary Ruth. Thanks for posting it in its own topic. I like the cartoon you posted, too.

Annie17, I love the look of that mantel, but all I can think about is how likely I would be to scratch the paint with that branch or to brain myself when I knock it off while lighting a fire.

CJO, LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by Mary Ruth:
CaraRose,
Aren't you sweet!

annie,
Oh I love that branch! And to have the candle light in that too means a glow from that mantel too. I like it.

lilsophie,
Don't you just love the clear vase and candle holders too?

Mary Ruth, YES YES YES, I love everything on the mantle. So Cute.

I really like this one....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: annie17,

another interesting mantle

Annie, I totally love the second mantel picture you posted. Wow! But if I did that it wouldn't look like that in my eyes. LOL.

Oh I like that mantle too Annie. The one with the round wicker piece. Very cute mantle

Mary Ruth,

Thanks for the How To and example. Even though I don't have a mantel to decorate, the info can be used on the sofa table.

Love those inspiration mantels too!

One lesson that I've recently grasped is to use larger items instead of lots of little ones. Makes a nicer decorating statement imho.

Most of all have FUN playing!

annie, Cara, lilsophie, Beau's Rose,
Love that basket weave round acessory on the mantel. What makes this work is SCALE! And the items on the sides are balanced in size and notice the birdcage (supporting another woven material). The candles on the left have the heights in balance with the birdcage. Notice that the picture is not exactly matched in height but it is OK.
What I also like are the two spot lights aimed at the over mantel to equally light the area. This mantel arrangement would fit in with just about any decor or cottage look.

The Aqua wall is my favorite (except for the rug and plate patterns, too simple). But then again we do not see the whole room to see how these patterns come into play. There is enough texture in that arrangement to keep me looking for a while to take it all in.

So, Beau's Rose, the SCALE is so important to me, to hold my interest and keep me studying a vignette.

I save photos all the time of vignettes. There is no real FAST RULE for doing a good vignette, what you can judge is how long it holds your interest. It is different for everyone, so not everyone will be 'wowed' by one mantel decor vignette, but that is OK, the only one you really need to please is your client and or yourself.

http://pinterest.com/mary_ruth...s-mantels-vignettes/