ADDING DRAMA TO A SMALL MANTEL

I hope that everyone is having a great week.  Here in Oklahoma, we are experiencing a bit of a cold front. Our high yesterday was only 90, and the forecast for the next several days shows the highs being in the mid 80s. I’m thinking Fall may be right around the corner.

Today’s blog is about adding drama to a small mantel.  No one has the perfect home.  There is always some little something that we wish we could change.  My house has a very small mantel which can sometimes make accessorizing it a challenge. It is only 4 and 1/2 feet long. However, I’m fortunate because I do have built in bookcases flanking both sides. This helps to create interest and is great for displaying my collection of blue and white pottery and books.  I recently invested in a new piece of artwork that I absolutely love.  It has made such a difference in my room.

Separator

I chose a tall painting because my ceilings are 10 feet tall. I also selected a painting that would reflect the colors of the room, and if you look really close, you can see there are blue and white pots with plants in the painting.

Belle Bleu Interiors Mantel 10

I flanked one side of the painting with a pair of graduated candlesticks.

Belle Bleu Interiors Mantle 2

To add balance to the other side of the mantel, I placed a large blue and white ginger jar upon a stack of books.

Belle Bleu Interiors Mantle 3

Instead of hanging the artwork, I decided to prop the painting on the mantel. I like the look it creates, and I didn’t want to drill holes in the Austin Stone.

Belle Bleu Interiors Mantle 6

 

Belle Bleu Interiors Mantle 4

 

Belle Bleu Interiors Mantel 8

Separator

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday, and I will see you tomorrow for tablescape Thursday!!!

24 Comments

  1. I too have a small mantel so that is flanked by shelves. Mine is more ‘rustic wood’ and in need of refreshing, so thank you for the inspiration today! That picture really adds to the space.

    • Hi Julia! I’m glad that I have inspired you. I bet your “rustic wood” mantel is beautiful! I love to mix rustic with more softer things to create an interesting look. Thank you for your very sweet comments, and I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

  2. Very nice colors in your picture and I am sure I would always glance at it if I lived there. Looks like one where you would notice something new each time. I like the fact that you just leaned it there as well. Looks good!

    • Hi Karen! Thanks so much for your very sweet comment. You are right about noticing something new every time you look at the painting. I just noticed something I haven’t seen before. I’m such a color person, and I am enjoying the additional color it adds to the room. I hope that you are having a great week, and a wonderful Wednesday!!!

  3. Your room looks great. I have the opposite problem, our mantel is crazy wide so things tend to disappear on it. That Monet is one of my favorites!

    • Thank you so much Eilis! I can see how having a large mantel can be just as much of a problem as having too small of a mantel. I’m glad that the Monet is one of your favorites too! I just fell in love with the colors, and I adore sunflowers! I hope that you are having a great week!!!

  4. Brightens up the room!

  5. This is gorgeous Shannon! I love the art that you chose for the space.

    Sharing on Poofing the Pillows’ Facebook page today. 🙂

  6. You created a fabulous design and I love the art you chose too!
    Sharing on Twitter and google+
    Thanks for joining us at TOHOT.

  7. Lovely. Our fireplace has a stone facade and no mantle at all, so count yourself lucky to have at least a small one. Love those bookcases.

  8. I am loving this look. It’s great to see all those gorgeous blue dishes and vase. Lovely display and so happy you shared this at Dishing it and Digging it link party. We love having you.

  9. A charming little mantel! I like a painting propped up on the mantel because it looks pulled together but less fussy. This is lovely and I love the pops of blue!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    • Sandy, I agree with you about propping the painting on the mantel. It does tend to make it look less fussy. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. I hope that you have a wonderful evening!!!

  10. Very nice! Love how you decorated the mantel and around it….Christine

  11. Love the painting! It brings pizzazz to your room!

  12. Beautiful! Love your artwork.
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*