Symmetrical Displays

The default-mode for mantel display is symmetrical: center one item on or above the mantel, and flank it with a series of identical items on either side -- vases, Staffordshire-style dog figurines, candlesticks, whatever you like.

This arrangement results in equal balance and mirror image matching of each half. Draw an imaginary line through the center of a symmetrical arrangement and each side will be a mirror image of the other side.

The reason this choice is so popular is that it just about guarantees success. The grouping becomes more cohesive when items in the foreground overlap the items in the back; so place items by height.

Because of the balance and perfection of symmetry, it is generally associated with formal rooms.

Holiday Mantels