Lucky you: you've got a fireplace mantel, and with it, an opportunity to create a jazzy focal point in the living room of the home you chose from Beavercreek homes for sale. But you're having trouble getting started. Overly busy fireplace mantels make you cringe, while mantels too sparsely decorated seem anemic and unimaginative.

With tips from our REALTORS® to guide you, it's possible to sound just the right note with the decorations on your fireplace mantel. Here's how it's done.

1. Less is more.
   All this means is it's best to avoid clutter. Whether it's pictures, candles, tchotchkes — whatever — don't go overboard. When you have too many things crammed into a small space, nothing stands out, and the eye has nothing to focus on. It's just a confusing jumble. Paintings, graphic works, or that collection of items for your mantel all require "negative space," that is, empty space that helps to set off the various elements.
   
   
2. A too-empty mantel looks weird.
   The reverse from the above is also true. You don't want to leave your mantel so empty that it looks sparse and -- well, kind of sad. Say you've only got a single taper to display. That definitely would look strange and draw attention, but not in a good way.
   
   
3. Be mindful of proportions.
   Give some thought to proportions. That cluster of little framed photos is going to get lost in all that vertical space above them. You want to display things that work with the space proportion-wise. For instance, you could balance a few smaller items as a horizontal element at one end of the mantel with some larger vertical items at the other end. Contast in proportions is pleasing to the eye.
   
   
4. Use odd numbers.
   This isn't a hard and fast rule, but often, you'll find that odd numbers of items look better and more "balanced" than even-numbered groupings. Try three candlesticks instead of two, or five bud vases instead of four. Odds seem more visually harmonious than even-numbered items.
   
   
5. Think in terms of complementary colors and layering items to create visual interest. 
   Colors don't have to match per se but should complement each other. You don't need to get out the color wheel, but do experiment and notice how some colors offset your artwork, vase, or other centerpieces better than others. Test with different heights and sizes to create layers that will add visual interest and lead the eye where you want it to go.
   
   
6. Displayed items should complement each other.
   There's no hard and fast way to explain how to do this, but you can develop a feel for it. For instance, using artwork to ground a display is a good idea; the small items on the mantel shouldn't take away from the artwork but rather complement it visually.
   
   
7. Look for fresh ideas.
   You can go on the internet and search for beautiful examples of nicely appointed mantels. Study these examples and then experiment. Here's an idea: hang a medium-sized landscape or abstract painting on the wall as a kind of "frame" for your items on display. Arrange a couple of small candle holders and some books at one end, and maybe a smaller watercolor or ink drawing in front of the painting for contrast. Offset the arrangement with a vase and sprig of fern at the other end. You can make these items work together. Studying other examples will unloose your imagination and get you going.

Our experienced real estate staff can recommend local experts who can help you achieve the look you want in your Beavercreek home. Contact Wright-Patt Realty today.