Picture Over Fireplace?
I have a question for anyone who is involved in interior decorating or design. I recently purchased an electric fireplace for my new (older) home. I later chose a picture to have framed to hang over my fireplace – however, I hadn’t measured before choosing the matting and frame and well – my fireplace is 36″ wide and my picture is 38″ wide. So I was wondering if this is something you’ve seen before – or if pictures hung above fireplaces are typically smaller. Will it seem unbalanced?
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October 24, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
It shouldn’t matter for 2″….Make the picture the focal point instead of the fireplace….
October 25, 2009 @ 3:44 am
Natie, clearly your picture is too large for the space. I don’t think unbalanced is the word I would use..perhaps overwhelming?
Keep in mind that pictures (or mirrors) over the fireplace don’t have to cover the entire space. Usually smaller items (or a mix of small and large pieces) is more interesting and looks less like a Walmart advertisement.
Ideas:
__hang the picture somewhere else in your house and consider doing an arrangement of 3 or so items on the space above the mantel.
__hang an oval (yes, the art does NOT have to be square) mirror in the space, flanked by candle sticks or tall collectibles.
__depending on the depth of your mantel, and very large decorative plate sitting on the mantel (in a plate holder made for display) is a great look.
__consider leaning a piece of artwork agains the wall and flanking it with a couple of collectibles or books (keep safety in mind here.)
__in an older home, a simple piece of ironwork (square or round) looks great on the wall.) Add a small halogen matel light and aim the light at the ironwork for shadows and impact
Here’s what’s on my mantel and above the fireplace:
*two long rectangular black and white boat prints hung one above the other on the wall space.
*black and white photography (I also do black and white photography) in mostly black frames line the mantel with an arrangement of tall metal decorative items on either end.
*the wall is terracotta in color, so the art, photos,and tall pieces really pop and give the space interest.
*I added a halogin mantel light, which is pointed at the pictures and, at night, adds a touch of elegance and brightens the space.
Hope this helps give you a few ideas.
Use your imagination. Look at what you already have. Think how the item (or an arrangement of items) that are important to you might look above your fireplace and on your mantel.
Good luck.