5 Great Mantelpiece Displays

As the traditional place of honor in a home, mantelpieces can be intimidating to decorate. It's hard to find the appropriate balance: structured without being overly formal, full of character but not too cluttered. For inspiration, we're taking a look at five homes that we think got it right...

With the exception of Karl, who used his mantel as a ledge for a series of photographs, each person chose one main piece to be the focal point. Artwork is large enough to hold its own in such a prominent spot. Height is added with vases and flower arrangements or, in Alan's case, vintage bowling pins.

Dave added a swing-arm lamp that spotlights the mantel, or swings over to provide light for a nearby reading chair. Brad and Kendra highlighted their fireplace with a backdrop of wallpaper, but a colorful painted accent wall would do the same. For more ideas and to see more photos of these homes, click through the links:

• 1 Valery's Colorful Mix in a Brooklyn Brownstone
• 2 David's Andersonville Apartment
• 3 Brad & Kendra's South End Drama
• 4 Karl's Mid-Century Minneapolis Retreat
• 5 Alan's Andersonville Loft