I would suggest a painting, a landscape or a figural of some kind. Here are three that I thought might work:

For the mantle, look for something that does not have a small busy design that will compete with the toile. The clock would be a larger scale graphic, but two clocks, not just here and there, but both being so prominent in the room may seem like overkill unless in a train station. An architectural piece, like the iron grille you mentioned, sounds like a good option- especially something not too busy and with a chunkier feel; an authentic architectural element would be my pick...a stained glass window with a simple strong design and a grey wood frame, for example. hth

Those are beautiful pictures, forhgtv, but I have one very similar to the first one, and it doesn't look right with the black and white toile lamp shades. It competes with them. Of course, I could move the lamps elsewhere BUT they look no nice on the mantle, and I just love them. Kitch n kat, the reason I mentioned a clock was because I watched an episode of Clean House, in which Mark Brunetz used a large clock over a couch and also a grandfather clock in the room. He is the one who said there are no rules about how many clocks one can use in a room, but you may be right about it being overkill. Could you (or others) HELP ME find a suitable round iron grille (in black) that would work? I like that idea. It can't be over 23 or 24 inches in diameter. I hadn't thought about a stained glass window, but I happen to have one. Trouble is, the squares are red, white and BLUE. It would be wonderful if they were red, white and black. I appreciate your help, guys.

I love the grilles, but I am thinking that perhaps everything is getting a bit too matchy. The black grille above the ebony mantel (and perhaps above a black fireplace insert?) with the black and white toile might end up all blending together. I would look for art, something that has some other color, perhaps even small bits of something strong for a bit of accent.

It sounds like you have a traditional decor in the space, so you might consider botanical prints, perhaps a set of three or a grouping of four, two over two. Here is a link to art.com, that might give you some ideas.

botanical illustrations

well, you could paint the blue glass with glass paint from the craft store- that could be removed with polish remover (or the like) if you wanted to undo it. I like trying what I already have when possible - it makes me feel clever.

For the grill....Ballard Designs, Overstock, Home Decorator, the mall? eBay? Dunno, I'm one that would enjoy the down and dirty of looking for the real deal at a salvage yard or thrift store.

Your description of the room was good, I thought, but posting photos will get you a lot more (and maybe better ; )) help - there are so many variables, like scale, that are unknown.

You may be right, Les. Thanks for the link. Actually, I consider my style (or lack of it!) to be eclectic. My camel couch is transitional and on it is two zebra print pillows, along with the red ones. I use a black antique trunk for a coffee table. You're able to see my kitchen from the living room. It has red walls, black and white checked backsplash, ebony cabinets, and white countertops. The dining table is round and antique and it has four French-style chairs in a pale yellow finish. The seats are upholstered in small black and white checked fabric. So, everything is a combination of styles that seem to work together. I've figured out everything except for the area above the mantle. Thanks for helping me.

I think there was a recent post by Jan and she was wondering what to put above her stone fireplace. I believe a clock was suggested to her or perhaps a piece architectural salvage. I will look for that post.