Fireplace Mantel Shelf
A fireplace mantel shelf is the focal point of a room, reflecting the “feel” of your entire home: is it formal? Is it casual? Is it warm and inviting? Is it kid friendly? You can tell a lot about a person and their home by the tone set with the fireplace mantel shelf. If you’re having trouble expressing yourself the way you would like through the focal point of your fireplace, here are a few suggestions to help you create a design you can be proud of.
Wall Art
Even more so than the fireplace mantel shelf, what you display on the wall above your fireplace really sets the tone for the room. A family portrait, an interesting piece of art, an antique mirror, even a unique wall sculpture all make great focal points for this space. Just keep in mind when deciding on this particular piece of wall art that the rest of your design scheme will be centered round it.
Theme
With consideration to the wall art you have already chosen, now it’s time to create the theme for your fireplace mantel shelf. If it’s formal, consider an assortment of fine glass pieces, polished marble or stone, silver or gold accents, elegant fresh cut or silk flowers. Any photos displayed should be professional quality set in formal, matted picture frames. Conversely, a more casual, homey feeling theme could incorporate a few formal items, but should have items mixed in such as kids’ art projects, more “real life” photos in mix-n-match frames, and more casual flower arrangements, such as wildflowers (you still have your choice of fresh-cut or silk—or even a live plant.)
Arrangement
The arrangement of the items displayed on your fireplace mantel shelf is even more important that the items themselves. The “flow” of the arrangement is the most important element of all. Even if you prefer an asymmetrical arrangement, you must still consider the element of balance. So as not to detract from the wall art displayed above your fireplace, do not be tempted to put your tallest item in the middle of the shelf. The tallest items should be placed on the ends with the entire arrangement sort of swooping down and inward toward the center, with an item of medium height taking center stage in your mantel arrangement. While items on either side of this “centerpiece” need not be identical, they should be of similar size, theme, and complimentary in color to the items they “mirror” on the other side. Attention to placement is a vital element to creating balance that’s pleasing to both the eye and the mind.
If this all still seems like too much, simply take a peek into an interior design book or magazine with a fireplace feature, and you will get the basic idea from the pictures inside. Most importantly though, the décor of your fireplace mantel shelf should reflect a bit about you as a person, and a lot about the “feel” of your home. A fireplace mantel shelf is a great place to showcase your own personal style!
Current fireplace mantel shelf Items on Ebay:
* 60" x 7.25" Mantle Shelf mantel fireplace picture ledge crown**FREE SHIPPING**
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Rustic Chainsaw Carved Fireplace Mantle Mantel Bear and Cub Log Home Shelf
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**SOLID OAK WOODEN FIREPLACE MANTEL (MANTLE) SHELF CUSTOMIZE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
 | US $126.30 End Date: Monday Feb-27-2012 6:11:54 PST Buy It Now for only: US $126.30 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
**SOLID OAK WOODEN FIREPLACE MANTEL (MANTLE) SHELF CUSTOMIZE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
| US $97.99 End Date: Monday Feb-27-2012 6:11:54 PST Buy It Now for only: US $97.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
**SOLID OAK WOODEN FIREPLACE MANTEL (MANTLE) SHELF CUSTOMIZE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
| US $102.99 End Date: Monday Feb-27-2012 6:11:54 PST Buy It Now for only: US $102.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
**SOLID OAK WOODEN FIREPLACE MANTEL (MANTLE) SHELF CUSTOMIZE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
| US $111.99 End Date: Monday Feb-27-2012 6:11:54 PST Buy It Now for only: US $111.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |