The Mantel Decor Idea That Will Add Instant Style To Your Space

With its commanding architectural presence, the mantle is a natural focal point in any room. From its utilitarian beginnings as a heat source and a place to cook during the medieval times, the fireplace mantel evolved into a symbol of social status and wealth during the Renaissance. Just as they displayed family crests or precious heirlooms back then, the modern mantel still serves as an accent piece in a home, making it a natural space for displaying photographs, decorative items, or antique mirrors. Whether you own a working fireplace or a decorative one, there are lots of ideas about the best ways to style a mantel. We have also previously rounded up some mantel decor ideas that will take your space to the next level – but we have another idea.

If you're a maximalist who collects art or you simply have one too many prints that you haven't gotten around to hanging, a mantel is an ideal spot to display them. With careful layering and styling, you can curate a collection of art pieces that will define your artistic expression and aesthetic. As this requires no drilling on walls, this set-up also feels less permanent and more spontaneous. This allows you to switch and swap artwork around to come up with a revolving display of interesting art for your visitors to admire every time they drop by.

When decorating a mantel with artwork, always begin by placing the biggest frame either in the center or slightly off-centered. Doing this will give you an idea of the space you are working with and allow you to build multiple layers. Experiment by overlapping smaller-sized frames, propping them up in front of or behind the biggest piece of artwork. Fiddle around with orientation as well: Layer a landscape-oriented painting next to a vertical one, for example, to give the illusion of flow and movement. Place the smallest frames up front. Add on other art as your mantel space allows, paying attention to the overall balance of the paintings. When overlapping, you'll want to show just enough of each piece of artwork without any one overpowering the others.

There are no hard rules when it comes to the type of art you should put up. Your mantel art collection could focus on a central theme, like winter scenes during the holiday season, or a group of prints sporting a similar color scheme. You could also put together an eclectic collection of art that includes a geometric piece, a landscape painting, a still life, and a floral print. Same goes for the medium: Don't be afraid to layer photographic prints against a richly-colored oil painting or to overlap a monochromatic charcoal sketch against a delicate watercolor. When you're satisfied with the way your artwork looks together, you can bookmark your art-laden mantelpiece with small decorative items like a vase or candlesticks.