Looking to create a stunning fireplace mantel but feeling overwhelmed by the decorating process? Research shows that successful mantel styling hinges on striking a balance that incorporates beauty without overcrowding the space. Avoiding common pitfalls in mantel decor—like over-decorating and mismatched proportions—can lead to an inviting and attractive living area.
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My journey with the Design Mistakes series started years ago, aimed at sharing personal mistakes in home decor and offering insights into effective design choices. This series has evolved into a go-to resource for many readers!
Feel free to check out some fan-favorite posts from the series or explore them all right here.
Rookie Mistake: Decorate Fireplace Mantel
DIY Fireplace Makeover
After observing numerous mantels in dire need of styling, I decided this month’s rookie mistake topic was fitting. While I do have a fireplace mantel in my family room, it doesn’t take center stage due to my built-ins directly across from it (you can see how we DIY-ed them by adding marble tile and a white mantel right here!).
Jan’s Condo Tour
Admittedly, I haven’t had extensive practice styling mantels, but I’ve certainly identified what NOT to do. I hope to share these insights so your mantel can be beautifully accessorized and styled in no time.
There isn’t just one common issue observed; multiple rookie mistakes plague mantel decorating.
Over Decorated
Many fireplace mantels suffer from an overload of decorative items. From picture frames to vases, flowers to small ornaments, too much clutter diminishes the overall aesthetic. Remember: less is often more.
Under Decorated
On the contrary, some individuals neglect their mantels, decorating with too few items. A mantel serves as a prime focal point, enhancing the visual appeal of both the fireplace and the mantel itself. Using just a solitary candlestick or a handful of placed objects fails to add interest; select attention-grabbing pieces to create impact instead.
Incorrect Proportions
The fireplace mantel offers an excellent chance to draw the eye upward. Tall mirrors or leaning artwork can enhance vertical space. Unfortunately, many mantels are cluttered with small frames, leaving ample wall space above untouched (as seen in the MLS photos of my condo when purchased).
Now that we are aware of these common fireplace faux pas, let’s inspire with a selection of beautifully decorated mantel images, all showcasing varying styles.
Fireplace Mantel Inspiration
Photo via Dina’s Reader Home Tour
Dina’s mantel radiates a stunning farmhouse vibe with shiplap, displaying a mirror, picture frame, and candle holders throughout. The addition of a plant brings a touch of nature.
Photo via The Inspired Room
This lovely brick fireplace from The Inspired Room features leaning art and a large vase, contributing height to the right side of the mantel while delivering a natural ambiance. Simple yet gorgeous!
Photo via Emily Henderson
This mantel, designed by Emily Henderson, showcases various beautiful pieces. The central art anchors the space, and the selected accessories enliven the setting, appearing perfectly arranged as if thrown together effortlessly.
Photo via Room for Tuesday
This eye-catching fireplace from Room for Tuesday employs a neutral color palette, with framed art guiding the gaze upward toward the ceiling.
Step-by-Step: How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel
Let’s break this down step-by-step, helping you revamp this essential area in your home and create stunning vignettes.
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Start with a Blank Slate
When styling, my first step is removing everything from the surface to create a clear space. This not only facilitates fresh ideas but also allows for a good dusting! Clear the surface and take a moment to consider your available space.
Collect Objects with a Similar Color Palette
Next, gather aesthetically pleasing items for display. Aim for a cohesive color palette to ensure harmony among the pieces. If starting with a piece of art, reflect on its hues when considering complementary accessories. Here are a few suggestions:
- Art or Mirror as focal point (more on this next)
- Vases or Containers for floral displays
- Books or Boxes for layering height
- Beautiful Objects (candlesticks, special trinkets)
Add Something to Ground the Space
Now it’s time to introduce a major focal feature atop your mantel. I adore the idea of integrating a large round mirror (this is a personal favorite!) or a significant artwork.
This is the stage to emphasize height, so ensure your chosen piece is prominent enough. This blog post offers excellent tips on achieving the right scale and proportion.
Feel free to hang your selections or lean them. If opting for the leaning style, employing command strips on the frame’s top section against the wall is a smart move to prevent shifting or falling. Adjust your placement slightly off-center, either to the left or right.
Layer in a Frame
If you’re leaning a frame, consider placing a smaller one in front to achieve a layered aesthetic.
Proportion is key—avoid extremes of size. Referencing this blog post on scale and proportion will deepen your understanding of this crucial aspect.
Create Different Heights
As in any surface decoration, varying heights adds depth. Implementing boxes and books helps elevate smaller items or less substantial objects.
Integrate a couple of hardcover books on the surface, and you can place a box atop. Alternatively, introduce a tall vase on one end of the mantel for visual elevation.
Incorporate Life
A touch of greenery or floral beauty is always welcome! A vase filled with fresh flowers or eucalyptus can elevate your decor. This faux eucalyptus branch mimics the real deal and would offer delightful height in a geometric vase.
Consider an indoor plant (here’s a list of my favorites) to introduce vitality to the mantel. A somewhat ‘drapey’ plant would work well, with stems gently cascading over the fireplace—just be wary of excessive length that might pose a fire risk!
Favorite Decorative Pieces for Your Mantel
Round Mirror // Brass Candlesticks // Faux Eucalyptus // Vintage Mirror // Rustic Vase // Decorative Gold Bowl // Storage Baskets // Faux Fern // Framed Art // Framed Canvas
I hope these insights inspire you to view your fireplace mantel in a fresh way! Employ my steps to accentuate this lovely area in your home, transforming it into the focal point it rightfully deserves to be.
Mantel Holiday Decor For Christmas
P.S. Need assistance in decorating your fireplace for the holidays? Refer to this blog post, showcasing Christmas decor and garland.
Catch up on More Rookie Mistakes
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