Perhaps you've just moved into a new house, and are looking for a way to decorate the mantle above your fireplace. Or maybe you've been there for years, and it's just time for a change. There are many ways to decorate your mantle to make it look nice. When it comes to a mantle, mirrors are always the best choice. But perhaps hanging a mirror isn't enough? If that's the case in your home, then consider doing something just as symmetrical, and aim to decorate your mantle with a grouping of three items.

Naturally, the centerpiece of the mantle - mirrors. Always use a mirror as the middle and main element. But if you can find two other items to place on the left and right of the mantle, then you'll have a well balanced showpiece. Make sure that you don't have one object on the left that's a lot bigger or a lot smaller than the object on the right. The actual items you select are up to you. You can pick objects of sentimental value - they'll be on display for all to see, right in front of the mirror and over the fireplace. You can also pick ornamental objects - a vase, a clock, a teapot - whatever works in your room. Because these objects will have prominence, you'll want them to be a style match with the rest of the room. Or, you can change the décor in the rest of the room to match your new mantle!

There's a decorating trick called "three plus one", that dictates that one of your objects should be larger, and the object on the other side should be a group of three objects. That's perfectly OK to do as well - three dolls, three candles, three books - whatever fits the style of the room and your tastes. Just remember that on the mantle, mirrors are the main attraction. It's ideal if the mirror hanging over the mantle has a nice wooden frame - again, choosing a size and style that matches the rest of the room. Don't choose a wood color that clashes with your furniture.

Another important choice to make with your mantle mirrors - do you mount them, or simply set them atop the mantle and rest them against the wall. There are plenty of factors to consider here. Safety first - are the kids going to be knocking around? Then you might want to consider mounting the mirror securely. In this case, all you have to worry about are what you set around the mirror - something you don't mind losing, or that is indestructible might be best. For style reasons, however, you may want to lean your mirror. This works better for smaller mirrors, which are lighter and less apt to suffer an accident. Leaning your mirror and setting it among works of art is a style that works well in bright, well-lit rooms with lots of artwork, and don't need the full reflecting power of the mirror to light the room.

When you are ready to pick out and order mantle mirrors, Rick at Mission Style Mirrors can create the perfect mirror for you.