Your fireplace mantel is the main attraction on these cold days and nights. Neglecting the accessories on it can make a room feel empty. What’s great about a mantel is that you can easily change the decor throughout the seasons. Let’s talk about how to accessorize your fireplace so it looks fabulous year round.

1. To be symmetrical or asymmetrical: There is no right or wrong answer here, but the latter is more forgiving when decorating. Accessorizing asymmetrically looks more artsy and gives the decorator a chance to experiment with different mediums easily. An example of this is using different accessories at varying heights and weights to create an overall balanced look. A few symmetrical ideas is to hang art work that is the same size above the mantel or to flank a piece of art work or a mirror with matching accessories.

2. Creating a balanced look with asymmetry: There is a particular art to doing this. Creating balance in things that are not the same means you have to create balance with the visual weight of the object. For example, place a visually heavy item on one side of the mantel and flank the other side with 2 lighter accessories that are equal to it. A helpful rule is to choose accessories at different heights. An example of this is a large plant, a medium vase, and a low tray. You can choose more than 3 things, but make sure they are still at varying heights and mediums. Place the large plant on one side of the mantel and the vase and tray on the other side to even it out. There are so many ways to complete this look.

3. Choosing your accessories: A problem I see time and time again Is decorating your mantel with too much of the same color, finish, or material. Add more texture to the mantel by using different materials. for example, mix a glass vase, a wood box, and an antique gold framed piece of art work. Try not to over clutter the mantel, this will make it look too busy and distracting. It’s better to select a few prized pieces as a focal point.

4. Adding greenery: A favorite during the holidays is the garland. This look can be mimicked throughout the year using different plants or flowers. A beautiful planter or vase filled with seasonal flowers will add so much color to the space. Fresh flowers are ideal, but faux will give the look you want as well.

5. Decorating with the seasons: You can do this with plants or accessories. A bowl of seasonal fruit like lemons will look great on long summer days and decorating your mantel with pumpkins and gourds will get you ready for fall.

6. Making changes at ease: Unlike a lot more permanent decor in your home, a mantel can be changed out when it’s feeling stagnant. It’s best to keep your larger item like a mirror or an important piece of art work constant and change out the smaller accessories as you see fit.

7. Mounting your TV above the mantel, yay or nay? Yay- with exceptions. One of the biggest concerns is for the comfort of your head and neck since it will be situated higher than eye level. Mount the TV on a tilting wall mount to help with the strain. Another thing to consider is to make sure the TV doesn't exceed the recommended temperatures that are on the unit's technical specifications, the last thing you want is a busted television. Keeping These two things in mind, a TV above the fireplace is ideal by having two focal points in one place.

Appreciating your mantel never felt so easy. Light a fire and enjoy these dark days with the beauty of your surroundings.