Do you like displays to be perfectly symmetrical or do you prefer them to feel a little more random and casual?
I definitely fall into that random and casual category.
But just because a display is casual and a little random, doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be balance.
But creating that balance can be a little intimidating, right?
If a candlestick is on the left, does a vase look okay over on the right? And if three books are stacked up over on the right – how many books should be stacked up on the left? Should there be books on the left? And what about that empty space…
We’re such over-thinkers, aren’t we?
I usually like to start with a focal point (often times some sort of seasonal floral and whatever vessel of choice to hold them) placed off-center and work from there.
Take the mantel this fall, for example.
I started with glass bottles and fall branches off to the left side. With their color and height, the branches definitely make a focal point, so to keep the eye from “sticking” in that one spot, I placed a stack of books off to the right to draw the eye down and over.
And because I used clear bottles to hold those branches, I added just a couple of books to their side as well to help them feel like they’re carrying the same amount of “weight” visually.
A few fall-hued votive holders add subtle detail (I almost always have to have candlelight of some sort on my mantel – it’s just my thing). Again – the dark, solid color of the bronze holders carries more visual weight than the mercury holder, so I used them opposite the branches since the branches are still the main focal point.
The bronze detail of the mercury votive holder on the left side communicates with the other two over on the right to feel cohesive, but not too matchy-matchy.
And an antler adds an extra dose of fall texture to finish it all off.
I like to leave a little space in my displays – it gives off a calmer, cleaner vibe to me – but that’s the beauty of creating these casual little moments around your house – you can easily add and take away as the mood strikes.
Happy decorating, friends!
I love the decoration with leaves – it’s simple and elegant and just what I was looking for my fall decoration. The mirror frame is just adorable.
Thank you so much Isabelle! The frame is a favorite of mine too. 🙂
I really enjoy “hearing” the process of your decorating. It always inspires me to rearrange my bits & bobs. Mine are for Spring right now, but I can still use your formula 🙂
Have a beautiful day ♥
I use the same basic thought process no matter the season – glad to hear it helps you out too. 🙂
Looking at your pictures is putting me in the mood for a pumpkin spiced latte!
Pat in Chicago
I’ve already had a few, Pat! They were delicious. 🙂
I love this! Fall is my favorite time of the year and you are showing how beautiful your home can be with the fall colors and decor!
Thank you 🙂 Fall is my absolute favorite too. I look forward to it all year long!
Looks amazing! I wish I was going to have a fireplace in my house.
I’m so sorry a fireplace didn’t work out for your new house – but I promise we’ll make it just as cozy without one!
Looks really nice and I appreciated you documenting your thought process on why you placed things where. I seem to struggle with my mantle in the living room trying to find balance not to mention the mantle I have in the family room which runs the length of the entire room! That’s a hard one to decorate! You created a very fall-ish cozy look.
Oh I feel your pain, Linda. Those mile-long mantels can be a beast to tackle! I’m so glad you found some tips here to hopefully help – I’m always just an email away if you get stuck and need a second opinion! 🙂
Thank you!
Gorgeous. Love it.
Thanks Becky!
The mantel is perfect, Tonya. I totally envy your gorgeous mirror, BTW. Cheers, Ardith
Thanks Ardith! That frame is one of my most favorite things too. 🙂
Symmetry is important and you’ve certainly achieved that. I’m going to be working on my mantel soon so I love the ideas here 🙂 I also love the white brick. Did you paint it? It looks so nice with your mantel decor.
Thanks Elizabeth! I absolutely did paint the brick – it was a very blah, ugly brown-gray brick so I painted it Simply White (Benjamin Moore).
I absolutely love that mirror frame, the books and those bottles w branches!!!
Thanks Carol! I’ve been thinking lately about looking into having some antiqued mirror glass placed in that frame…I can’t decide if I want to or not though – I love it so much as it is. 🙂
I love balanced vs symmetrical. I always feel outnumbered when I say that, though. It is just one of those things that you know is right when you are done and walk away as it says….YES!!!
Agreed Patty! It’s one of those things where you just have to trust your instinct – if it makes you smile on first glance, it’s probably a keeper. 🙂