The fireplace is often located in a living room, family room, or even a master bedroom. The space above your fireplace is an ideal spot to decorate in a way that reflects your personal style. These five tips can help establish your fireplace as the heart of your home.
DISPLAY TROPHIES
Avid hunters can display hunting trophies, but even if you don’t hunt, the space above your fireplace is an ideal spot for trophy displays. Competition trophies and other awards can also be displayed above your fireplace mantle.
MAKE IT A FOCAL POINT
Do you have a large, dramatic piece that can be hung or mounted? Why not place it above the fireplace? Antique mirrors, chandeliers, and other striking pieces mounted above the fireplace help create a focal point for the room.
PROP UP PHOTOS OR ARTWORK
Propping up photos or artwork above the fireplace gives your room a high-end designer look without the high-end designer price. As a bonus, propping up artwork rather than hanging it eliminates the need to try to find studs sturdy enough to support larger or heavy pieces, or to line up photos or frames to ensure that they are straight.
ACCESSORIZE THE MANTLE AREA
If your fireplace has a large mantle, try placing groups of similar items, such as candles or seashells, there. Accessorizing the mantle area makes your living space seem homier. However, don’t go overboard and clutter up the space with too many items.
MOUNT A FLAT-SCREEN TV ABOVE THE FIREPLACE
The phrase, “little things mean a lot” definitely applies to bathroom adaptations intended to enable individuals to age in place. Replacing door knobs with levers is a simple way to allow someone with arthritic fingers to open and close the door. Placing the toilet roll within easy reach of the toilet is another easy fix. Installing skid-proof mats on floors and in showers and bathtubs is a good idea for any household, but a must for households with aging seniors.