Decorating a mantel seems to stump a lot of people. Maybe it’s the pressure of creating a “focal point” for the room. Mirrors are a popular go-to choice, but a mistake I often see is using a mirror that’s too small in scale.
I love these examples of using large mirrors that fill the entire vertical visual space above the fireplace, sometimes even touching the crown molding. Not only is it a great way to “open up” the room, but it’s a wonderful excuse to ditch the ceiling fan and replace it with a great chandelier for a beautiful reflection. (That’s also in the plans around here, btw.)
PS—I loved reading your responses to my kindergarten post. So funny :)
You’re right, mantels can be intimidating. Seems like a simple rule to follow, mirrors to the molding. Great tip and lovely images to back it up.
I have always wanted a mantel so I can decorate it. The options are really endless on what can be done.
I don’t have a mantel, but good tip! Gracious those were some pretty pictures…several I hadn’t seen before. The last picture is awesome inspiration for me right now, but it’s weird how can I love it and not really like the rug? Clearly I’m wrong and it is great because the room rocks as a whole.
I wish I had a pic of my first mantel—-Im sure I would cringe because I did use a mirror and it was TINY. : )
These photos are gorgeous and great inspiration!
So right Emily. Size DOES matter in Interior Design! When in doubt, always go for the larger mirror.
http://www.thehuntedinterior.blogspot.com
I love big mirrors!! We have one above our mantel, but I’m thinking of finding one a little more unique. A little snazzier!!
We have cathedral ceilings, so the light fixture/fan really doesn’t reflect much in our mirror. Good thing I guess, because here in the South (TN), we love our ceiling fans!! Thankfully, there are some pretty ones out there. We chose a more ornate fan for the great room.
tina
These are quite dramatic and definitely open up a space.
Perfect timing on a mirror post. I just bought a mirror that is the exact same shape as the gold mirror in your last picture. I thought maybe it was large, but bigger is better!
I couldnt agree with you more! I hate it when a mirror reflects a ceiling fan and I *raising hand* am currently guilty of such- but convincing the hubs to do otherwise will take an act of Congress.
Great rule to follow! Beautiful inspiration pics too!
A big mirror is definitely a great way to dress up a fireplace mantel! Great collection of images, too!
http://www.mixandchic.com
I have just moved into a new house, and put up our ‘old’ mirror above our new mantel. I know it’s too small, and it almost looks silly, so I’m definately on the hunt for a fabulous replacement!
This is a great tip! All of those inspiration photos are gorgeous. Any tips / inspiration pictures on styling a dresser in the master bedroom?
Huh, you’re right! I’ve never noticed how taking the mirror all the way to the trim makes for such a great (and professional look) I’m eyeing mine and wondering if it needs to be bigger now.
Camille
I like the idea of a large mirror above the fireplace. One design issue I’d like to tackle in my own home is my fireplace that doesn’t have a mantle. We’d love to hire a carpenter to build us a mantle, but the trouble is our fireplace is rock, and therefore not an even space to mount a mantel. Any advice on how you would work around this issue? I really love the last photo you featured.
I love big mirrors! I just wish they were more affordable. My biggest question is do you mount them or lean them? (and if you lean, how do you make them safe?)
You were thinking of me and my big, honking, obnoxious knot mirror when you wrote this post…weren’t you?! ;)
Love all of those.
LOVE all these examples! Keep for inspiration!
I think this is very controversial! I have never liked mirrors over fireplaces because when you are sitting in the room all they reflect is the ceiling. I would much rather have a nice piece of art to look at than the reflection of my ceiling! But… I must have a ceiling fan to survive the Texas summers (especially this one)… so maybe I would have a different take on this if I had a chandelier!
Great Tip! I think a lot of people don’t know what to do with a mantle. I am constantly switching items around on mine.
What a great tip. We agree, large mirrors that go up to the crown molding opens up the space. We struggle with ceiling fans in South Louisiana. People down here really do use them but they are just so unattractive. We haven’t figured out a way around them.
Angela and Renee
I’m so glad you posted this!! I’ve lived in my house 11 years and have been able to get my mantle “just right”. I’m going to try the mirror to the molding trick! Thanks!
Now if you can do another post about how to accessorize the bookshelves flanking the fireplace!
well said Emily! so true.
What a great post! I have been looking for a mirror fir above my mantle & was worried that the one I liked was too big. After seeing these pictures I know it’s the way to go now!