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Guest Picks: Art and Accessories to Revive Your Mantel

Makeover your mantel with a unique mirror, eye-catching art and other decorative touches

Vanessa Francis October 4, 2011

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A simple way to revive a room is to style the mantel. Try one striking piece of art or a layering of mirrors, art, foliage and accessories — the possibilities are endless.

Not sure what sort of accessory would work best with your decor or where to start? The items I have chosen range from the whimsical to the dramatic and the rustic to the glamorous; there's something for every style and mood.

I love the way my mantel is currently styled but have often thought of replacing the mirror with a bold piece of art similar to ones below. I would then place the curvy candle holders on either side with the sexy papier mâché bowl somewhere in the middle. I have been inspired and I hope you will be too. Happy styling! — Vanessa from Decor Happy

Traditional Home Decor Traditional Accessories And Decor

Traditional Accessories And Decor - $16.50

These faux branches are lifelike and will have more staying power than the real thing. They would bring height to a mantel as they are 38" tall.

Anthropologie

Blazing Poppies Wallpaper - $148

I love the idea of framing gorgeous wallpaper and leaning it on a mantel. These poppies add a burst of color and are a real show stopper.

Contemporary Wall Mirrors Contemporary Wall Mirrors

Contemporary Wall Mirrors - $179.95

Mirrors never go out of style. This octagon mirror in an antique gold/silver finish would dress up an uneventful mantel.

Traditional Floor Mirrors Traditional Mirrors

Traditional Mirrors - GBP 295

The antique finish and the beading on this mirror will bring an Old World yet timeless feel to your space. It oozes glamor without going over the top.

Vanessa Francis

Red Vase Art by Clarence Porter

I am totally in love with this chalk pastel painting. The light, shadows and composition are brilliant. I would lean it on the mantel with black and white photography for a layered look.

Etsy

Paris Photo Street Scene by Paris Plus - $25

There's nothing more graphic and beautiful than architectural photography of some of the great cities in the world. This one taken of a charming, narrow street in Paris is magical.

Vanessa Francis

Vintage White Ceramic Pedestal Bowl - $38

This vintage white ceramic pedestal bowl would look charming perched on a few small books. You could find something similar at your local vintage or thrift store.

Etsy

Zebra Print by Kristine Lynn - $20

A simple black and white frame around this zebra photographic print will look striking leaning on a mantel.

Etsy

Paper Mache Vessel Black and Gold The Wavy by Etco - $25

The gold leaf interior of these curvy papier mâché bowls would dress up any mantel.

Pottery Barn

Square Vases - $12

Whether fresh flowers or branches or dried, these simple but classic square vases will take a back seat to whatever is placed in them.

Pottery Barn

Turned Wood Pillar Holders - $24

You can never go wrong with a trio of candle holders of varying heights. Alternately, two of the largest candle holders placed side by side or on either side of the mantel make a statement as well.

Vanessa Francis

The Sisters in Paris Drawings by Gino Ricca - $50

I adore these charming line drawings signed by the artist in 1966 in Montmartre, Paris. They would definitely spark conversation and a closer look.

Crate&Barrel

Corfu Candleholder - $59.95

I'm smitten with the elongated curvy shape of these artisan candle holders in a bronze finish.

CB2

Wood Tops Set of Five - $49.95

These sculptural objects made to resemble a childhood toy are crafted out of wood reclaimed from old Indian railway ties. How cool is that? They would add a whimsical element to a mantel.

Contemporary Artwork Contemporary Artwork

Contemporary Artwork - $1,000

Sometimes original art is all you need above your mantel. A 36 by 36 inch canvas is the perfect size with 9 foot ceilings. I love this artist's work (she's a fave with many bloggers) and the fresh color palette of this painting will recharge any room. I will own one of her pieces some day!

Eclectic Mirrors - GBP 375

This honeycomb mirror is unique and the gold finish with black detail is stunning.

West Elm

Mother of Pearl Boxes - $34

Small, decorative storage boxes are another mantel essential. This mother of pearl one is stylish and pretty.

DwellStudio

Pebble Double Bulb Vase - $63

The texture of these sculptural artisan-made glass vases look reptilian to me. Although not a fan of reptiles, I adore these.

Contemporary Artwork - CAD 400

This large original painting will add warmth to your room when hung over your mantel and is surprisingly affordable. I'm proud to say that I own a Matt LeBlanc original. The depth and moodiness of his paintings are even better when viewed in person.

Vanessa Francis

Antique Mirror Sconces

Elegant with a beautiful patina, these wall sconces would add a warm glow and character to your space.

I recently changed my mantel and I must say I think it's the best it has ever looked. The 1930s large brass candlestick holders I found at an antique market come to life in front of a Schumacher wallpaper sample. Paintings and another wallpaper sample inject color while the flower and shrub cuttings from the garden add life.

Next: More art and accessories for styling a space

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Comments (2)

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PRO

PrintedArt Fine Art Photography Collection

Going somewhat against conventional wisdom, I would use one large bold piece rather than multiple small ones - similar to how it is set up in the included photo, which shows Lee Rentz's <a href=" http://www.printedart.com/content/fractal-reflections">Fractal Reflections</a> mounted on dibond with an acrylic overlay. The image is 48 x 32 inches and sells for about $1,100 in the size shown.

Like October 5, 2011 at 7:16AM

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Jennifer Louise Interiors

Klausson, I LOVE that art piece. It would look even better if you painted the brick a solid color (make it stand out) like white or light grey! (not sure if that's an option for you though).

Like October 7, 2011 at 4:16PM