A mantelpiece or fireplace surround can play a starring role in a room. With inspiration from our tips from the experts, you can turn your own mantelpiece into a decorative centrepiece.

Seriously hooked

Bring the wow factor to the wall above your mantelpiece with a wonderfully ornate mirror or an eye-catching arrangement of prized family photographs.

Mirror, mirror
A mirror above the mantel draws the eye and visually enlarges a small space. "A mirror adds the illusion of depth, as well as drama with its shape and form," says Sydney architect Scott Weston.

Striking contrasts can give your room the personal touch - for example, a decorative mirror can add a special flourish to a sleek, modern fireplace.

Instead of just one large mirror, hang several in different shapes and sizes, or wrap the entire chimney breast in antique or coloured glass.

In the picture
For a formal look, hang identical frames in a grid pattern. If you prefer things more casual, place various frames in a random arrangement, as shown opposite.

Jonathon Lee at picture- hanging consultancy The Hangman says "the trick to a casual display is mixing frames with as many shapes, sizes and orientations as possible - this makes it easier to achieve an appealing organic look."

Sticking to black-and- white photos means recent family snaps will sit well with ancestral photographs.

Breaking with tradition

Living room a little too stitched up? Breathe life into a formal mantelpiece with organic touches, such as an overflowing basket of blooms or a simple piece of driftwood.

Rustic charm
"The fireplace surround can be a great framing device when the fire is not in use," says florist Saskia Havekes of Grandiflora. "A heavy surround will need something substantial, such as a dense arrangement of blooms or fruit in a rustic basket or a ceramic pot."

For a subtle, sophisticated look, choose pale flowers and matching vessels. Or, to add punch, choose vibrant blooms that pick up on a colour in another part of the room, such as a rug or a cushion.

Be creative - a beautiful piece of driftwood, seashells or a handful of birch branches all add organic appeal, too.

Outside the square
An asymmetrical display downplays the formality of a traditional fireplace. Use objects of varying heights and shapes overlap items and extend some beyond the edge of the mantelpiece.

Melbourne interior designer Caecilia Potter of Atticus & Milo says "overlaying a mantel mirror with another decorative piece, such as a work of art, creates a luxurious, layered feel." She also recommends "regular editing of your mantelpiece display - avoid the staid and predictable at all costs."

Modern marvels

A streamlined, contemporary mantelpiece can be treated as a blank canvas. Deck it out with a tantalising array of objects - and don't overlook the element of surprise.

Making modern work
Consider the context of the room when creating a mantel showpiece; a pared-back room with a minimalist fireplace benefits from a simple display with plenty of breathing space.

The latest gas and biofuel fireplaces don't need a flue or surround. For minimalist chic, forgo the mantel too or install a slender floating shelf.

Break up straight lines with a peppering of curved, organically-shaped pieces.

Aim for harmony
Create balance: the size and shape of the objects on display should relate to the proportions of the fireplace. Don't crowd a slender mantelpiece with lots of heavy pieces - and save delicate items from being lost amid a dense surround.

Mix old and new. "A good collection evolves over time," says Caecilia Potter. "A display of all contemporary pieces can look faddish and an all-antique display has a museum feel - the best arrangements are a mix of the two."

Not sure if your display is working? Caecilia says: "Look at the mantel from the doorway. Is the arrangement interesting? Does it compete with other things in the room?"

Showcase those finds
Being at eye level, the mantelpiece is the perfect spot to showcase your passions and interests. Display family mementos, special finds from your travels - anything with personal meaning.

When grouping collectables, use a unifying theme such as colour, texture or material.

Don't let an unused fireplace turn into an ugly dark hole - transform it into a design feature with candles, colourful glass vases or a stack of books with matching spines.

Be playful with your mantel collections - add to them, move things around and don't be afraid to remove everything and start over.

Mix rough textures with smooth for a warm, modern feel. The rustic slate fireplace (left) and sculptural timber items are balanced by the pale wall and delicate white ceramic vase.

Choose a key item and then give other pieces supporting roles. A patterned feature wall, (above) sets the tone for a romantic space and the glassware and candles emphasise the theme.

Flowers aren't the only way to introduce nature - botanical-printed wallpaper, timber accessories and stone tiles will all do the trick.

Consider scale - delicate details complement a petite chimneybreast, bolder patterns suit a larger expanse.

Looking for more indoor inspiration? Check out our Indoor section.