The reader asks: “How do you decorate a mantel? Mine looks so dated and I don’t know how to make it look better. Do you start with the largest item in the middle? Should items be in sets of threes? Are there basic rules of thumb on how it's done?” Of all the experts we could think of, we decided Resito Pecson, owner of twigs & MOSS (7715 Clayton, 314-454-0447) and one of the more stylish designers we know, would be our first choice.
His answer is:
First, assess your mantel. How deep is it? How wide? What is already there? Sconces? A center mirror? Center art?
Second: Enhance what you have. If there is a mirror or art at the center, flank it with a pair of arrangements. For example, topiaries are a great arrangement option to flank a focal point. Remember to vary your heights. The height of what you place to flank the center focal point should either be below or above the height of what is already at center. This will create movement; having the same height will look too linear and stagnant. This will force the eye to look at only that one level.
If you already have a "pair" of items, such as sconces, flanking what is at the center, then place something low and wide on the mantel and below what is at the center. A fan-shaped arrangement in a low bowl is usually a good option, but keep the components simple... not busy. Using a lot of one component, such as leaves, with only a touch of color, will anchor and not distract from the center.
The style of the room and how you decorate will dictate how you decorate your mantel. A traditional setting allows for warmer and lush arrangements while a contemporary setting usually calls for something linear and simple. Play and try decorating your mantel in different ways. The only rule in decorating is: If you like something, then it's right; if you don't like something, then it's wrong.
