Decorating the Fireplace Mantle

Don't wait for Christmas, You can decorate the mantle several times a year.

• The mantle of your homes fireplace is an ideal place to display small collections and family treasures. It is elevated and safe from little ones that may want to touch and explore everything. Many small objects that may get lost in the decorating if they are scattered throughout the home can have a wonderful impact when grouped together on the fireplace mantle. A display or collection will be very dramatic if a large painting, picture, mirror or wall hanging is hung above the mantle and behind the decorations. Using a pair of dominant objects if often effective and will provide a balanced look to the decorated mantle. Porcelains, figurines, vase with flowers or twigs, picture frames, candles, books, plants, decorative boxes, small candlestick lamps (non-electric) your personal collections to name a few are all perfect decorative objects for decorating a mantle. Remember to elevate small objects, such as a small figurine atop books for interesting height variations. Todays popular decorating styles allow for creativity and choice when decorating the fireplace mantle. Eclectic decorating offers opportunities to decorate with an informal mix of decorative items, which can be displayed many different ways. A traditional interior will look better with a formal balanced arrangement. A contemporary dcor should keep the mantle simple with just a few items of importance. Pull out your treasures; - add some items for height and interest that complements your color scheme and style. Before you know it- WOW! - You have a beautiful fireplace mantle.