Think About Color Before You Start Hanging Decor Above Your Fireplace

Hanging art over your fireplace is a common way to decorate the space, but you may wonder what type of piece and color to choose. While art is subjective and your choice can largely depend on your taste, the lighting, and the vibe you want to curate, there are some tips on creating a cohesive color palette that you might want to consider. Your fireplace is typically the focal point in your room, but it can also present a neutral space on which to layer color. For example, a fireplace painted to match the wall could benefit from art that stands out and infuses more interest into the space. Tie it in by picking pieces that include a color that matches your fireplace and mantle so it looks cohesive. Color cohesion brings a room and a whole house together.

A room's formality can also play a part in what colors you pick for your artwork. A piece of art matted in a frame can match a formal space or bring more polish to an otherwise-relaxed room. If you're redoing your entire room, you can even design the space based on the colors in your favorite piece of art. Simply pick out a color from the creation and use it as an accent, or choose a vibrant piece of art that matches the accent color you've already selected for your room. Eclectic homeowners might especially find the colors in artwork useful in tying room elements together.

Even though the subject of the artwork has its own story to tell, color can evoke emotions, create contrast, and bring a room together. To choose the best decor to display above your fireplace, you have to decide what you're trying to accomplish with both the colors in the piece and the space overall. Use the color wheel to help you decide on the best hues for your room and the area, but keep in mind that artwork isn't the only option over your fireplace. Framed mirrors, pictures, and tchotchkes can all add color. That said, no matter how you want to fill the space, it's the colors of the objects that will pull the room together and create a focal point. 

And don't forget about the mantel. Mantel decor will take your space to the next level, so you should choose pieces that work with the art on the wall above the fireplace. Add a few candles or knick-knacks in your accent colors or a shade that helps bring out the hues or elements in your artwork. Take a simple painting of the seaside as an example. While it might feel a bit lackluster on its own, it can pair nicely with some blue candles or a few nautical-themed decorations. Once you've finished decorating, step back, look at your room, and decide if the colors you chose for your fireplace area accomplish your set feel and goal. If not, continue making adjustments until you're satisfied.