What can you hang over a fireplace mantle?
While you can hang virtually anything over a fireplace mantle, there a few tried and true standbys such as framed paintings—landscape paintings are especially popular—and photography, as well as mirrors. Popular mirror shapes include trumeau mirrors, as well as large round mirrors. For a classic, decorator go-to, consider a large oversized gold gilded mirror with an arched top. Less common options for over-the-mantle decor include textiles (either framed or hung from a tapestry rod), metal wall sculptures (think: Curtis Jere), and other round wall decor such as African juju hats, tortoise shells, or other medallions. Designers employ a series of tricks to make over-the-mantle decor appear less-run-of-the-mill, including using smaller artwork and flanking it with decorative sconces. They may also lean a mirror or artwork on top of a mantle rather than hang it in order to procure additional dimension. Often, designers will layer and lean several small framed art pieces atop a mantle as well.
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Lead photo by Amy Bartlam