Mantle Ideas
A fireplace is often the focal point in a room, so you'll want a stylish mantel that makes a statement. Follow these tips and tricks for the best-looking mantel on the block.
Layer Mantel Décor
Keep your mantel décor simple yet stylish with these ideas for a fireplace mantel. Arrange favorite pieces — such as artwork, house plants, lanterns, pottery, books and more — in layers. Instead of lining up objects in a single row, stagger items of different heights and widths in front of each other. This overlapping creates depth, which is key to an attractive display.
Anchor the Fireplace Mantel With Large Objects
Though a fireplace mantel is a great place to display small items, it helps to anchor the arrangement with at least one large piece, such as a mirror or framed picture. This dominant element in your fireplace mantel décor attracts the eye and stretches the scale, providing visual oomph to balance the smaller items. If there’s not room on the mantel for a large item, lean it or hang it on the wall behind.
Group Similar Decorations
When decorating a fireplace mantel, whatever the season, grouping similar objects simplifies and organizes your mantel display to create big impact. These copper lanterns with fairy lights add a soft, whimsical quality during the fall season. The two are also different heights, which adds interest. If possible, vary the size of similar objects in a group.
Mix Mantel Patterns and Textures
If you prefer a neutral color palette, then it's important to mix patterns and textures so that your display doesn't fall flat. On this mantel, glass, wood, pine cones and more are layered in. Each of these tabletop trees, for example, offers a different texture — vine, fur and bark pieces — and helps tie the wintry scene together.
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Seasonal Mantel Ideas
In this photo gallery, we'll show you how to display your creative side by updating your fireplace mantel with the seasons. We'll share a few of our favorite ideas.
Festive Fall Ideas
For autumn, keep a few year-round items on the mantel — such as vases, books or your favorite pottery. Play up harvest colors and textures by layering in leaf garland in shades of red, orange and yellow. Other fireplace mantel ideas include fall-scented candles, real or faux pumpkins and autumn tabletop decor.Haunting Decor
Get into the holiday spirit with these Halloween ideas. Place spiderwebs, leaves and twigs over an existing mirror. Then layer in pumpkins, candleholders, bat decals and skeleton arms for spook-tacular effect.Tis the Season
You want your mantel to say Christmas, but you don’t have to switch out everything. Add tabletop Christmas trees, real or artificial Christmas garland, pillar candles, candle holders and stockings. If you love color, layer in ornaments in a bowl or vase, a pink or red poinsettia and a velvet bow across the top of the mirror.Lighten Mantel Décor for Winter
Decor for a fireplace mantel can easily change the mood of a room from season to season. After the holidays, take down the stockings. Quiet the color scheme to wintry whites and rustic wood tones. Remove the ornaments, but leave the greenery. Run string lights across the logs for a cozy, wintry scene.An Egg-Tastic Mantel
Once spring has sprung, it's time to switch from soft wintry neutrals to pretty pastels and blooms. Add in florals, such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Then layer in Easter decor, bunnies, faux eggs, spring wreaths and more.
Hearth Ideas
When you think of decorating the fireplace, the mantel typically comes to mind, but don't forget the hearth. Here are a few items you can add to create a warm and inviting focal point.
Fireplace Tools
A nice set of fireplace tools gives your hearth a polished finished. Choose from black iron, brass, silver or copper to coordinate with the room's decor.
Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens are an attractive addition to the fireplace, while also protecting pets and people from sparks and heat.
Fireplace Surrounds
If you have a plain opening for your fireplace, consider adding a fireplace surround with a design that complements your space.
Baskets & Storage
Add a large wicker basket to store fire starters, like extra logs or old newspaper or cozy items, like blankets and extra pillows.
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Let's Get Started
With a fireplace typically taking center stage, you need it to look stylish and cozy. Here are a few mantel decor ideas.
- Stagger items of different widths and heights. By overlapping objects, it creates depth and results in a pretty display.
- Anchor the fireplace mantel decor with at least one large piece, such as a mirror or piece of art.
- Group similar objects of varying sizes together.
- Use a variety of patterns and textures when decorating your mantel.
- Decorate your fireplace for fall, Halloween, Christmas, spring and more.
- Don't forget the hearth. Add fireplace tools, a screen and a large wicker basket to store extra wood or blankets.
If you're ready to decorate your fireplace, shop online of visit your local Lowe's store.
