Here is a tricky design question. Susan writes:Hi Pam,.After two years, I still cannot figure out what to put on these shelves that are built into my fireplace! They are 10.5″ wide and 5.75″ deep, and they are spaced about 11.5″ apart (vertically, from the top of one shelf to the top of the next, if that makes sense). I thought I’d pose the question to you (and possibly your readers), since I can’t be the only one struggling with this….Thanks,Susan, aka Kitty Mommy
Readers — what do you think? How can Susan decorate this space?
weed30 says
To those who mentioned that the shelves were custom: These types of shelves were very common in the 50’s, and not added or created for specific items. In the process of finding a new home, every classic mid century house with a stone fireplace that I looked at had them. I wish that the house I’m buying did! I plan to retro-vate the fireplace I do have, and include these type of shelves in the design 🙂
bepsf says
A small collection of pottery – such as Bitossi from Italy.
Oh, and pull that brass fireplace screen – It needs to go!
Erika Hegedus says
I would hang something from the bottom of the shelves as well as set items on top.
Maybe hang something from the top two – and then set some thing on top of the top two….so the middle one is the only one with some thing on the top and bottom.
Vintigchik says
I have a fireplace with a very similar set up. I also have 3 shelves like yours except one of them (the top right one) is half the width of the other two?? I too am wondering what to put on these shelves. I was thinking maybe some art glass bottles.
Mike Goble says
I would find 3 related objets/tchotchkes that are of that proportion. Something quirky would be best, since the space is small. Something that relates to and is of import to the owner— the worlds best conversation starter once in place.
John says
The arrangement of those little ledges is so odd (and high) that I wonder if they were built for a specific collection of art objects. I’m picturing figurines of cats that are preparing to jump from one level to another. The shelves are crying for something in motion (implied).
Hayley says
We have a very similar set up, but with 2 shelves. We chose 2 vases in different shapes, but are the same color (stratford blue, to match an adjacent wall). I say go for a color so it can pop against the natural stone. Good Luck!
doug in aylmer says
We have similiar shelves on our fireplace. My wife placed a variety of objects including a rooster, a symbol of luck and propsperity, left for us by the original owner of our 1958 California style bungalow.
Gavin Hastings says
JR-
My first thought was one of those pierced Haitian Oil Drum sculptures.
J.R. says
Good call!
Heather says
Great fireplace! My grandparents had a very similar fireplace and shelves in their house. To decorate for Christmas, my grandma had a Santa, sleigh, and reindeer from the 1950’s that she put out every year. Santa and the sleigh went on the lowest shelf and the reindeer filled out the higher shelves, just like they were prancing along.
For everyday, I think a collection of retro vases/glass/etc would look nice! Sizes and shapes could vary, but unify the collection by staying with one color, maybe bright teal, orange, or simply, white!
Amy Hill says
I love vintage Christmas Decorations! That’s a great idea your grandparents had!