I’ve had a few requests for help accessorizing mantels so I thought, why not today? Mantel accessorizing is something that is easiest to do in person- I like to gather lots of objects, art and candlesticks and play around until it feels right. The tricky part is finding a balance between too many and too few things.
Above and below is my mantel in my formal living room and I’ve been very happy with it since I found the right balance. There’s a little symmetry in the pairs of candlesticks and blue small jars, but then the leaning etching and antique bird sculptures keep it from getting too matchy.
For this project we went all in on asymmetry- balancing the tall horn on the left with a leaned sketch (and it’s cool to see the reflection of the horse photograph over the sofa in the mirror- see the rest of the space here). Odd numbers are your friend when accessorizing a mantel.
This was simple and easy– a gorgeous original landscape, a small sketch and a set of three candlesticks of various sizes. Not too much, not too little.
Use what you have too– all these objects were the clients that we arranged the day of the shoot– and play with scale- this painting is “technically” too small for above the fireplace– but the heavy ornate frame makes it work in my opinion because it lends so much weight to the work on the all white walls.
This was an alternate shot of my new book cover (with art as opposed to the black wall version we chose). The mantel here is small and the wall above is square so the circe mirror was a great choice given the sconce placement. Again, a little symmetry in the topiaries, but the offset grouping of three blue and white jars makes it feel right.
I do fine that when you have sconces (unless you have a VERY long mantel) round mirrors are a great choice. We kept this historical mantel VERY simple given all the texture and depth going on in this room.
Another simply adorned mantel- given the modern lines and shallow depth as well as the very large mirror, a pair of candlesticks and an orchid was all we needed to finish this off.
Here are six arrangements of accessories for a mantel that might help get you thinking about how to arrange your own. As you can see, I strongly favor asymmetrical looks and certainly layering of art/ mirrors and objects.
All imagery by Michael J. Lee and Sarah Winchester for my books.
Love this post. Love all of your posts, thank you for sharing your genius with the average home owner! As a loyal blog reader (2009), I don’t know why it took me so long to purchase your book. I’m embarrassed it took me this long. ERIN, IT IS AMAZING. I am so impressed and in love with every picture. Congrats on executing such a work of art. Thank you!
Hey there! I’ve been a fan of your blogs for years, and I wanted to tell you this one of my fave posts. It’s so useful and simple to follow and I love the different style examples you included. Thanks for making my 7,432,892 day of quarantine a little brighter.
Well done Erin. Thanks!
… portrait rectangle vs. horizontal rectangle
This has b en so useful! To my surprise, I especially like the feminine one. However, do this only work with standard ceiling height? My living room ceiling is 20 ish feet high. With tall windows either side. Would that call for a rectangle mirror or painting? Thank you again for your lovely blog.
Yes if you have a ton of vertical height, go for a vertically oriented piece!
Is there a formula,for scale, that you use to decide the size of the mirror to put above the mantle?
Love these tips and layouts!! I always appreciate your work!
I agree wit Patricia and Cortney! I can’t figure out what to put on the mantle with a TV above it. I also have sconces so I can’t find the right accessories to go with both. Love the blue crate and barrel vase you mentioned!!
There really isn;t much you CAN put on a mantel with a TV over it– unless there is some room on the sides of the tv where some slender candlesticks can go and then a low little sculpture or vase on the other side?
I agree with Patricia. I need to see how to design around a television without blocking it. I’d love to see your clever ideas! Blessings to your family and the new baby!
Would you be willing to share the source of the chest in your living room?
I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!
It is difficult to find large dressers – our house required large furniture. Our bedrooms all can hold a king or queen and need a substantial dresser! Appreciate your efforts!
Alas, I’m stuck with a giant TV over the fireplace. Can’t block the screen. And he insists the VCR must sit on the mantle as well. At least I’ve got it hidden behind a board painted to match the wall.
I do admire your styling. Sigh.
Just lovely. Thank you so much for sharing.
This is great, thank you for the excellent ideas! I do have a question for you: I have a pair of antique brass candlesticks – should I put both of them am one end and balance with something taller at the other, or split them up and do one at each end? I noticed that most of your examples of multiple candlesticks at one end have different sizes, and mine are the same!
Thanks so much!