Hi friends,
I need your help. Our lives have changed drastically in the last month. Why? We got a flat screen. Holla!
Surprisingly, I wasn’t thinking it would be *that* amazing to have a large, wall-mounted TV. I was actually most excited by the fact that my kids would no longer be able to stand millimeters away from the screen, and I wouldn’t have to clean fingerprints off of it anymore. But let me tell you something….
It’s amazing.
The color. The picture. The clarity… We’re holding off on speakers until we figure out a few other things, but eventually the sound will be great, too. For now we’re doing fine with the TV speakers (gasp).
Here’s where I need your help. Where I once had oodles of decorating space, I now have… very little.
(Pardon the cords and such- they will disappear…eventually.)
Vertically I can’t fit much because the TV is in the way. But it looks so… bleh. My poor little clock is so lonely.
Pre-flat screen, I had some photos, a really cool trio of vases, and a round mirror up there. Now it all seems too much. I’ve pondered making a new mantel cover, as the “real” mantel is super tired and depressing. This cover is a sort of chocolate espresso brown. Can’t do much about the fireplace as of yet, either. I just don’t know what to put on the mantel itself.
I would love your help. Please leave me a comment if you have any suggestions- I’m at a total loss!
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Life is crazy. Craft it well. Thanks for stopping by Crafting Crazy! I'm stumbling into a new sort of life after leaving a 12-year teaching career. More of a practical crafter, I'm trying to temper the perfection a bit. If I mess up, I’ll be sure to share- then we can laugh together. Here you'll find anything I like that makes my life better or fun. Crafts, of course, but also posts about food, home decor, exercise... whatever I'm dabbling in at the moment. I'm so glad you're here- thanks for stopping by! Content Brewing!
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Brainstorming some options–hang a bunting/garland/whatever they’re called along the mantel. Photo blocks. Mug collection. Something tall and thin on either side of the screen.
Ooooo… love the photo blocks idea- I will have to ponder that. Thank you!
I agree with previous comment. If you Google flat screen over mantle and hit images most people don’t have anything displyed. Making the mantle itself a piece of art would be your best option.
Thanks, Allison! I’d love to rip down that mantel, or go over it with anything- I think I’ve mentioned it to Michael before, but maybe I’ll bring it up again. 🙂
Nat, I must start by saying I typed up this entire response using my iPhone (can you say thumb typing). I hit submit and forgot to enter my email and all was lost – UGH! But here’s the jist of what my original response was…
While I don’t have a mounted TV above my fireplace I do have a large piece of art. One one side I have a colorful vase ($20/target) that has some tall sticks in it for vertical space – may cover your cords. Then along the middle I have a long horizontal votive holder ($10/ikea). While I don’t light the candles often, I think it adds “stuff” without being in the way. Finally I have a few other little things (shells, starfish, etc.) on the other end (maybe where your little clock is/could go). I’ll send you a pic to your phone.
One side note…right now I’m really into reclaimed wood. I have been wanting forever to create a headboard for my massive king bed with some (and on a walk in the hills behind my house I found enough – can you say free!). Have you thought about using something like that for additional texture for the face of your mantle. Or you could add molding and paint it either a pop of color or a neutral whatever you’re looking for.
So that was a lot but hopefully it got your creative juices flowing – and if not there’s always pinterest (HA!).
Love the vase in your picture, Kelly- thanks for the ideas! Where did you get your shells?
Nat – we had our flat screen installed so we don’t have cords hanging…that said we have a Phillips sound bar that is also installed just beneath the TV. Because we have the 2 big windows on either side and the doors to the patio, our installer said we weren’t candidates for “surround” sound so that is why we went with the sound bar. Tony really likes it! take a look at the photo I uploaded for our Christmas mantle display. You are one creative lady so I know you’ll come up with something absolutely delightful! Keep it fresh and seasonal! Love ya! K
Thanks, Kathy! The cords will go away eventually- Michael just has to decide what sound system he wants. I’m glad to hear you like the sound bar- that’s what we’re leaning towards. We also are working with 70s decor/era stuff, so there isn’t a lot to work with that will let us hide the cords until then- they are driving me crazy! 🙂
hi nat! congrats on the new tv! being a minimalist, you can guess what i would put on a mantle – nothing! but for you, who has lots of pretty and crafty things to display, maybe you’d like something like in this post? Substitute the framed print with a photo of your own adorable little ones. Substitute the rattan balls with yarn balls of pretty colors that compliment one another and go with your decor (perhaps ones you will use for a future knitting project. Substitute the flowery thing in the middle with a small ukulele placed on its side that you can grab and strum when you’re feeling musical (and to remind yourself that you are awesome at music too!). haha that last bit of inspiration is from my own mantle – i have a fluke ukulele that stands upright and it’s the only thing on my mantle right now – breaks the minimalist rulebook but it’s great for impromptu strumming! okay i may sound like i’m kidding but of all the mantels with tvs above them that i saw on google images, i liked the one in that post! can’t wait to see what you decide to do! =)