Mantel Solutions

A disorganized mantel detracts from the fireplace's natural place in the center of the room. Instead of focusing on one unified whole, the viewer's eyes are distracted by a number of items. Simple solutions for this exist.

Balance

• One of the key strategies for making a fireplace mantel look balanced is to ensure that both ends appear the same visually. This doesn't mean that a homeowner must place identical items at each end, however. Items that have about the same mass, size and height placed on each end of the mantel also work.

Focal Point

• Focal points in a room help to direct the eyes to specific points in the room, helping to avoid visual clutter. To create one for the mantel, homeowners should hang a large picture or photo above the mantel right in the middle.

Changing It Up

• For the homeowner who decorates for the holidays, the same sort of set-up will keep the visual balance on the mantel despite the change in the decorations. For example, Christmas time might see candle arrangements at both ends of the mantel with a Christmas picture in the middle.