Candles

• 1). Look at your fireplace mantel and decide whether you want to place candles in the middle, or on one or both sides of the mantel. If you prefer a balanced or symmetrical look, place them in the middle or on both sides. If you welcome asymmetry, place candles on one side only.
  
  
• 2). Find different-sized candles with interesting shapes and textures, in colors that match your existing home decor. Lighter and darker shades of colors that are incorporated in your home decor are appropriate, as well as colors that are complementary. Ensure that the colors of your candles tie in to the colors of your home decor so they won't seem out of place. For instance, don't use black candles in a home decorated with pastel colors.
  
  
• 3). Place the candles in candle holders of varying shapes and sizes that will look good when grouped together. A good rule of thumb is to vary the shape and size, but choose the same material, like all wooden candle holders, all metal or all glass. Use your existing decor as a guide. If your decor is formal, glass would blend well. If it's more rustic or traditional, consider wood. If contemporary style abounds in your home, use metal candle holders.
  
  
• 4). Arrange the candles in a group on either or both sides of the fireplace. Place shorter candles and candle holders in front of larger, taller ones. Group them close together, not in a straight line.
  
  

Framed Pictures

• 1). Locate frames of different sizes in the same color or complementary colors. Think about the existing colors in your home decor when choosing so you don't end up with frames or pictures that look out of place and create a visual distraction.
  
  
• 2). Use empty frames and place your own photos in them, or you can choose framed art that blends with your current style of interior decoration. Or, use found objects in the frames, like plants, flowers, clippings, or other signage.
  
  
• 3). Place the frames in a group, and overlap the frames slightly to create visual appeal. Small portions of each picture or photo may be obscured to create this effect, but take care not to place frames directly in front of one another or no one can enjoy what's inside the frame.
  
  

Object Groupings

• 1). Evaluate your existing decor and determine what types of object groupings will work best. For example, if you have a retro vibe coursing through your room, consider small, vintage tin signs, or mood lights. If your theme is modern, any modern statues or vases with long, clean lines or geometric shapes will suffice. For themed decor, consider where you live. If your home is near the beach, incorporate seashells or driftwood as decorative elements.
  
  
• 2). Gather the objects in the style that you have chosen and place them in groupings on one or both ends of the fireplace mantel. Place shorter or thinner objects in front of taller or wider objects so that each piece can be seen.
  
  
• 3). Experiment with different groupings to discover the best look for your fireplace mantel. Nothing has to match, but each item should look good in a group. For instance, don't pick an overpowering piece and group it with two tiny, nondescript items.