How Do You Style a Long Fireplace Mantel? (incl. 10 examples)

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Published: January 18, 2022
Updated: August 30, 2022

How Do You Style a Long Fireplace Mantel? (incl. 10 examples)

Written by 

Zakhar Ivanisov
January 18, 2022

A long fireplace provides tons of opportunities for decoration to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your space. If you have one or planning to install one and would like to know how to style it, we have the answers for you.

So, how do you style a long fireplace? The two most essential aspects of styling a long fireplace mantel are balance and focal point.

With the variety of decors and ornaments that will be used to accessorize a long mantel, keeping it balanced makes it look more pulled together and complete. Visual balance can be done symmetrically or asymmetrically, depending on your preference and the items that you will be putting on the mantel. With symmetrical balance, you will need to identify a centerline and create a visual triangle, M composition, or a visual rectangle.

In a visual triangle, a large item, such as artwork or mirror will occupy the centerline. From there, you can work towards placing shorter items on both sides. This creates two diagonals, resembling the sides of a triangle. In a visual M, the center item is shorter than the rest while the taller decors are located on both ends of the mantel. A visual rectangle, on the other hand, incorporate items with the same height and scale. This can be translated to using frames or vases in equal sizes, giving the mantel a uniformed look.

In styling a fireplace with asymmetrical balance, one side has more elements that bring height and focus to that spot. Balance also means that aside from the mantel, you can also draw in some visual weight to the bottom of the fireplace by placing decors on the floor.
In any of the instances, you will need a central item referred to as the focal point. A focal piece serves as an anchor to pull all of the other decorative items together. A good rule of thumb in choosing a focal piece is for it to occupy at least half of the mantel itself.

Here are 10 ideas that you can explore on how to style a long fireplace.

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