In case you’re losing sleep over what my mantel is looking like these days. . . . The Ballard Designs mirror that I ordered last month (while it was at a great price) is up. I always felt like the black mirror wasn’t making much of a statement. I’m so much happier with the way the new one fills the wall space (it’s right around 48” in diameter).
And, for a few minutes, I debated on painting it gold, but the natural finish is really starting to grow on me. It seems more casual—like us.
Speaking of what to hang above your mantel, I think the best rule of thumb is bigger is better and less is more. In other words, don’t be afraid to hang one big piece to serve as a focal point above your fireplace. And, when in doubt about accessorizing the mantel, I always think a few well-placed pieces is better than lots of smaller trinkets that can look too busy.
Need more mantel ideas? I did a post on using oversized mirrors here, and another on tricky mantels here.
Check back tomorrow. I have a fun post planned. (Because inquiring minds want to know…)
I agree that bigger is better when it comes to mantels. My mantel is a tricky mantel, as it has the firebox side and a dumbwaiter side (to send up the wood) with one very long mantel. Love your new, larger mirror and the natural finish looks so pretty with your wall color. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove the new mirror ... and don't paint it!! Do that later when you might be looking for a change! Right now very fresh and natural and looks Fab!! xo
ReplyDeleteI've been coveting that mirror for a long time. It such a statement piece and look really amazing over your fireplace.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great Emily! My pet peeve is little pieces on a mantel. Go big or go home, I say! :) Such a great opportunity to make a statement.
ReplyDeleteLove that mirror!! Our fireplace is ledge stone up to the ceiling, and I always have a difficult time decorating the mantel, since I don't want to cover up or take away from the stone. I also love big pieces though...fun problems to have ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the new mirror and the natural touches of greenery around it!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great and I love the natural wood.
ReplyDeleteYay, it's up! I remember our e-mail conversations, and I bet you are so thrilled! I knew it would be beautiful. I also finished my dining room painting! Gotta love finshed projects. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm usually a big gaudy gold kind of girl but that natural is perfection. Looks so great and not like you're trying too hard!
ReplyDeleteIt's an excellent choice for over the fireplace. It makes a statement that the smaller mirror didn't do.
ReplyDeleteWow the mirror looks amazingly beautiful!!!! I was contemplating purchasing that mirror, but above the right side of my mantel the wall from the second floor jogs out so I wouldn't be able to fit a 4' mirror. Love the look
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Just what I needed today; after the holiday decs came down, I realized my mantle needs a redo. It's just not there yet!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, Emily! Just the right touch for your mantle. I was considering this mirror when you posted about the sale, but a day or two later they were SO gone! Looking forward to your post tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, less is definitely more. Adding too much stuff can get way too busy way too fast. Your mantel looks great, I love the mirror!
ReplyDeleteThe scale is so much better! I love the natural finish. Have a great week Emily.
ReplyDeletexo Nancy
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Less is more. I love the natural finish of the mirror for now. It looks very modern! I would adore it if you would cover how to decorate a two story mantle.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Less is definitely more when it comes to mantels. I love that you posted on scale too. That is the biggest mistake I see when people decorate their mantles. They always have items and pictures or mirrors that are too small. You new mirror looks great! xo Kristin
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! Totally time for me to cry now. I have been eyeing that mirror forever but had yet to purchase it. I even look at your blog all the time but somehow missed your post about it being on sale. And I feel like I look at Ballard Designs all the time too. Apparently with the holidays and lots of traveling somehow I missed your post and must not have looked at Ballard Designs last month. I'm so sad!! Looks great in your house though! Maybe one day they will bring it back but still can't believe I missed the big sale.
ReplyDeleteFirst - I love just about everything that Ballard Designs make.
ReplyDeleteSecond - I wish I could have you come tell me what to do with the 1970's mantle in this parsonage. It is almost 9 feet long and has less that 3 feet above it. It's a bit maddening for me....... =)
It looks amazing Emily!! I talked myself out of it when you posted it and now I'm so sad I did. It's perfect!
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! And I'm excited about tomorrow's post. I recognize a few of those faces!
ReplyDeleteI love the mirror and love the natural finish... you can always add some pops of gold with votives or shapes of some sort. I personally love mixing natural with glam. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this post! I had a problem with my mantel for years. Finally found the perfect mirror at Kirklands! It is HUGE! I like the statement it makes and I also like simple. After the 1st of the year and Christmas decor gone, I added two topiary trees to either side of the mirror. simple. clean.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
BIGGER IS BETTER! Such a good motto sometimes :) Love love the mirror!
ReplyDeleteNew mirror = awesomeness
ReplyDeleteLove this mirror so much more! I say keep it the way it is. Love the natural look!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. This is what I am struggling with right now, the need for big/statement pieces around our house vs. my husband's fear of change. Blah.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you on the "less is more and bigger is better" approach. Plus it's so much easier than trying to balance out a ton of little things.
ReplyDeleteI am learning that--The hard way! Hahaha. I don't have a mantel--but in general--Sometimes I will find a "great piece", but it will be TOO small. :) Love the natural look of the wood in the photo!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Emily! I love the mirror... it looks wonderful above your mantle! I just took down a mirror that has been above my mantle for 18 years and replaced it with a great big clock. Very timely post!
ReplyDeleteYou know what they say...go big or go home! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the commenter who would like your mirror frame in natural finish, it's more like of a natural wood. I only put a vase with beautiful flowers on my mantel and I really love it that way.
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ReplyDeleteThat mirror is AMAZING! Love it and it truly shows why scale is so important {or just why it's such a fabulous find!}. So lovely!
ReplyDeletexo!
Jen
Removing wallpaper is no fun, but I have a great tip for you. Fabric softner! Mix a solution of liquid fabric softner (I always use Downy) and water into a spray bottle and then SATURATE the section you're working on. Let it soak in for a few minutes then peel away. A putty knife helps, too. You may want to lay towels on the floor, as it can get pretty messy, but it works. I've found this to be the easiest and cheapest way to get the job done.
ReplyDeletewud u use gold leaf paint to paint the mirror gold?Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt's really just perfect! Don't you love it when something finally comes together like that? Good work!
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