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by pelliott713
5 months ago in Design Dilemma
Need help with my mantel
Is the center painting too small for this area above my mantel?
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Ken Sturmer The painting looks nice, but it needs to be raised above the mantel.
5 months ago · ·
Stoneshop That painting is beautiful (as is your fireplace!) I think that it may be slightly small. Could you put it in a plate holder to raise it a little higher if you do not have a replacement?
5 months ago ·
pelliott713 So do you think that if I raise it 4 to 5 inches it won't look too small for the space? I am considering trading it for one that is about 4 or 5 inches wider and taller. (30x36) But I love this painting and I have no other place in my house to display it. Thanks for your advice!
5 months ago ·
Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design If you want to keep the painting on the mantel, I'd move it off center, remove everything else and then add another tall item to the side, as shown below. Or you could get a larger painting and hang it with fewer accessories than what you currently have. See second photo below.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
5 months ago · ·
Interiors International, Inc. Re-frame the painting using a matte around the picture. It will make it larger which it needs to be and you can leave the mantle alone. Adding larger accent pieces will help also.
5 months ago · ·
Judith Taylor Designs I love Carolyn's idea of offsetting the painting and balancing it with a tallish element. It could be a cluster if pillar candles - somewhat chunky in scale. For my taste, I feel the painting is being closed in by the black frame which makes it look even smaller. If you were to float it with a linen-like mat picking up on a neutral that relates to the painting as well as the wall and fireplace colours it would read quite a bit larger. You can still frame it in black if you like a strong graphic look. Right now I feel it is suffocating in that black frame and needs breathing space. Your room looks lovely.
5 months ago ·
janishill I agree that reframing it with a lovely linen look mat would be the best choice. If reframing it isn't in the budget go with Carolyn's idea of moving it off center and balancing it with an item of similar height and visual weight.

Oh...and i love the 'display' on the ottoman! ;-)
5 months ago ·
Harrut You have asked the question so that suggests you think it is too small.
The paint colour and fireplace looks lovely. I'd be tempted to clear the whole of the mantel area and just put up a vase of flowers and a mirror. The paintings could be positioned between the shelves as features in themselves.
5 months ago ·
Harrut You have asked the question so that suggests you think it is too small.
The paint colour and fireplace looks lovely. I'd be tempted to clear the whole of the mantel area and just put up a vase of flowers and a mirror. The paintings could be positioned between the shelves as features in themselves.
5 months ago ·
pelliott713 Great idea harrut. I moved the painting to the shelves and it looks great. I also love the idea of reframing with a linen mat, so that will be in it's future. Thanks everyone.
5 months ago ·
Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design You're very welcome!
5 months ago ·
Judith Taylor Designs It will be lovely!
5 months ago ·
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