No Flatscreen over this Mantel

Dear Melissa:

We have a couple of questions concerning what to do with our walls. Could you tell us when to place art or a mirror over a fireplace mantel? I don't need mt TV in this room. Also, where is a good place to group family pictures; we live in a raised ranch and have a long hallway leading to the bedrooms, and an entranceway with a massive wall that needs something. Thank you.

D.Z., NJ

Dear D.Z.:

Let me address the fireplace mantel first. Since the fireplace is usually the focal point of a room, one has to consider what is worthy enough to occupy this “seat of honor.” Artwork, clocks, and mirrors are all perennial favorites for this prime real estate. Sculpture, collections, and candles also work well. Artwork and other objects placed over a fireplace become slightly more important than the other accessories in the room, so choose something you love. Consider adding a spotlight or a picture light.

Mirrors add sparkle to a room and can help to brighten it when placed near a window or other light source. When placing a mirror over the fireplace, or anywhere for that matter, one must also take into account what else will be reflected in the mirror besides light.

Whatever the choice, keep the scale in mind, trying to complement the size and shape of the fireplace, neither overpowering it nor letting the fireplace dominate.

The location of family photos is a personal choice, but my preference is to display them in a more private area of a home, like a bedroom, family room, den, or that hallway you mentioned. I think that would be a perfect location for a grouping of photographs.

As for the large entry wall in your raised ranch, the options are endless. An accent wallpaper or paint color can be a good foundation. Since this is a large area, either think big or think multiple arrangements. Something sculptural or three-dimensional would be a nice change from the usual pictures. (Just make sure you can get past it on the stairs.) Whatever you do, try to avoid a single row of pictures marching up the stairs like little soldiers. Groupings are much more interesting. Overhead lighting is critical in this typically dim space, so explore wonderful chandeliers, pendants or accent lighting.

M.A.K.

Dear Melissa:
We have just moved and are trying to get ideas to redecorate our new home. My problem is the front hallway or entry way. It is small and seems very dark. The front door has four little windows at the top. Are there any colors or painting techniques you would suggest to make the entry way brighter and more inviting? T.A.

Dear T.:
You’ve just described my foyer. I sympathize completely. The best things to do would be to change your front door so it has more glass, and install good lighting in the entry way. If you prefer more privacy or simply don’t want to change your front door, paint or wallpaper your walls in a light color that complements the rooms off the hallway. A textured wallcovering would be great. So would mirroring one wall (everyone thinks “Las Vegas”, but this really looks great). A tile or stone floor colored in the same light shade as the walls would also give the illusion of a much larger space. M.A.K.