If you can nail your mantel décor, you can totally change how your fireplace appears, transforming it from “meh” to something you can be proud of. But what, exactly, should you be adding to your fireplace to transform it into a prominent focal point? Here are some options to consider:
Add Wall Accents
Fireplaces look great with accented wall paint. Instead of painting your entire room the same color, paint the majority of it neutral and then add a colorful strip behind the fireplace and above the mantel. Not only will this make the room more interesting, but it will cement the fireplace as the central focal point, as seen on www.pinterest.co.uk.
Add Fireplace Molding Details
If you visit a traditional home (often built in the 18th or 19th century), you’ll notice that many have molding next to the fireplace, similar to the type you might find on ceilings. Adding embossed, rectangular shapes to the mantelpiece surround helps to emphasize the fireplace, making it more attractive.
While crown molding can take any shape, most homeowners opt for a traditional design. Typically, this involves a square of crown molding filling the area above the mantelpiece, with strips of molding running down either side of the fireplace. If you don’t already have a fireplace, consider a dimplex ignite xl 74 Electric Fireplace to make a great addition to any room.
Install A TV
The space above your mantelpiece doesn’t always have to be decorative. It can also be practical as well.
For this reason, many homeowners use it to house their TVs. Putting a television set above the mantelpiece is often a practical solution and negates the need for a separate TV stand, freeing up space in your living room.
Add Statement Artwork
The space above your mantelpiece is often crying out for unusual artwork that matches the rest of the room, particularly if dominated by neutral tones. Therefore, consider adding a statement piece.
Remember, if you want it to be a focal point, pick something big. It should cover at least 75 percent of the area above the mantelpiece and below the ceiling. Less than this, and the painting will look out of place, dominated by too much wall space.
Choose a picture that suits the theme of your room. For instance, if you’re going for a hygge living room, choose something that looks cozy, like a sheep.
Add An Urn
Adding urns to your mantelpiece is attractive and a great way to celebrate the memory of your family. If you click here for Memorials.com, you can see some good examples of the type of products available on the market. Urns can pair with virtually any interior décor theme, giving you choice over how your fireplace looks.
Put Sconces On Either Side
While fireplaces can provide some light, their main job is to heat your rooms. As such, it’s a nice idea to add sconces to either side of the mantelpiece to replace the candles that would have been there in the past. Sconces are great because they offer warm, natural light that doesn’t feel harsh in the evenings.
Layer Your Mantel Décor
Many homeowners place candles, mirrors or vases on their mantelpiece and then leave it as that. However, if you want to create a big impression, you’ll need to go beyond that.
One option is to layer the objects that you include above the fireplace. Just adding frames of different sizes, succulents, and even rustic logs can all add up to a beautiful result.
If it doesn’t look right the first time around, don’t be afraid to play with it a little. It can take a while for the whole ensemble to look right.
Add Matching Mantel Art
Another option is to add matching mantel art above your mantelpiece. Here, you choose a piece of art that is the same color or style as the mantelpiece itself, making it look like part of a larger whole.
Create An Art Deco Mantelpiece
Art Deco mantel pieces are rare, but also stunning. Elegant designs change how your living room feels, transforming it from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
The easiest way to achieve an Art Deco look is to add themed wallpaper behind your mantelpiece. Doing this immediately changes the look of the entire fireplace area, transporting you back to the 1930s. However, the rest of the room can be chic and contemporary. The design still works.
Make It More Rustic
Sometimes, a rustic fireplace can be precisely what your room needs. Distressed wood, and shabby-chic plasterboard can combine to give your living area a distinctly New Orleans feel.
The great thing about going rustic is that you don’t have to put in as much effort. Instead, you’re relying more on the materials to create a jaw-dropping effect.
Add Plants
According to research, the more plants you can add to your interiors, the better. They elevate your mood and freshen the atmosphere.
In many ways, your mantelpiece was built for plants. Where else in your home is there a large shelf with no particular reason for being there?
Consider adding ferns and other species designed to cope with low light levels, high indoor temperatures, and minimal watering.
Double Up Your Mantelpiece
Speaking of shelves, who says that you can only have one? Many homeowners double- up their mantelpieces, placing a second on top of the first to provide them with more storage space. Guests will find the arrangement unusual and ask you where you got the idea. (You can tell them that you got it from us!)
Make It Scandi-Themed
Scandinavians tend to be good at celebrating the ordinary. Because of this, they have a knack of turning a regular fireplace into something quite special.
The trick here is to aim for simplicity. Paint the fireplace white and then install a simple, wooden mantelpiece. On top of the mantel piece, add some carved wood bowls, a few books, a natural soy candle, or a wicker tray. Make it so that all of the objects are readily available and easy for anyone to use.
So, there you have it: our mantelpiece ideas for a stunning fireplace. Which will you choose for your next living room renovation?
