Decorate your fireplace for winter

I can’t think of any better focal point during the winter months than a fireplace. Whether it be in a family or living room or even a bedroom, the hearth evokes warmth and comfort and, for me, sets the tone for relaxation.

As a recent owner of a new gas fireplace and mantel, I’ve had much fun accessorizing the mantel and paying homage to the new focal point in my living room. Not only does the fireplace offer warmth, it also adds a style element that’s easy to change up each season.

Here’s a list of dos and don’ts, design rules and style ideas to help you make your fireplace mantel a stylish and special place to enjoy during the cold months and beyond.

THE MANTEL

If you’ve got a mantel then what you really need to do is create displays on it in order to create a focal point to your room and support the fireplace below. A mantel is essentially a display shelf and there are some classic accessories that always work, no matter what time of year. Large crystal or glass vases or hurricane lanterns that house pillar candles for a glow during winter and fresh garden greens in the summer are a classic accessory.

Choose straight-edged styles for a modern appeal and curved or rounded shapes for a traditional vibe. Placing one on each end of a mantel creates a symmetrical look. Another option that’s a nice way to brighten up each end of the mantel is using a set of shaded lamps (make sure the shades are no wider than the depth of the mantel).

I like to keep the centre of the mantel-scape fairly low. That’s usually because there’s art hanging above it and you don’t want to obscure the bottom of the art too much. Some great, easy examples would be a row of small vases, votive candles or standing picture frames.

Want to simplify the look of your mantel? Try contemporizing it by stretching five to seven (depending on the length of your mantel) smaller-sized vases all the same shape and colour across the mantel. Add a single flower or leaf to eachand you’re done.

LOOKING ABOVE

What to hang above the fireplace is often a dilemma for many people.

Whether it be a mirror or artwork, the overall width should be approximately three-quarters of the mantel. Hanging something wider than the mantel will look too top-heavy. The bottom of whatever you hang should be three to six inches above the top of the mantel. Once you’ve got the proportion and size established then, then decide on what to hang.

The deeper and more pronounced the mantel is (an example would be a large stone fireplace), the more pronounced the artwork should be above. Strong colours, bold art and chunky frames will make a statement.

Because mirrors appear to recede, hanging one over a very heavy bulky mantel will only make the mantel seem to protrude more into the room.