Source: houseofturquoise.com via Minna on Pinterest

Source: eleanorcummings.com via Emily Cayne on Pinterest

Tip #4 Select art with a color palette that looks good with the rest of the room. This is a good place for a pop of color (that you should repeat three more times in the room.)

Source: houzz.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Tip #6  Handcrafted vases, antique vases, bronzes, antique tapestry hangings, are all good possibilities. Take a look around your house for others. Look for pieces with presence to accessorize.

Source: vacationist.com via Cathy on Pinterest

Tip #7 This is your main focal point in the room. Make it count.

Source: saffroniabaldwin.com via Ann on Pinterest

Tip #7 Use sconces.

Source: Uploaded by user via Sandy on Pinterest

Tip #8 No framed family photographs.  Find other accessories for a more current overall look.

Source: housebeautiful.com via Harper on Pinterest

(#9 Balance the dark hole of the firebox)

For easy reference, here are my top ten tips for styling a beautiful fireplace and mantel area:
(1) Use real art, not a mirror.
(2) Bigger is better, but don’t exceed the width of the mantel.
(3) This is your main focal point in the room. Make it count.
(4) No dinky accessories.
(5) No framed family photographs.
(6) Handcrafted vases, antique vases, bronzes, antique tapestry hangings, are all good possibilities. Take a look around your house for others. Look for pieces with presence to accessorize. If you have a collection, this may be a good place to incorporate it with a complementary piece of art overhead.
(7) Remember that you must balance the large dark hole of the firebox. Think deep and rich, not dainty, for the over mantel décor.
(8) Select art with a color palette that looks good with the rest of the room.
(9) Use a portrait light over an oil painting.
(10) Add a pair of sconces.