If you have a fireplace then you have the potential to make a masterpiece in your room. Sure, you could toss a few pictures and vases up there, but a little creativity can turn your fireplace mantel into the focal point of your room and it will be coveted by all of your friends. There are some ideas that can be done within minutes and with just a few extra bucks, making this an even more appealing quick room update.

White and Warm

Regardless of what your fireplace is made of, you can paint it an off-white color. Of course, you may want to make sure that your significant other is okay with such a big change, but you will likely get your way. You will probably need a few coats and make sure to use a paint that works with what your fireplace is made of, such as paint for brick. If your fireplace is made of wood, and the mantel piece almost always is, you should sand the wood before painting it.

Next, find some frames that are matte gold and silver. You want one smaller one and one a bit larger. You can place black and white photos in these. A small mirror and a few other small matte gold or matte silver items can also be placed on the mantel. This will provide a very soft and romantic look. If you are into the shabby chic look then this is a really good option to decorate your mantel.

Go Earthy and Modern

This requires two clear vases that are tall, exactly alike and able to hold a candle, a circular mirror and some seashells and rocks. You want the two clear vases to be near the sides of the mantel and spaced symmetrically. The circular mirror will go on the wall directly between these. Then, you will arrange a few seashells and rocks between the vases. Place the candles inside and then light them. This can be done with any fireplace color and any material. It is a very neat and modern look.

Bright and Leaning

This is really easy and works well for a bright, modern look. Take two pictures that are bright and cheery and put them into bright frames. Think orange, yellow, turquoise and bright green for the frames. You want one picture to be quite large and twice the size of the smaller picture. Then, you want a very little, white vase and a thin, clear vase that is about eight inches tall. You will put sunflowers into the vases. The pictures are just placed on the mantel to lean up against the wall. This will only take a few minutes and can be done for a few bucks.

Mirror, Mirror

This is a good look that works with modern, French country, traditional and just about any other design scheme. First, you want to take the entire area above the mantel and place a mirror there. This will cover this entire portion of the wall and you can frame it for a little something extra. You can also place a smaller circular mirror right in the center of this. It is quite interesting and will give the room the illusion of being larger.