12 Stunning Mantel Decor Ideas That Will Take Your Space To The Next Level
A fireplace mantel has a lot of potential to become one of the focal points in your living room. Just like you would gather your family or guests around the TV, they can also convene around the fireplace when it's lit; therefore, it should be decorated beautifully to reflect your personality and tastes. To decorate a mantel, you can display items like houseplants, art pieces, mirrors, memorabilia, books, holiday décor, and a combination of these.
The main thing to keep in mind when approaching mantel décor is balance. You should have a decent number of items so it doesn't feel too busy or too bare. There should also be a visual balance; the pieces must be displayed in a mixed order of height and proportion. For example, three tall candle holders shouldn't be placed on the left side, while a horizontal stack of books lies on the right. The décor items should be well-blended so it feels easy on the eye.
1. Plants
Houseplants are a great way to decorate your mantel. Indoor vines like pothos or string of hearts are easy to maintain and will create an interesting visual since they are trailing plants. They will also add life to the space and make it feel more like home. What we love about keeping plants on the mantel is that they can be easily combined with other decorative elements like books and mirrors. One tip to get this right is to choose plants that will do well with the level of lighting in that area.
2. Mirrors
A design expert says the best way to style a fireplace mantel is with a mirror. Mirrors are very versatile and can be used anywhere to reflect natural light and make a room feel more open. When placed on or above the mantel, the mirror also has the chance to reflect the rest of the room and provide a great view. You can choose a few small mirrors to make a mini-mirror wall or opt for a big one. You can also decide whether to lean the mirror on the mantel or fix it on the wall.
3. Candles and candle holders
Candle holders are an interesting décor element because they bring a feeling of elegance and nostalgia into a place. Whether you actually light the candles or not, they feel formal and can be used to create a classic vibe on your mantel. You can go for the modern candle holders, which are simple and sleek, or go digging in antique stores for the intricate, old-timey ones like candelabras. For the candles, consider scented ones for a clean, calming atmosphere or LED tea lights that flicker if you just want the ambience.
4. Photos
The mantel is also a great place to display your personal photos and memories. Baby pictures, family portraits, Christmas cards, photos from your travels, big life moments — all of these can be framed and kept on your mantel so you always see them. To make it more stunning, choose photos that tell different stories and use stylish frames. They can be in different shapes, sizes, and colors, or you can make them all uniform. You might even go for a black-and-white theme with all the photos or a specific filter so there's more cohesion.
5. Art and sculptures
Another stunning mantel décor idea is to display framed art. These can be drawings, watercolors, paintings, or photography that you did yourself, thrifted, or got from an artist you like. Choose a theme like nature or portraiture of animals, and you'll turn the mantel into a mini gallery wall. You can also pick one big piece to lean or hang, and it will serve as a statement piece. Another art form, sculptures, is for those who prefer three-dimensional objects. Sculptures can stand on their own on the mantel or double as other pieces like plant or candle containers.
6. Plates
Plates are unique tools for decorating your mantel. In an eclectic, traditional, or Mexican-style interior, you can display ceramic plates with intricate patterns. In a boho, farmhouse, or rustic interior, you can use wooden plates or flat wicker baskets that look like plates. We like wicker baskets for this purpose because they will bring a much more casual vibe to the space and add a lot of texture. If you have fine china or unique handmade pieces, this is a great opportunity to show them off, but if you don't, you can browse thrift stores or estate sales.
7. Seasonal décor
Holiday ornamentation is a huge part of home décor, and your mantel shouldn't be left out. With this idea, you can keep your décor current and redesign your mantel frequently, which is great for people who don't want to stick to a theme for too long. Use your mantel to display those Easter eggs, Halloween pumpkins, Valentine hearts, fall garlands, and fake snow. Some Christmas mantel décor ideas for a beautifully festive fireplace include hanging up your family's stockings, draping some tinsel, and putting up tiny trees. Just don't go overboard because the next holiday is around the corner.
8. Flowers
Whether fake or fresh, flowers are a lovely touch to add when decorating any space. You can get small vases and fill them with water and freshly cut flowers, or you can use dried bouquets. If you like to keep the mantel updated, switch out the flowers as much as you need to. Our tip for decorating your mantel with flowers is to combine them with other pieces mentioned here. For example, hang up china plates with floral patterns or use sculptures as flower vases to create a more interesting sight.
9. Light fixtures
Do you have any lighting around your fireplace? It's important for when the fire isn't on or if it's a fake fireplace, so consider decorating the mantel with stylish light fixtures. You can place mini lamps or lanterns on it or drape string lights across. You can also install sconces higher up on the wall to accentuate what's decorating your mantel, like a statement art piece or your family photos. Combine this with seasonal decorations, like Christmas lights in winter or jack-o'-lanterns during Halloween. Be cautious when operating electric lights when the fireplace is lit.
10. Vintage trinkets
This is a great opportunity to showcase any random trinkets you've gathered while thrifting, shopping at estate sales, or traveling. Consider items like vintage vases, old clocks, chalices, and jewelry boxes to add character and charm to your mantel. One tip to keep in mind with this idea is to avoid over decorating. Different ornaments and trinkets can easily clutter the mantel, and you don't want that, so don't cover up every inch. Instead, stick to a good number of pieces that can create visual interest. It will also make it easy for you to clean around them.
11. Books
Another stunning mantel décor idea is to showcase some of your books. Choose your favorites or some that can be great conversation starters and layer them on the mantel. We recommend horizontal stacks so you don't have to worry about them falling over. We also suggest combining your books with other décor items like candle holders and vintage trinkets to create a more homey or elegant vibe. Bonus tip: you can also use books to decorate the fireplace hearth. Create a DIY bookcase by stacking them to fill the space.
12. Memorabilia
We've mentioned family photos, but what about other forms of memorabilia? Use your mantel to display keepsakes or anything connected to your achievements. Think children's books, yearbooks, graduation photos, medals, and trophies from playing a competitive sport. Postcards, heirlooms, wedding favors, autographed memorabilia, or a prize won in a contest are all good options. If applicable, frame the pieces to preserve their forms while displaying them properly. Having these special items on the mantel will evoke positive feelings every time you look up there. They can also be good conversation starters when you have guests over.