Tricky Mantels

 

A month or so ago, I received an email asking for advice on what to do with a corner mantel.  To be honest, I don’t think I ever answered because 1.) I was really bad about answering email during my last month of pregnancy and 2.) I didn’t have a good answer. 

Sometimes, those little niches and features that seem like a good idea to the builder can be a major headache to the homeowner when you actually start to think about how to decorate.  I’m not a huge fan of corner fireplaces for this reason, so I really liked this solution that I spotted yesterday on Shannon’s blog:

 

 

 

Even though this corner was filled by a large TV, it still left awkward empty space.  She had the wall built out and mounted her TV on it. 

 

 

 

This would also be a great place to put a big statement mirror or piece of art.  (And, check out the surround they made from scrap wood.)

 

above images via Shannon Berrey Design

 

 

Another problem I often see is how to handle picture frame molding above mantels.  My number one piece of advice is to paint it all out white instead of trying to highlight it by painting the molding one color and the rest the color of your walls.  Painting it all white makes it look more like an architectural feature:

 

BH&G

 

 

My second piece of advice?  Don’t let the moldings “box you in” when trying to determine what to hang.

 

image source

 

 

I’ve seen this several times. . .Too small artwork hanging above the fireplace because the homeowner tries to fit everything within the frames:

 

 

 

This spot is often the centerpiece of the room, so the bigger the better.  If the moldings are more vertical, choose a piece that goes against those lines, like a big round mirror or large horizontal painting:

 

 

 

 

 

What tips/tricks do you have for decorating tricky mantels?