How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

Last Updated: May 25, 2021

Does your fireplace mantel look plain? It doesn't have to. Fireplace mantels provide a creative outlet for many designers. There is no right or wrong way to decorate a mantel, but there are a few tricks you can use to decorate it in a manner that is pleasing to the eye.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Working with Theme and Color

1
Work with the theme of your room. While the fireplace might not be suited to the theme of the space, you can choose objects to out on the mantel that fit with the theme. This will help tie the mantel into your room, and make it look as though it is part of the overall decor. If you use too much contrast, the mantel will stand out too much. Take note of the materials the things in your room are made out of, as well as their shapes and designs.
- If your room has a lot of antique items in it, you may want to place some antique items on your mantel as well.
- If your room has a specific theme to it, such as nautical, consider adding some items that match — such as a piece of rope tied into a sailor's knot, a model of a boat, and a lifesaver.
2
Note the design of the mantel. Is it ornate or is it simple? Does it look rustic? This can help you figure out what sorts of items are a good fit for your mantel. If you are going to put up pictures or mirrors, the design can even help you figure out what sort of "matching" frame to pick. Be sure to choose items that fit the scale of the mantel.
- If your mantel is simple and small add dainty, elegant items instead of large, ornate ones.
- If the mantel is modern, go with a minimalist theme. Use plain picture frames, or organic decorations, such as driftwood branches.
- If the mantel is ornate, try matching with some ornate picture frames or an antique vase.
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3
Play with colors. Match the decor of the mantel to the rest of your room, or create a contrast. For example, if the mantel and the wall behind it are both white, decorate it with something colorful. Try to match the colors to the furniture or curtains in the room. If the mantel is dark, then use light-colored objects when decorating it.
- To make the mantel a focal point in the room, opt for a bold color. For instance, paint it bright orange if you have a modern space, or go for a bold looking by painting it a glossy black
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Personalizing the Mantel

1
Add some personal pictures. They can be photographs or paintings. They can be family-related, or something you created yourself. Pictures of animals and landscapes work well too. Be sure to choose a frame with a style that fits the mantel. For example, if your mantel is ornate and covered with gold leaf, you wouldn't want to use a rustic, wooden frame.
- Stick to 1-3 tasteful photos in frames that complement the style of the fireplace and match the scale of the mantel.
2
Hang a mirror above the mantel to make a small room look larger. Again, choose a frame that complements the scale and style of the mantel. You will also want to use a larger, thicker frame for big mirrors.
- Center the mirror before hanging it.
3
Make a focal point with one piece of artwork. Choose a large piece of art that complements the style of the room. Match the art to the scale of the mantel. This makes a great statement piece and adds visual interest to the space.
- If the art isn't heavy enough to stand/lean on its own, be sure to secure it so it doesn't fall.
4
Add some personal trinkets, knickknacks, and souvenirs. It can be as simple as a pretty rock or shell you found at the beach, or as complex as an antique doll. These personal items can also be spiritual, such as a statue of an angel, the Virgin Mary, or Buddha. They can also be related to your interests.
- For example, if you like sailing, consider putting up a model of a sailboat.
5
Bring in some nature with flowers, plants, or pieces of driftwood. If possible, try to use real plants, as fake ones (unless they're very high-quality) will make your mantel look cheap. The flowers can be potted, or in vases. For a balanced look, place 2 symmetrical plants on either side of the mantel. Here are some more ideas to get you started:
- Match flowers to the season. For example, you can use poinsettias in the winter and tulips in the spring.
- Hang garlands from the mantel using hooks. These can be made from fake plants. Ivy works great year-round, while evergreen works for winter.
- Use pieces of driftwood or pine cones if you don't like (or can't have) flowers. They will work great with a natural, rustic theme.
6
Add some candles or lanterns. Use both tall and short pillar candles to add some variety, but try to keep them the same color or shade. For example, you can use all ivory candles, or a mixture of pink and red candles.
- Consider setting the candles in glass "hurricane" vases, or on pretty chargers to keep your mantel clean.
- For added visual appeal, use 3 candles in varying sizes and arrange them next to each other.
- As an alternative, put a few lanterns on the mantel. They can be rustic or modern, depending on the style of your decor.
7
Add some cards or postcards. They can be cards that you received for special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. They can also be related to the current holiday, such as Christmas or Easter. Change the cards out every month or so. This will keep your mantel looking interesting throughout the year.
- For a twist: pin a piece of string across the mantel, then hang the cards from the string.
- Or, hang a framed window above the mantel and clip postcards and greeting cards to it. Change them out as you receive new ones.
8
Take advantage of seasons and holidays. Seasons and holidays offer a great excuse to change your mantel. You can use flowers and rabbit figurines for springtime or leaf garlands and pumpkins in autumn. Here are some other ideas to get you started:
- For Valentines day, place a glass vase filled with red roses in the middle of your mantel. Arrange white or ivory candles to either side of the vase.
- During the winter, include a few snow globes or glittery snowflakes.
- For Christmas, drape an evergreen garland across your mantel. Decorate it with red berries, holly leaves, and a few white or ivory pillar candles.
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Warnings

If you plan on using the fireplace, make sure that you decorate the mantel using non-flammable items.

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Less is more. Don't overcrowd your mantel, or it will look messy. Limit yourself to six or seven items, at the most. Remember that everything needs regular dusting, and more objects mean more work.

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