Living room mantle styling- advice
I have waaay too much on this mantle, advice on what should stay /go? Or a whole new look is welcomed as well
Comments
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I love this. What a wonderful fireplace with such beautiful photos! My 3 suggestions are:
- Consider updating the photo frames to have a more uniform color scheme. Similarly, if the format of the photos (e.g., black and white, sepia) isn’t particularly meaningful to you, using a consistent format for all the photos could create a more cohesive look.
- Try grouping similar items together rather than spacing them apart.
- If your mantel has enough depth, adding a larger piece behind everything—such as a mirror, monochromatic art, or a larger version of a photo—can help add visual interest and balance, drawing the eye upward.
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Try for more asymmetrical vibes. It's so balanced which I think makes it look busier, give the items some room to breathe. One floral vase, move both candle sticks to one side (swap one with a shorter candle stick). And less photos, 3 is probably a good fit. Like @MoM said, keep frames and images in similar tone.
I'd love to see what you try!
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Thank you for the feedback and helpful tips! I often get stuck when it comes to decor and styling. I'll send an updated picture soon! Really appreciate all the help
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Agree with one larger piece behind, group the candlesticks at one end, remove one vase & flowers and maybe do a gallery wall with the photos nearby as opposed to all of them on the mantle.
It's a really really pretty fireplace but it's overwhelmed with too many items on the mantle.
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Looks like you already have some great suggestions! I think you'll notice a big difference if you play around with scale and add a larger piece to break up the visual weight. You can also try the 3-5-7 rule!
"The “3-5-7 Rule” takes that concept and expands it to larger odd numbers, particularly clusters of five and seven. Designers always talk about the dynamism of odd number groupings, but sometimes you need more than just three things to fill a larger surface or area. So five and seven give you a little more wiggle room to work with without going overboard with a multiple of three or another unwieldy larger number."
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Paint the very top piece black. Hang or prop a nice, medium to large mirror in the center. Add some different-height candles, in same or similar colors. I like the vases, but not on the mantle. And I like the advice to have the same color frame for the photos. I would group them closer together, even overlapping a bit, on one side or the other. Look for an interesting larger piece to use as a focal point on the other side, such as a piece of pottery, carved statue, a sculpture, or natural element that you probably have sitting somewhere else. Good luck to you - it's a fabulous fire place surround.
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@SarahKrock You're absolutely right that there's a better solution to this beautiful area, and the other answers are great too.. I just wanted to jump in and show you a sketch…
Yes, to a bigger piece of art or mirror that will balance you nice big fireplace surround.
Yes, to upright tall plants on either side to frame the area and also give it some green life warmth year round
Yes, to a nice big run centered in front to also frame this area…
And then move most of the framed pics to a lower side table or begin to hang them on a wall in your entry or area that you pass alot. Framed family pics that grow along a wall over time are a lovely way to chart the history and growth of your family and it also gets them OFF surfaces where they will feel eventually like clutter…
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