The hearth is one of the most important locations in the household, and one of the focal points of the family. The mantle above the hearth and the objects placed upon it can speak volumes about the character of the family members. Most people place pictures, sculptures, or ceramic artwork above the mantle as these pieces can express the most important aspects of family. The pictures on the mantle should celebrate the family’s most cherished moments, and sculptures and ceramic pieces should represent the family’s opinions about art and life.
For example, the pictures on the mantle might be from a memorable vacation, a romantic getaway between husband and wife, or just a holiday event. Nobody wants to look at those bland pictures taken at a professional photographer, so leave those out! The sculptures and ceramics on the mantle should also reflect family life. Think of what kinds of objects reflect the family’s style; is it traditional, contemporary? Think about your heritage; is it an important part of the family? What colors represent the different family members? You might even think about custom sculptures of each individual family member!