Your New Favorite Mantel Décor Is Actually Just Wallpaper

From snuggling up fireside to creating a stunning accent wall, a fireplace will never go out of style. When it comes to having one for your living space, the mantlepiece is inarguably a show-stopper. But what if your mantel looks rather homely? A touch of wallpaper can breathe new life into even the most unassuming design.

Wallpaper is an easy way to add color and visual interest without the hassle of painting. Also, with a variety of patterns and textures, there are many innovative ways to use wallpaper in any room. In the case of a fireplace mantel, wallpaper can serve as a unique backdrop and help highlight its architectural details. That said, you don't just want to throw a random wallpaper pattern on your mantel. Certain designs can look too busy (and tacky) for the piece, which is what you'll want to avoid. Here's how to choose the right wallpaper design for your fireplace to make your mantel the ideal statement piece.

Alone, wallpaper can add a dramatic and personalized touch to your space. But since fireplaces are often large and already the focal point of a room, you'll want a wallpaper that helps accentuate the mantel, not overwhelm it. To choose the right one, Amy Kartheiser of Amy Kartheiser Design suggests using the design of the room as inspiration. "That way, you can decide on a pattern and texture to compliment other textiles in the room," Kartheiser explains. For example, you can choose one that pulls colors and shapes from your throw pillows, houseplants, and other accents in the room.

Another tip is to think about your goal for both the mantel and the space. If your fireplace is small, opt for a large wallpaper design that makes it visually look bigger. This could be an intricate, textured design like a floral motif, or a simple yet bold pop of color to emphasize the piece while brightening up the space. Whichever design you choose, just make sure the type of wallpaper is heat-resistant or made of a non-combustible material (especially if you'll be using the fireplace).