For a long time, I’ve wanted a house with a mantel to decorate. We had a fireplace in our first house, but the stand alone design didn’t allow for a mantel to decorate. But now we’ve got one, thanks to a new fireplace surround. I’ve patiently waited for the paint to cure. Now that it has, I’m in full decorating mode. Originally, I thought I’d stretch a long, lean canvas to paint an abstract landscape on. It would have worked, provided the real painting turned out as well as the one I had mentally painted.
Then, to get an idea of the size I’d want, I pulled a few frames out of the basement storage. And then I switched gears, pulling out more frames to make a layered frame shelf. Sure, one large art piece would look fine, but then I’d feel the need to fill in with tchotchkes, aka clutter. Round one, I centered a 16 by 20 white frame then layered in 11 by 14 frames and filled in gaps with smaller ones.
Don’t mind what’s in the frames, some (or all?) will change. Too small and washed out. I pulled slightly larger wooden frame out from under the guest bed and set it up front and center. More frames around it, this time including a 12 by 12 frame.
Not a winner. I really liked the black frame and mix of styles and colors.
Close, but no cigar. Needs a little more height on the right side, so the 12 by 12 frame got the boot and an 11 by 14 took its place.
Almost there; that gold vase just didn’t tickle my pickle, nor did it serve a purpose. A set of matching white marble vases balanced the ends, and holds matches.
Obviously I’ll need to fill the center frame and swap out some art in the other frames.
Also on the redo list, painting the small square frame white and the small rectangle frame black. Gotta spread out the light and dark for balance.
We also loaded up the wood box over the weekend and love the usefulness, rustic look, and warmth it adds to the room.
So what do you think of layered frames on a mantel? What do you have above your fireplace? Do you have a favorite art piece? Any suggestions for customizeable/DIY/special art to add in the frames? I’d like a mix of art, photos, and something for the small shadowbox.
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