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Ready to decorate the mantel after the holidays and I am at a standstill.

Here is the piece I have for in the center of it. But....now that I have it up there it appears too big or too tall? The sconces are stationary, but the clock which looks way too small so it will go.

Any and all help will be appreciated. Thanks!

Cara, I don't think your window grill is too large/tall at all. Your mantel looks large so it needs something that big. The clock is too small so glad you are removing it.

What other items do you have for it? Things with color or at least darker tones will work better than light or white IMO. You might think about using a few dark books as risers if necessary.

joy luck. thanks so much. Glad you didn't think it was too large or tall because I really want to use it. I guess because that is the largest item I have ever had up there. And yes it is a big mantel (1925).

I have lots of decor items but just can't come up with something. Usually I have too many ideas and not enough mantel space. LOL

I did think about some books. More ideas appreciated.

Lovely mantel. I always struggle with trying to accesorize mine, especially after the holidays when everything seems so blah.

Do you like symmetry? Then you may want to add in pairs like, two topiaries, two vases, 2 matching figurines...

If symmetry is not the direction then maybe an ivy plant on one side trailing down, with some old books standing on the other side, maybe a plate on a stand...

The best thing to do is get out some of your items and just play around.

Here's an old shot of my mantel, its kind of a mix, with a little symmetry thrown in.

I agree, the piece is nice on that mantel area. Good suggestions given!

Cara Rose, try shifting your piece to the right off center, then adding three varied tall dark narrow elements to the left of it. Then you will be able to fill the low center across. The tall doorframe will help balance it, and that gives you room to add the other layered elements that would make it charming. Because your mantle and sconces are so symmetrical, I think you will be happier with this if you lay the gate out so it is not.

Maybe tall cinnamon candlesticks next to fat stacked on books pillar candles (to echo the cherry wood tone) and then the clock can work in the trio that bridges the tall down. Add something long and low in the center - like greenery that is low and across - one of those trough planters or succulents. Or another find that relates . . .

You are just getting started! Thanks for sharing this gorgeous piece with us.

I'm not good at decorating a mantle, I struggle with it. But like what the others, I like what u have so far, except the clock.
Just keep trying other things you have in your home, and see what works. I'm not much help, sorry : (

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

Consider adding two identical TOPIARIES to fill the void on either side of the iron piece. The can be greenery like ivy or boxwood or a mix of silk flowers. The should not be too skimpy and slightly lower than the iron piece. This will create a symmetrical design that once found (or created) will provide color to this area. If you like this idea, you can create seasonal TOPIARIES for each season varying the materials, shapes, pots and even sheens.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/14...g-room-san-francisco

An example of TOPIARIES on a mantel.

And symmetry doesn't have to mean "pairs" -- but tow similar items (in height, in color). Here is my mantle -- Christmastime we just add greens and pinecones (and of course, no forsythia in the vase -- it's empty).

Two hefty candlesticks at one end and the blue and white vase at the other, a clock in the middle and two bronze statues on either side. A candlesnufer and a matchstrike because they're there for a purpose.

And like you, I have two sconces.

My house is 1920 and yes, it is a fairly big mantle!

My theory is to get things you like and just play. Take a picture and look at it on the computer. Shuffle things around. Post here and ask questions -- we're always glad to give advise.

Some of my "scapes" (be it mantle or table) don't work as well as I think they should . . but I'll play with them until they do!

Martha

Hi Cara,

Love your mantel space. What a fun decorating dilemma! LOL. It's the perfect spot for easy change-outs and vignettes.

Do the sconces hold candles too? Don't forget that you can still add other candle holders to the display. Decorate them with small orbs, small flower pots, or even glass votives holding other filler items.

The suggestion to try asymmetric arrangements sounds like another fun challenge to play with for your mantel space. (I get stuck on symmetry too).

This pic shows an example of using similar items but keeping them together instead of a traditional split (symmetrical) arrangement. Good luck and have fun playing.

Wow, you all have given me lots of ideas and options. I am going to try to play around a little after while.

I will be back to comment on each post to me and to add pictures as I play.

Unfortunately for me, symmetry is much easier to accomplish. I want to try to do asymmetry this time. Argh...gonna be a challenge.

I love the pics that have been posted.

I think another problem I have is putting up too much on the mantel. I try to say less is more, but it never works for me. The more the merrier is more like it!!!

I had tons on the mantel at Christmas and loved it. Once I took it down I was like well ok now...everything looks bare. I think I posted a picture of what I did at holiday time, but if someone wants to see it again, let me know.

Ok, gonna go play and then come back and make you all chuckle.

I do so appreciate your help. I don't post much but I do read and I have met some lovely folks here.

Thanks everyone!
C

joyluck, I tried elevating with books as you suggested and I like it. I also like the idea of keeping with darker colored items since the mantel and walls are all light neutrals. Thanks.

AnnieLinz~ thanks, I love this old house and the mantels but sometimes I get in a rut. And I know I think more is more, but I want to think less is more. LOL. I know part of my quandry is that I had so much up there for holidays, (lights, greenery garland, ornaments and mercury glass candle sticks, that when I removed it everything felt so bare. And of course being gray and overcast doesn't help with the blahs. I do like symmetry but would like to enjoy asymmetry also. Just not sure how. Never used ivy before but love that idea. No vases here, only candlesticks and I am trying not to buy more decor. LOL And yes, books are my friend, have lots of those.

Been playing all morning and taking pictures. I love your mantel. Very nice.

Might have to steal a couple of your ideas. Do you leave the mirror and plates up all the time?

MaryRuth! Thanks my friend. I love the big mantel and I love the big piece I just bought, but now not sure which was to go. LOL. Been decorating for about 55 years and still don't have it down. KWIM?

Libra~ I shifted the large piece off center to the right as you suggested and I do like it. I don't have anything tall, dark and narrow but will check out on my next shopping trip. I would not have trouble filling the low center at all. Have tons of things in that description. I may have some fat copper colored pillar candles but not sure about the copper color. I do want to use the clock but right now it appears too small. Perhaps using your suggestion I can accomodate your ideas. I have a long piece of faux greenery that I could use. Humm, I can feel a thrift/shopping trip coming on. LOL Thank you for helping me see in a new perspective. I will let you know how it goes. I think my main problem other than the large piece is the dark color...Not much here in dark shades.

Lilsophie~ I will keep trying ....and no the clock isn't gonna work, at least not yet. But I got that as a gift and wanted it to work. LOL. Thanks for your encouragement.

Ah Froo-Froo!! Hey lady, thanks so much for your input. I know I can always count on you to help out. Love your lists by the way so keep those coming. Beau's Rose mentioned topiaries in a PM. You two think well! I love that idea, but alas, no topiaries for me. I might be able to make a couple should I gather the supplies. I wish I had thought to buy some on sale after Christmas...always wanted some. Now, I am not sure where you live, but ummm can you come over and play decor? We could make a topiary in each season and holiday. LOL. Love the example of the ones you posted the link to, and those are a great shape and size. Thanks for your help.

Linderhof~Thanks for explaining that symmetry doesn't always mean pairs. In my minds eye they did and you have opened my eyes, so thanks. I like your idea to take pics. I always see things better when I look at them in a picture so I am doing that right now. I hear you about playing with something until it works. My dd says I am the Queen of Tweaking.

Miss Beau! Thanks for posting and helping. I know I can always count on you. Dilemma for sure. Wanna come help? Yes, one can't have too many mantel. LOL. You know I have three and if I had my way I would have one in each room. Course it helps to have big shelves and table tops.
Yes, the sconces hold candles and I have the LED ones that are on a timer. I want to add more candles on the mantel top but can't seem to figure that one out. I have white, copper, red, teal, mercury glass and a few other types, but what color would work best? I do have glass votives too.
I would love to do at least one mantel asymmetrical but can't seem to pull that one off yet???
Will keep tweaking..You know me!

More Ideas Please. Will start thread #2 to post new pics.