What do you think about this art over my FP?

[beefcheeks]

I feel like it might be too big, what do you ladies think? Sorry for the bad lighting, it's already dark here!

[emoflamingo]

Maybe a smidge? Is it double matted? I can't really tell.

[mrsemilys]

It's a bit too tall

[beefcheeks]

Thank you! I was afraid of this. Emo, yes, it's sort of a double mat. We looked at another very similar piece that was about the size of the "inner" part. I think I'll go back and get that one so we can give it a try.

[TBM]

According to this link, your art is the right size. yourdecoratinghotline.com/tips-hanging-art-home/

I found the guidelines on this site interesting. fredgonsowskigardenhome.com/2011/06/23/picking-and-hanging-the-right-size-picture-or-mirror-over-your-fireplace/

[emoflamingo]

I was going to say maybe you could just get it reframed with a slightly smaller outer mat, but that might be expensive.

[Deleted]

I think it might be fine actually.
Esp. if you put things on each end of the mantle to help it balance. It's big enough for sure, but it's kind of floating because there's nothing below it right now either.

Or have you considered just leaning it against your mantle..so it doesn't look so high up? That might be a good bet.

I don't mind it at all there though.

Another thing to try: put the tree picture by your table above the mantle and move the one above the mantle by your table.

[pitterwoo]

I don't think the issue is that it's too large, but that it's not the best piece for that location. The art is broken down into 3 boxes, and then mulitple layers of matting, then the bold brick lines and the fire box. It's just a lot of square/rectangle boxes repeating and there isn't 1 focal point so it looks a bit busy or just off.

[TBM]

I like Dairy's idea to lean it, but I wouldn't put anything on the ends of the mantle. Anything out any further than the ends of that frame will be too far out and will make the arrangement seem way too heavy on top.

[beefcheeks]

Thanks everyone! We did try leaning it when we first got home but didn't like it.

Dairy, the tree is even taller than this one, although it doesn't really come across in the pics. I do love the the tree though - it was above the mantel in our old house for a long time :-)

[beefcheeks]

oh, and pitter....yes, very good point about all the rectangles! Hmmmm, I wonder how a round mirror would look? I have a feeling that any mirror that is the right height will be too small, width-wise. (Wait, did that make sense? lol) Times like these I wish I could photoshop!

[sierramist03]

I think its okay. But I think three smaller print should look nice there too

[auntie]

Nov 3, 2012 22:24:26 GMT -5 pitterwoo said:

I don't think the issue is that it's too large, but that it's not the best piece for that location. The art is broken down into 3 boxes, and then mulitple layers of matting, then the bold brick lines and the fire box. It's just a lot of square/rectangle boxes repeating and there isn't 1 focal point so it looks a bit busy or just off.

This. I love the piece; I could happily live with it in the hall just off my foyer where I would be close enough to see the details.

Most fireplace art is more of a statement to be veiwed at a distance. I have a signed print (done by one of DH's art instructors) over my fireplace now. It's probably the least favorite art thing in my house, but it fits and looks good as you walk into the room.

[TBM]

Nov 4, 2012 9:38:03 GMT -5 auntie said:

Nov 3, 2012 22:24:26 GMT -5 pitterwoo said:

I don't think the issue is that it's too large, but that it's not the best piece for that location. The art is broken down into 3 boxes, and then mulitple layers of matting, then the bold brick lines and the fire box. It's just a lot of square/rectangle boxes repeating and there isn't 1 focal point so it looks a bit busy or just off.

This. I love the piece; I could happily live with it in the hall just off my foyer where I would be close enough to see the details.

Most fireplace art is more of a statement to be veiwed at a distance. I have a signed print (done by one of DH's art instructors) over my fireplace now. It's probably the least favorite art thing in my house, but it fits and looks good as you walk into the room.

Good point. I thought the size was fine but kept looking at it because something was bothering me, and this is it.....not one statement/focal point.

[pitterwoo]

Nov 3, 2012 22:41:01 GMT -5 beefcheeks said:

oh, and pitter....yes, very good point about all the rectangles! Hmmmm, I wonder how a round mirror would look? I have a feeling that any mirror that is the right height will be too small, width-wise. (Wait, did that make sense? lol) Times like these I wish I could photoshop!

How about looking for an oval mirror? You have a pretty large mantle area to cover. If you can't find a mirror big enough you could put something on the sides like tall candles or vases or mount candle sconces on either side. I'll see if I can find any pictures.

[pitterwoo]

[emisi]

Nov 4, 2012 17:52:46 GMT -5 pitterwoo said:

Nov 3, 2012 22:41:01 GMT -5 beefcheeks said:

oh, and pitter....yes, very good point about all the rectangles! Hmmmm, I wonder how a round mirror would look? I have a feeling that any mirror that is the right height will be too small, width-wise. (Wait, did that make sense? lol) Times like these I wish I could photoshop!

How about looking for an oval mirror? You have a pretty large mantle area to cover. If you can't find a mirror big enough you could put something on the sides like tall candles or vases or mount candle sconces on either side. I'll see if I can find any pictures.

Or even a rectangular mirror about the same size as your artwork? Something with a nice frame would pop a little more. I do like the oval mirror that pitterbull posted, though.

[pitterwoo]

here's another one...just showing the idea of the proportions.

[InBetweenDays]

I agree with Pitterbull. But I'm also not sure of anything with a rectangular shape there. Just with the rectangles of the brick, and the rectangular shape of the fireplace, and the tv it seems like too much. And it seems like it makes the ceiling seem lower. I'd consider a bold piece of artwork that is square, and then place some tall accent pieces on the mantle on either side.

[beefcheeks]

Thanks for the feedback! I did go back to get the smaller piece, just to see what it looks like. I think you all who are suggesting I stay away from rectangles might be right...