Rochester NY Real Estate

Make Your Mantle a Masterpiece

A mantle can be the place where you highlight treasured family photos; it can also be a show-stopping focal point for your room. Whether you like minimalistic design or prefer to be surrounded with your favorite objects, here are some ideas to help you decorate your mantle:

· Go bold. If you tend to use neutral colors for your walls and furnishings, you can make your mantle really stand out by adding a bright "pop" of color. Consider using a vase of crimson tulips, a bowl of sunny citrus fruits or an array of colorful glass bottles.

· To balance or not to balance. If you like traditional décor, you might like a symmetrical look for your mantle. Try hanging a large painting, photo or mirror centered above your fireplace, then arrange a set of candlesticks, books or other matching knick-knacks on either end. But if you prefer to be a little different, go for an asymmetric look by using the decorator's rule of "three to one." According to this rule, artfully group three similar (but not the same) objects at one end of your mantle, then place one large object at the other end.

· Show off those photos. Select photos of friends, family and pets, then place them in a variety of frames. Mix shapes, styles and colors. Try to coordinate colors in the photos with the frames for a sophisticated, finished look.