Hi lyban....
First of all, I would clear the mantle and start with a fall garland draped across the entire top.
Then add in some small gourds and pumpkins and berries. If you want, you can add some candlesticks...maybe 3 varying heights on each side and place fat, orange colored candles on them. Because your mantle is big and it's in a big room, you really need to use large eye-catching decorations.
Hope this helps a little!

Do you have anything really large to stick up there? You're off to a good start-I like the ducks and the clock, but I think you need a really big framed pic or mirror. Then you can put the clock to one side with some of the smaller pieces. Of course, I can't even get my own mantle the way I want it, so maybe I shouldn't be giving advice!!

That's some spooky kitty in the first pic.

Good start! The ducks are very nice. I agree that you need some large stuff up there, as that's a BIG room. Mine is 10x25' and the ceilings are only 7.5' high, so mine is much easier to fill.

How wide and deep is your mantle? What do you have for 'stuff', other than what you have up there? Do you have any large prints, paintings that you could hang or lean up on it?

Due to the size of it, I'd suggest even getting some of the 'Funkins', I think they are called - the foam, carve-able pumpkins that you can get a craft stores that look so realistic.

Do you have any baskets - maybe darker colored ones, that you can fill with crumpled newspaper and then lay some gourds and smaller pumpkins in? If you have a piece of fall fabric, you can lay that on top if the newspaper and have it hang out over the edge of the basket for added color. You could also use stoneware bowls the same way. I like to 'layer' things as much as I can on my 9" deep mantle, and not line them up straight across - it adds depth.

If you have a Michael's near you, they have a sale starting Sunday on ALL of their 'floral stems'. I hope that means berries as well, as they had some nice ones there. Think of any crocks you might have. or old candlesticks, or large plates, anything that can get you some size up there for background pieces.

Please keep us posted on your progress, and we'll help along the way!

Thanks so much for the replies so far. I am going to tour the basement and see if I can find any of these wonderful ideas hanging around. If not it is off to the market for some gourds and liittle pumpkins. I will update as soon as I have made some changes.

I would go for the colors like white mums and white strawflowers mixed with dark burgandy mums and fall faux leaves or foliage that have burgandy tones -- those colors would work with the dominant colors in your room. And white pumpkins of course! LOL!

Mix in some of the dark baskets, dark pink and even brown transferware plates ......

I'm back. I found a few things and fiddled around with this. But I do not like it.
Please tell me where I am wrong.. What should I take away or add or whatever. I am so challenged when it comes to these things...

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

Well -- I believe (and I could be totally wrong on this LOL!! ) -- that the bright orange decorations really clash with the pinky tones in your room.

I do honestly think that the other fall colors -- burgandy/plums/clarets in gourds, leaf garlands -- along with a trio of white pumpkins (different sizes) would work better in your room. Along with your pink transferware --- and perhaps you could look for brown transferware.

And try a larger burgandy mum (fake one -- but you may have to add some fake leaves to "plump" it up) into your dark basket for now too. If you have to raise the flower up to make it look good -- simply overturn a plastic storage container in the bottom of the basket -- and THEN sit the mum down into it! Should be the right height .....

Just some thoughts -- really hope you don't mind .......!

teacats has great suggestions on color and the trio of white pumpkins. Even adding some gourds would be nice. Use the pumpkin lantern elsewhere.

Let's try moving some things around for scale also. Your original picture showed a nicer flow. My thought on the first try was that the center arrangement covered the pendulum and that berries, twigs and leaves needed to be interspersed loosely along the mantle. If you have a large Thanksgiving platter or Tole tray that won't clash with your lovely transferware that might be nice. Also, placing the two plates next to each other would lend a sense of presence to them. Your crystal bowl with pinecones (potpourri?) could come up on top rather than sit on the hearth.

The winebag with flowers & leaves hung on the fp door is much too distracting. Let your eye follow the interest on the mantle. Sometimes less really is more. Trust your instincts as you were off to a good start in the 1st picture.

I agree with all of the above. I'd remove the pumpkin, as it's Halloween-ish, rather than just fall. I meant just a plain pumpkin or two to add (softer) color.

I think softer colors are in order, too. I have seen some faux leaves that are reddish tones and not so bright, in fact I bought some yesterday! I used orange tones because they work with my colors, but you might find some faux reddish berries, etc, and allow them to drape out the side of a container, like a basket.

See how I did mine? It's a very 'natural' look. I just called my local Michael's, and if you have one nearby, they have a 50% off all floral stems starting tomorrow. I saw that they had some very realistic items when I was there earlier in the week. Look also for cones that you might have in your yard that you could arrange in a bowl or basket. I have not used garlands in my decor, just 'stems' of flowers and berries, and I always cut them apart and use them as I want.

Thank you all once again. I am not giving up , I will try again. My3dogs, I live in Canada, and though there are Michael's in the rest of Canada, there are none here in the Prov. of Quebec. But I have a nice market here and I will see tomorrow if there pumpkins are out yet. And I will try to get some small white ones as teacats mentions and will put my pink transferware back. I do not have any other transferware. I wish I had a brown piece. I will also get rid of all the orange leaves. Don't give up on me, I will prevail till I get it right.

lyban, you will be just fine. Your home is lovely.

I could be wrong, but I think teacats is suggesting larger pumpkins and staggering the sizes. Maybe she'll see the post and check in.

If you find some slightly mottled in tone, then the pumpkins, gourds, even acorn squash will provide texture and not fade into the wall color. Really, your first attempt was nice. I think sometimes it's hard when you get a lot of opinions, so it's helpful to look at various examples that you like and try to focus on the elements that appeal to you. Like my3dogs, I often take apart arrangements, whether fresh flowers or faux ornamentals as most are very tightly designed.

And like you, I love phalaenopsis! Since their dramatic and graceful form appeals to you, think about their shape and find curly willow, berry branches, etc which will gave your fall mantle a similar grace.

'Bigger and fewer' are two of the most important words in decorating, especially when you have high ceilings.

Abundant mentioned trays and platters, jan spoke of height, and everyone else had great ideas, too.

Start with a few larger pieces and you can add fill afterward.

You have a beautiful room with some gorgeous pieces of furniture. As time goes by, keep your eye out for larger scale art. It works better than many smaller pieces and please don't take this as criticism. I have the same problem with many high ceilings in my home and am aware of the cost related to bigger art work. I don't have enough in my own house. :)

BTW my3dogs, you could have a career in photography. You take such lovely pictures.

OK. I am ready to show you my third attempt. I know it is still not right, but I think better than the second try.
I just read about the high scale and bigger pieces that I need but I just do not seem to have what is needed right now. When I put some big things up there because your eye is going up , all I see is the underneath of things.
Ok. tell me what to take away and what to add or should I just skip fall and start practising for Christmas. Who knew this was going to be so hard. I real hate my wall sconces so if anyone has any ideas of what to put there, I would appreciate it also.
By the way my mantle is 11" deep and 86" wide.

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

Very very nice! Simply remove the small basket on the hearth -- keeps the focus up top -- where it should be!

Here's a possible wall sconce -- it would look amazing with a Very tall mirror to match ...... just a thought!

Here is a link that might be useful: Possible wall sconce?

Thanks teacats.
I do like the wall sconces you posted but am not sure if I need bigger ones up there.
I am also wondering if my fall mantle is too busy.
Should I have more empty spaces between things.

Much better, Lyban. I like that you didn't run your lamp into the sconce above as in the 1st picture. If you feel you need more open space, edit until you're pleased. I can't see what's in the photo well enough, particularly the items to the right of the ivy. Also can't tell what's in front of the lamp although the color and shape seems nice. And an autumn platter. You've been busy!

You found a white pumpkin. Can you get 1 or 2 more or at least another type of gourd to add? While I don't strictly adhere to any design "rules", there is the rule of 3. Some, like me, stretch it to 5, particularly in landscaping. At the basis, it's the idea that like objects in odd #s have a harmonious relationship. Having just one pumpkin does not provide context for it so I'd be inclined not to let it hang out there by itself. If you already have others on the mantle, please accept my apologies but I can't see all what is there as well as I could in previous posts.

Also can't see the classical shaped urn the ivy is in. The shape is nice but he color strikes me as a little off. Maybe putting the ivy in a little basket would add the warmer tone associated with autumn. Also can't see if you have leaves or berries carried over to the duck side. I think you may, but if not maybe a scattering over there would be nice.

As far as sconces, I'm very excited that you're willing to change the delicate ones as they don't seem to have the presence your lovely room deserves.
If you always keep the clock on the mantle, consider the height when choosing new sconces. I'm guessing it's nearly 2.5 ft. tall and that your ceiling goes from 10' to 14' or so. Fill up some of that volume with your new sconces, whatever style you find delightful. :-)

I like a variety of styles though my own are simple alabaster. I did a really quick peek to see what teacats' site offered in larger sizes. See what you think. Sorry you'll have to cut and paste. These are not in order of preference, just a range for you to explore.

Let us know what you think.

http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/sconces/Style_Traditional/page_7/G0730/

http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/sconces/Style_Victorian/page_2/G0656/

http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/sconces/Style_Victorian/39467/

http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/Sconces/Style_Art-Deco/74876/

http://lightingbygregory.com/lighting/product/af-6457-2w.html

http://lightingbygregory.com/lighting/product/cy-2502-ob-cl-mwp.html

http://lightingbygregory.com/lighting/product/cy-452-pb.html

Abundantblessings,
What a nice name you have there. Thanks for the reply. If you go to the first of the the last three photos I posted there is a closeup of my mantle. I also went to all the web sites you listed and I like # 1 and # 3.

Great, Lyban. Both are lovely though they'll have very different effects by virtue of shade or seeing the bulb through glass. If you get them, please install them on a dimmer. But then I think almost all lights should be on dimmers!!!

Sorry, for some reason I can't pull up the enlarged version, but not to worry. This is really about what you think looks best.

BTW, your LR is quite lovely.

If you must keep the basket on the hearth, try it by the other basket. If you don't like it there, it might be great in your kitchen or even in your foyer.

A lot of little things, but pretty much using what's there, I'd like to see some sweeping heights and cascading, something like below, as it's very linear. The urn probably can't overlap as much as I've got it here, but I'd think part of its edge and greenery could. The small lamp and platter are raised. Some height is really needed, so I added a few prints in the second pic.

Oh, I really wanted to see the mantel off-center, also : )

Must try on a large piece : ) Just a mirror I had on hand. See what a difference that makes.

Ha, that's "see the clock! off-center" : )

A romantic tapestry:

{{!gwi}}

I'm an orchid grower, and all I noticed were your lovely pinks and purple Phals.

Come visit us over on the Orchids forum!

Nice mantel, a few blooming Oncidiums, a Psychopsis, a tall Sharry Baby Oncid. and your mantel will be full of browns and orange...

Jane

I LOVE what squirrel did! The clock off-center is great, and the mirror adds needed height, although I might do one horizontally, also to try that way. Changing out the sconces will also be a very nice change.

I did a little with my pine bureau last night using the faux things I bought locally from the small shop and Michaels. I use more muted colors as you have now on the mantle. I think they work best for each of us. I wrapped a bit of orange and brown fabric around my battery candle to give it a bit of seasonal color.

Oh Squirrelheaven thank you so much for all that work you did. I am not a fan of the tapestries but love the idea of a large mirror up there.

My3dogs, Your table arrangement is just lovely and I wish I could find lovely faux branches around here. I cannot even find the chinese lanterns.

I took down the clock this morning and tried this print which I had in basement. I had picked it up at Homesense ( I believe this is like your Homegoods in USA)awhile ago so that next year when my daughters wedding is over I can frame a black and white photo of them in this frame.
I gave it a try with again a new arrangement of things. Please tell me if this is better than the clock or how I can improve it. Sorry for the sun streaks , that is caused by my 3 skylights on top. Does not show IRL, just with flash.

{{!gwi}}

I looove the collection around the picture and to the right. I think the left side needs more work from the pink plates out, though. Maybe pull that far right duck in, too.

Beautiful job and color work!

Congratulations, lyban! It's wonderful!

I like the print better than the clock. Glad the lamp if gone. Love the orchid addition and the gourds. This feels more like the rest of your room. I'd be tempted to keep the print in the frame since it's a nice water scene and place your daughter's photo on your piano or the side table by the hearth. See what you think by switching the outward facing right duck with the one by the orchid.

I agree with 3 dogs that a horizontal mirror may work but a round may be better, although you may not need any once you change the scones. IMO you don't need to fill the space or emphasize the height. I too have 20' ceilings in this house but prefer to keep the eye grounded to human scale. Even when we built our last home with more sane 12+' ceilings I kept the profile of art, furniture low. Nor do you need to bounce light since your room gets lots of wonderful light. I think your mantle may be too high to reflect back a nice image since you apparently take these photos from a catwalk on the upper floor. These are the reasons employed for using mirrors when not needed to check appearances. That being said, you may love the feel of a mirror, but get the sconces up before deciding.

Again, great job!

Thank you AB, for your ideas.
I did switch the two ducks on the right and I took the gourd away from the left.
Jane,
Thanks for the compliments on my orchids. I do try. I will come by the orchid forum one of these days.
I think this is it then unless someone can offer more advice.

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

It looks wonderful!

Thanks abundantblessings.
I do think I am done for now. I will start looking for sconces wor the wall.