Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Dressing Up a Fireplace With Tapestries

Not so long ago the fireplace was the focal point of a room, not only providing much needed warmth but also adding warm with its majestic stone or brick masonry. In many older homes, the fireplace is still grand. But in many newer homes, the fireplace is a little less ornate, in keeping with the principles of modern home design.

Whether you have a grand fireplace that looks as it was transported across the sea from a regal castle in England or a more modern one that uses gas instead of wood as a fuel, you can still capture the old world charm of the fireplace by adding a few design elements.

Of course, a fireplace really begs for a tapestry. The stunning art combined with the intricate weave creates an even bigger focal point for the room. The tapestry naturally draws the eye to the area and then down to the fireplace itself.

Properly conceived and executed, adding a tapestry can add a major element of art to the room, add a touch of drama and help showcase a part of your home that often doesn't get the attention it deserves, unless there's a roaring fire in the hearth.

When selecting the perfect tapestry, you want to keep several things in mind.

1. Choose a tapestry you like.

This is really the easy part. Since the tapestry is in an area of the room where you will see it every day, you want to find a tapestry you can live with. Thankfully, there's an endless selection, from landscapes and still lifes to historical, religious and classic works. If you like more modern works, there are tapestries featuring the work of many contemporary artists as well as the masters.

2. Find a work that fits the space.

Once you find several tapestries you like or an overarching theme that reflects your personal tastes, it's time to find a tapestry that will fit the fireplace you have. Obviously, a fireplace with a wide mantle can have an equally wide tapestry to match. If you have a soaring fireplace, you can go vertical with it and let it cascade down the front. Nothing is more magnificent than a fine tapestry being displayed as they were used throughout history.

3. Consider the scale.

Compared to finding something you like and its basic dimensions, scale is a little more difficult to determine. You don't want it to overwhelm the space. In other words, even if you have a massive fireplace you may not want to get an equally massive tapestry. You want a piece that complements the room, commands attention, but doesn't become too much. You don't want it to suck the life out of the room.

If you haven't had the chance to review all your options, it's a good idea to begin your journey online. There are some great sites where you can look at literally hundreds of tapestries and visualize how they will look in your home before you ever have to make a purchasing decision.

Tags : Jacket And Clothes Store

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