While choosing the decoration pieces, make sure they are sized appropriately, neither too big nor too small for the mantle. Match them to the room décor and the color scheme of the room so that they don't look out of place. Make sure these items are non-inflammable if your fireplace is functional. Avoid books, kerosene oil lamps, wooden décor, etc. You can display a centerpiece on the mantel, which would be the focal point of the decoration scheme. This could be a piece of art, flowers in a vases or a mirror.
For creating a balance, arrange equally sized items in small groups. Don't arrange them all in a single row; instead go for the three dimensional look. This can be done by placing the centerpiece toward the front and other items toward the end of the mantle. Or arrange them in groups of threes in the form of a triangle. Display framed photos, decorative vases and pots, ceramics, royal bone china plates, etc. You can dress up your mantel with a mantel runner and decorate it seasonally with lights and glittery baubels during the winter holidays.
