Not sure if my picture posted? Trying again.

Flipped your photo for those of us on PCs... Could you give us some dimensions, like how much room there is between the mantel and what looks like a small shelf opening behind the chandelier?

How far is the chandelier from the stone? Could you post other pics of the room so we know what your style of decor is?

Here is a photo of the opening and you can see some of the rug and furniture. We are getting a gas insert for the fireplace.

The room measures 15 x 25, and has 6 windows. The chandelier is centered in the space.

This is the wall directly across from the fireplace. Sorry for posting these pictures separately.

I would put a giant metal work clock on the wall and some metal objects on the mantel.

Hard to see in the pics...is that a niche in the stone up top? How big is it?

You have a lot going on in that room! The ceiling shapes are modern, the wainscoting is cottage-y, and that magnificent fireplace is rustic! The light in your room is great and the proportions (15x25) are very nice. I would probably try to come up with an overall art and accessories plan before buying anything specifically for the fireplace.

Yes, it's a niche measuring 2 x 2 and 10 inches deep. The bottom shelf starts 10 feet from the floor.
Some furniture we are considering for the area where you see blue tape mapped out on the walls and floor:

Here is a link that might be useful: Stanley Archipelago

And here is a picture of the fabric and trim the draperies are being made of: linen, lightly lined, pinch pleat on rings-panels to floor. Woven blinds too.

I agree that you have a lot going on, but it's wonderful so far. The thing I would avoid is having too much stuff or detail on that mantel and let the fireplace be the statement. I saw this and thought it looked great, but am not sure if you can reach the mantel to light candles or turn on battery operated ones. I think they make some remote control.

The other option I'd consider would be a large painting there with nothing else on the mantel. Not sure what to do with the niche. If you don't do candles on the mantel, then I might do some remote control ones in the niche.

[Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by Woodinville Interior Designers & Decorators Interiors

Okay, maybe cows aren't your thing, but something bold like this :)

[Traditional Porch[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-porch-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_726~s_2107)

Having a stone FP of the same color and half the height, I can tell you that most colors will not be noticeable. After trying many items on my FP, the color that looks the best is cream, like the candles that Oly showed. Or any bright color.

I've been using cream colored jugs and crocks.

I like the first pix in olychicks post.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I will try each one with some things I have around the house, take pics, and post again. Love olychik's picture....maybe I need to "beef up" my mantel?

Just wanted to say that I really love your room. I like the idea of beefing up your mantel. Can you share where you got your rug? Thanks

I agree with olychicks. I'd add the candles and call it a day. Keep it simple.

I can just see a couple of guys giggling when they built this fireplace ... "hey guys, lets make a tiny niche way up high to confuse the chick who buys this house!"

I would leave the niche empty. I like the collection of candles posted above.