Will you layer on many pieces over time or search for one perfect piece of art?
The easiest place to start is with either an asymmetrical arrangement or a symmetrical one.
Typically, the formality of the room will help you make this decision.
Credit: Stacey Brandford
From there, don’t be afraid to play around.
Whatever the style and size of your fireplace, use these creative mantel decor ideas for ample inspiration.
Lean that new piece of art against the chimney, add an interesting stick found on a walk.
Credit:James Nathan Schroder
Keep layering and collecting, and remove things that feel stale.
Choosing Accessories for Your Mantel
KIM CORNELISON
Create interesting contrast by adding modern decor items to atraditional-stylefireplace.
The seasonal plants add depth and texture, completing the look.
Credit:KIM CORNELISON
Mix different shapes whenlayering itemsto prevent a boring and cluttered look.
Unless you have a really heavy piece, it is typically safe to lean art against your mantel.
Statement Mantel Art
Annie Schlechter
Make a bold statement andhang one oversized piece of artabove the mantel.
Credit:Robin Stubbert
For an interesting grouping, pick three decorative items and consider their color, shape, and height.
Formal Living Room Mantel Decor Idea
For aformal living room, opt for symmetricalmantel decor.
Here, fresh branches on either side of the mantle add vibrant color and height.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Simple Mantel Decor
Lindsay Salazar
Allow a beautifulstone fireplaceto stand out by keeping the mantel decor simple.
Start with an oversized base such asa mirror hanging on the wallto anchor the rest of the mantel decor.
Modern and Classic Mantel Decor
CARSON DOWNING
This mantel decor idea complements the fireplace below.
Credit:John Granen
Eclectic Mantel Display
David Land
Mix old and new decor to create an eclectic mantel display.
Bright yellow flowers and pale blue candles play off the purple wallpaper for a cheery, youthful look.
Darker or more homogenous colors would look sophisticated.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
Mirror Collection Above a Mantel
Laurie Black
A collection of round mirrors keeps thismodern mantellight and fresh.
The spaces we live in should tell our stories anddisplaying personal itemsis the best way to achieve that.
Mantel Flower Arrangement
Carson Downing
Decorate your mantel withflower arrangementsin differing heights.
Credit:Robert Peterson
This dynamic look works, even if you only have one flower species.
Use a mix of shorter and taller vessels to create a colorful rhythm across the mantel.
Stagger in candles to make it glow.
Credit:Emily J. Followill
Modern Mantel Garland
You dont have to wait until the holidays tohang a decorative garlandon your mantel.
It will help visually open up the space and bounce around all the natural light that comes in.
This way, you are extending the mantels decorative impact past its shelf for a non-traditional and unique display.
Credit:James Nathan Schroder
Midcentury Modern Mantel Decor
Hector Sanchez
Take cues from the rooms design style when decorating the mantel.
Fill the wall space with a simple mirror and just a few well-placed objects.
Overlapping Mantel Decor
Overlap artwork to make your mantel stand out.
Credit:Lindsay Salazar
The key is to verify the pieces vary in height and width.
Here, a colorful map becomes a unifying backdrop while a framed print and painting overlap one another.
The hues in the mantel decor are repeated on books carefully arranged by color on the built-in shelves.
Credit:Adam Albright
Base the color on another element within the room for a cohesive look.
Here, the mantel area’s blue was matched to the stone on the fireplace surround.
Similarly, all the candles are blue.
Credit:Dane Tashima
This repetition creates cohesion, even when there are many objects on the mantel.
Be sure to vary the size and scale of the objects to create a balanced display.
Bonus: Create easy DIY artwork out of scrap plywood and spray paint.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Choose an object that contrasts with the mantel for even more impact.
Here, a framed painting with a black background stands out againstdeep blue walls.
The piece’s large, narrow frame draws the eye up toward the blue-painted ceiling.
Credit:Brie Williams
Start with a wood beam that matches the width of your fireplace surround.
For a rustic look, stain the wood tocreate a distressed finish.
Mount the mantel above the fireplace using a masonry drill bit and lag bolts.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
A few glass vases and votive candle holders punctuate the arrangement.
Scale is key: Pick items that fill the space and are relative to one another.
Multiple large pieces might have competed with each other, and smaller pieces would have created an imbalance.
Credit:CARSON DOWNING
Establishing a theme, such asa common thread of color, unites the different elements.
Simple accessories on the other side keep the focus on the mantel’s star artwork.
Coordinated Mantel Accessories
In a neutral living room, use accessories that pull from colors found elsewhere.
Credit:David Land
Elegant Fireplace Mantel Ideas
Elegant mantel decorating ideas rely on constraint and thoughtful consideration of every detail.
In this classic living room, a striking flourish of Art Deco-influenced wallpaper is the wow element.
Everything else hangs back but holds its own.
Credit:Anne D. Schlechter
Delftware-like vases bookend the mantel for a pop of color.
Here, a bold contemporary painting adds color and balances the traditional styling of the white fireplace.
Simple accessories keep the focus on the striking artwork.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
For a cohesive style, pair like with like.
The size of your art should proportionately fill the space.
If a piece is too small, arrange it with a few other hanging pieces.
Credit:Laurie Black
The canvas stretches close to the ceiling and doesn’t read as too small.
Skip the fancy artwork and let fun frames shine with this mantel decorating idea for every day.
Simply layer several empty frames of various sizes and finishes on your mantel shelf.
Credit:Lisa Romerein
This room abounds with references to nature, and the mantel carries this theme forward.
Soothing Fireplace Mantel Decor
The right mix of accessories can enhance a simple mantel.
For an easy fireplace mantel decorating idea,hang a mirror in the middleand a sconce on either side.
Credit:Carson Downing
Pick up on colors and materials found elsewhere in the room.
Here, a mix of white, blue, and gold pieces reflectthe room’s soothing palette.
Vary the height and visual weight of items to easily fashion a well-dressed mantel.
Credit:John Stoffer
Leaned casually against the chimney, they can easily be rearranged or replaced with other pieces.
Traditional Mantel Decor
Symmetrical arrangements project a classic order.
Use the approach as an elegant mantel decorating idea for instant visual appeal.
Credit:John Merkl
Use similarly shaped objects on the mantel to maintain the orderly look.
Here, tapered, footed vases mimic the shape of the candle sconces on the wall.
Fireplace Mantel Lighting Ideas
Industrial-style sconces give this mantel definition and a stylish source of light.
Credit:Adam Albright
Around mirror provides contrastto the abundance of straight lines throughout the room.
The rustic reclaimed-wood mantel is perfect for displaying a few selective accessories.
The mix of textures within the ensemble adds dimension to the monochromatic color palette.
Credit:John Stoffer
Here, the doors are clad in beaded board to match the coffered ceiling.
Fireplace Molding Details
Add character to your fireplace wall with molding.
How to Style a Mantel
The mantel is the perfect place to display beloved objects or collections.
Credit:David A Land
Show off treasured items from your travels, or use them as flower vases if possible.
This mantel uses a blue and pink color scheme to tie everything together.
In this living room, a steely midnight blue wall elevates an average white fireplace.
Credit:Hector Sanchez
When mixed with a gold sunburst mirror, the mantel becomes the center of attention.
By adding simple accessories, like candlesticks and matching deer figurines, the mantel feels personalized.
Symmetrical Mantel Decor
Use the concept of symmetry to guide your fireplace mantel decorating ideas.
Credit: Stacy Goldberg
They don’t have to be identical, just related.
For example, two different terra-cotta pots still look like they belong together.
Decorating a Fireplace with Built-Ins
Consider your entire fireplace wall when designing your mantel.
Credit:Adam Albright
If your fireplace is flanked by built-ins, consider how the look of the built-ins relates to the mantel.
Mantel Styling Tips
Play with objects of different heights when decorating your mantel.
A large, horizontal mirror with a gilded frame adds character to the mantel space.
Credit:Sara Bradley
A few well-placed books add subtle dimension, while a vase of yellow flowers provides restrained pop.
While there is a lot of variety, the repetition helps it look cohesive.
Easy Mantel Decor
Emily Kennedy
Create a whimsical mantel scene to complement a cottage style room.
Credit: David Land
The mantel is a good spot for collections of all kinds, as its a natural focal point.
Mix in fresh flowers or greenery as the seasons change.
This will allow you to highlight a contemporary art piece, as shown here.
Credit: Helen Norman
Vases on the mantel contain single species sprigs, adding texture without too much clutter.
Antique Mantel Styling
Old-world antiques complement this stunning stone mantel.
The simple mantel decor arrangement makes this French Country-style wet bar feel even more authentic.
Credit: David A. Land
Mantel Lighting Ideas
John Bessler
Install sconcesabove your mantel to highlight a favorite piece of art.
Complement a Fireplace Mantel
Carmel Brantley
Showcase a beautiful mantel by keeping the decor simple.
This stone mantel features sweeping curves and a small shell design.
Credit:Carson Downing
How to Decorate a Long Mantel
Decorating a long mantel can feel like a challenge.
Unique Mantel Decor Idea
Cant commit?
Use washi tape to hang artwork that can be easily taken down or rearranged.
Credit: Werner Straube
Frequently Asked Questions
Style a mantel by arranging your favorite artwork, decor, and accessories.
Opt for one large statement piece, or arrange smaller items in odd numbers.
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