How to decorate a fireplace mantel
How to decorate a fireplace mantel
I love to decorate my fireplace mantel, it is easy to do and you don’t need a lot of decor.
Especially if it is a focal point in your living room, it is essential to have it nicely decorated. But how to decorate a fireplace mantel if you don’t really know how?
Most important tip to know when decorating a fireplace mantel
The most important thing you need to know, is that you have to have balanced decor. Always have a bigger center piece and then arrange your decor left and right from it. Try to use just once color scheme, otherwise it might look too busy.
Here is an example of a fireplace decorated with only one color:
If you like it more colorful, try to incorporate some plants. Plants add a nice atmosphere and don’t make it too colorful:
Here is the picture how the fireplace and the fireplace mantel used to look (also read my “How to paint a brick fireplace post”. If you are thinking about painting your stone fireplace to lighten up your room, here are all the tips: How to paint a brick fireplace
The fireplace is white now and looks so much better. And a white fireplace is so much easier to decorate because you can actually see the the decor pieces on the mantel.
Here are some more ideas “How to decorate a fireplace mantel” for you:
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The rustic look
Of course it depends on what kind of fireplace you have. Is it similar to mine, you should go for some more rustic decor like this wood/metal wall art.
Always try to balance it if you have a smaller center piece. Have objects with the same size on the left and on the right side.
On this picture I have the same plants and two candles. Both candles are also metal and almost the same height.
2. Decorating with plants
Adding plants to your living room is a great idea. Especially if you choose the ones which are healthy and clean the air from pollutants. First of all they look pretty and second they are good for you and your environment, so why not incorporate this idea?
These are some of the healthy plants you should use for decorating:
According to NASA these plants clean the indoor air significantly. NASA presented a two year study called “The Clean Air Study” where they released the results.
Above mentioned plants convert our waste (carbon dioxide) into fresh oxygen which we need. Plants also have the ability to remove mold, formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful elements from the air.
So if possible use them in your bedroom and above all, in your children’s room, or use them wherever you feel they look good. You can’t do anything wrong here, just don’t forget to water them.
3. How to decorate your fireplace mantel with art work
I love this painting. The colors fit perfectly to the style of this heavy fireplace. You can exchange the plants on both sides with some more rustic decor or just leave it blank on both sides.
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4. My favorite mantel
I bought this mantel for 25 $ at an estate sale. How lucky, I just love this piece. Now it has a place right next to the entry and it fits perfectly onto this wall.
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Here is a similar fireplace mantel which I love. Looks stunning. In case you don’t have a fireplace, this could be an option for you:
This mantel is light and airy and has a different vibe than my brick fireplace and of course, I decorate it completely different:
The colorful artwork and the fresh flowers fit perfectly to the French country style mantel. It is such a happy decorating piece and I love to re-decorate it all the time.
5. How to decorate a fireplace mantel with a mirror
A mirror is the classic tool to decorate a mantel. This mirror frame fits exactly to the decor of the mantel.
And decorating with mirrors makes such an impact in a smaller room. It brings light and creates a vision of more space. So try to add mirrors, especially if your room is small.
I love these mirrors right here. Just make sure that the size fits well on your mantel.
Or if a rectangular mirror fits better to your style, here are my favorites:
Summary and best tips how to decorate a fireplace mantel and create an absolute wow worthy focal point:
Mantel decorating ideas:
First look at your fireplace. Is it modern, rustic, humongous, elegant, small? What is the style of your living room? Then decide what kind of decor you like and what fits to your place.
Symmetrical arrangements are classic and easy to do:
If you like it neutral, use accessories from colors found in your furniture or textiles. Easy strategy here is a round mirror in the middle of your mantel and a sconce on either side of the mirror.
If this is too simple for your style, add a vase with big branches in front of the mirror and fill in with smaller accessories. Done.
Do you want to make an impact with art?
The size of your art should proportionally fill in the space above the mantel.
Another option is to arrange smaller pieces to one bigger object. For a cohesive style, use the same style, color, frames so it looks unified. Add a plant on either side of your art work if you have space.
Do you want to change the look of your cookie-cutter fireplace?
Paint the surrounding wall with a strong color, or select a wallpaper which fits to your style. If you have a white fireplace, a darker color elevates an average white fireplace.
Add a mirror in the center of your mantel and you just created a stunning focal point with an ordinary fireplace.
You don’t need any more accessories because the paint color or wallpaper is the star of this wall.
source picture: Pinterest
You don’t like symmetry?
Create a layered look. Play with objects of different heights. Combine different frames and different size artwork onto the wall, add a tall wispy branch and decorate with smaller decorative objects you like to showcase. As long as it doesn’t look cluttered, and you stay in your color scheme, it is good to go.
Wow, this was a lot of information but I hope it helped you deciding on how to decorate your mantel.
I would love to see some pictures of your fireplace mantel. So if you can, add it in the comments below.
And if you have a question about decorating your mantel, let me know and I am glad to help out.
See you next week,
Love from Conny
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