51 Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas To Warm Up Your Home All Season Long (2024)

Room Design

Living Rooms

• 01 of 51

  Decorate With Bud Vases

  

  Have fun with florals. Rather than grouping stems together in one large vase, opt for bud vases or smaller jars and create a sunny display on the mantel that is sure to brighten everyone in your household's day.

  You can change out the type of flower you showcase with each new season, too. Or go faux—with so many fabulous fake flowers on the market, no one will be able to tell the difference.

  Continue to 2 of 51 below

• 02 of 51

  Line Up Pillar Candlesticks

  

  Line up those pillar candlesticks for maximum impact. During the day, you'll be able to appreciate this fun arrangement, and at night, lighting the candles will create a relaxing ambiance.

  "Use decorative items of various sizes and heights to create visual interest and create balance," says interior designer Rozit Arditi.
  

  Continue to 3 of 51 below

• 03 of 51

  Layer In a Portrait

  

  Source an old portrait in an ornate frame at a flea market or estate sale and give it pride of place on your mantel.

  "I like to make sure that my mantels have a good balance in regards to scale," says interior designer Michelle Gage. "You’ll likely need something tall at the center—like a mirror or artwork. Then, play with objects of varying heights beside it…be it a plant, vase or brass object."
  

  Continue to 4 of 51 below

• 04 of 51

  Layer Artwork and Objects

  

  If your have an extra-wide fireplace with a TV above it, steal some focus by layering a mix of framed art and objects on either side.

  Erin Williamson Design mixed colorful framed artwork in a range of styles to add interest to this renovated midcentury modern-style living room.

  Continue to 5 of 51 below

• 05 of 51

  Try a Vintage Doily

  

  A vintage doily makes a major statement on this mantel paired with beads and sculptural objects in corresponding colors. Best of all, it won't cost you more than a few dollars.

  Continue to 6 of 51 below

• 06 of 51

  Style a Mantel Plant Shelf

  

  Plant pots don't need to be filled to look charming. Display a few empty ones alongside your green friends to bring the country cottage look home. Rustic accents, like a vintage looking window frame, contribute to this casual, farmhouse style mantel.

  Tip

  When you have several items on a mantel, layer items to give your vignette or display a sense of depth. Make sure that the items connect to each other in some way—be it through color, material, or theme.

  Continue to 7 of 51 below

• 07 of 51

  Pair Mirrors and Artwork

  

  There's no need to decide between displaying a mirror on the mantel versus some artwork—you can enjoy the best of both worlds and feature both. Layering a mirror in front of an oversized art piece adds intrigue to this coastal inspired display.

  Continue to 8 of 51 below

• 08 of 51

  Edit Your Mantel Display

  

  Meg Young, founder of Cailini Coastal, has a less is more philosophy when it comes to mantel decor.

  "I really value simplicity in home decor," she says, "and a mantel is one of those areas that this sentiment holds true.If yourmantelis covered in shiplap or has intricate wood detailing, you don't need a whole lot to dress it up."

  Continue to 9 of 51 below

• 09 of 51

  Display Dried Greens

  

  Fresh or dried greenery looks fabulous on the mantel all year long, not just during the winter holidays.

  "Candles and fresh florals or greenery are always an instant way to liven up aspace and amantel," Young says. "Opt for tall greens or branches."

  Continue to 10 of 51 below

• 10 of 51

  Line Your Mantel With Books

  

  Running out of room to store all of your novels? Go ahead and turn to the mantel. You don't have to be a bookworm to appreciate this cozy setup, though—your living room will feel like an old-timey library with a sweet touch like this one.

  Continue to 11 of 51 below

• 11 of 51

  Decorate With Empty Frames

  

  See Also

  15 Stylish Easter Mantel Ideas to Freshen Up Your Home for Spring

  Embrace shabby chic style by decorating your fireplace mantel with empty vintage or antique picture frames which can be sourced at thrift stores or online. Layer several atop your mantel to create a timeless display with a romantic feel.

  Continue to 12 of 51 below

• 12 of 51

  Decorate Around the TV

  

  Oftentimes, the most ideal spot to hang a TV is over the mantel—but don't let that stop you from having a little decorating fun. You can still easily incorporate plants, pictures, and candles as we see above, all of which add personality to any space without blocking the view.

  Continue to 13 of 51 below

• 13 of 51

  Display Colorful Glass

  

  Show off your glassware collection by grouping a few favorite pieces on the mantel top—bonus points if they all fall within the same color family.

  Continue to 14 of 51 below

• 14 of 51

  Add Coastal Decor

  

  Celebrate coastal style by incorporating some nautical touches to your mantel. Anchor-themed decor, wooden art, and of course, lots of coral, will do the trick. Arditi also appreciates decorating around a theme—to a degree.

  "Don't make it random," she advises. "Find objects and art that complement each other, but don't necessarily make it matchy-matchy."
  

  Continue to 15 of 51 below

• 15 of 51

  Personalize With Letters

  

  An oversized letter of the alphabet that honors your first initial or your family's last name can be the perfect personal touch to add to your mantel. You could also spell out a word or phrase if you like. Craft stores make it easy to purchase letters in all finishes and sizes that you can display throughout the year.

  Continue to 16 of 51 below

• 16 of 51

  Accent With Gold

  

  Gold or brass figurines instantly make an impact—you don't need more than two to add some glam to your mantel top. Animal sculptures are always ultra trendy, too, and family members both young and old will appreciate them.
  

  Continue to 17 of 51 below

• 17 of 51

  Add a Trailing Plant

  

  Display a trailing plant on one end of your mantel for a casual asymmetrical feel. And don't forget about cute pots and plant stands, if you have room. If you don't think you'll remember to keep your plant nice and hydrated, you may wish to purchase a faux version.

  Tip

  A collection of like items is a great way to fill a mantel and create a visually pleasing display. Vases are a perfect example, as they're close in color and size but vary enough in shape to create visual interest.

  Continue to 18 of 51 below

• 18 of 51

  Incorporate Colorful Art

  

  When it comes to artwork above the mantel, don't be afraid to go big or go home with an oversized abstract piece like the one shown above. If you're creatively inclined, you could even try your hand at making your own jumbo artwork. The beauty of abstract pieces is that they're perfectly imperfect, so don't get overwhelmed if you have to improvise a little as you go.

  Continue to 19 of 51 below

• 19 of 51

  Try an Eclectic Mix

  

  There's nothing wrong with being a little eclectic when it comes to your mantel decor. Here, we see a candle, mirror, cactus, star sculpture, and even a miniature zebra. It's safe to say that this mantel is full of character.

  Continue to 20 of 51 below

• 20 of 51

  Hang a Mantel Garland

  

  Hanging a garland from the bottom of your mantel isn't just for the winter season. A beaded one will look charming all year round and add a playful touch to your mantel. You can easily make your own if you like; all you need are some pretty beads and tassels.

  Continue to 21 of 51 below

• 21 of 51

  Try an Organic Mirror Shape

  

  Evoke retro style with an organic-shaped mirror that will add a sense of playfulness to the wall about your mantel. Studio Peake paired an abstract mirror with colorful mantel decor, from the candlesticks to the vase of bright pink flowers.

  Continue to 22 of 51 below

• 22 of 51

  Display Some Artsy Accents

  

  Why bother hanging a gallery wall when you can stylishly lean your favorite framed pieces atop the mantel? This is a great solution for those with an overflowing art collection who have run out of wall space, as well as for those who are less inclined to pound nail holes into the wall or enjoy changing up their artwork frequently.

  Continue to 23 of 51 below

• 23 of 51

  Display a Decorative Clock

  

  There's nothing like a vintage- or antique-style oversized clock to serve as decor. For those who are drawn to traditional or farmhouse style, a decorative clock is an excellent way to throw it back to simpler times.

  Continue to 24 of 51 below

• 24 of 51

  Bring on the Vintage Style

  

  A vintage art print will add personality to any room and pairs wonderfully with an antique mantel. Top off the look with some brass candlesticks and you're golden.

  Continue to 25 of 51 below

• 25 of 51

  Coordinate With the Hearth

  

  Help hide a large TV by surrounding it with a few pretty pieces of pottery and hearth.

  "To create balance from floor to ceiling, consider accessorizing both the hearth and the mantel," says interior designer Liza Kuhn. "Heavier accents like fireplace screens, tools, and decorative baskets are great foundation pieces for the hearth, while themantelcan be dressed with lighter accents like candles, books, and small vases."
  

  Continue to 26 of 51 below

• 26 of 51

  Keep it Luxe and Classic

  

  One can never go wrong displaying an ornate gold-toned mirror above a mantel. The bigger the better, especially if you're looking to recreate a dreamy Parisian-inspired space.

  "Adding a show-stopping mirror above the fireplace is one of my favorite ways to elevate your mantel decor," says interior designer Danielle Chiprut. "Not only does a mirror pack a punch visually, it makes your room appear larger and brighter by bouncing light aroundit."

  Continue to 27 of 51 below

• 27 of 51

  Use Mirrors to Bounce Light

  

  Style a duo of mirrors beside a large piece of art and watch light flicker around the room.

  "Consider themantelthe visage of the room," says Kuhn. "Much like we dress our own faces with coordinating makeup and jewelry, themantelis embellishedwith well-balanced accessories and decor."
  

  Continue to 28 of 51 below

• 28 of 51

  Decorate With Neutral Books

  

  Flip books with neutral covers facing the opposite direction if you're looking for some textural accents that aren't too busy. All of the pieces displayed on this mantel are likely items you have on hand throughout the house—small art prints, a flower pot, and some greenery—making this look ultra easy to recreate.

  Continue to 29 of 51 below

• 29 of 51

  Try a Map Theme

  

  Framed antique maps are always enjoyable to look at and are a great way showcase a love of history or a passion for a particular area of the world. Vary frame types and sizes for a show-stopping display.

  Continue to 30 of 51 below

• 30 of 51

  Layer Boho-Style Pieces

  

  A fringed garland, wooden mirror, and windowpanes make for a perfect boho-style mantel display. Layering is the name of the game.

  Continue to 31 of 51 below

• 31 of 51

  Try a Nautical Theme

  

  If you're hoping to go beyond typical pieces like candlesticks and vases, think about your surroundings and how you can pay tribute to them in your styling. A collection of ship figurines are perfectly at home on this Maine home mantel.

  Continue to 32 of 51 below

• 32 of 51

  Display Your Hat Collection

  

  Hang a collection of straw hats on the shiplap wall above the mantel for a carefree look.

  "If you want to give a simple refresh, you can revitalize an old mantel by painting it white and decorating simply," Arditi suggests. A vase filled with sunflowers only makes the display look more cheery.

  Continue to 33 of 51 below

• 33 of 51

  Display Rustic Accents

  

  Rustic horn sculptures add height and intrigue to the mantel in this Spanish Revival living room decorated with dark wood and white tones.

  Continue to 34 of 51 below

• 34 of 51

  Hang Muted Art

  

  Hang an abstract piece of art in muted tones above the mantel in a modern living room for a decorated feel that doesn't dominate.

  "A large sculpture or piece of artwork can do a lot for your space without overwhelming the mantel," explains Gina Silveri, procurement manager atVertical Arts. "The sculpture is sure to draw the eye and add texture, while a piece of art can bring in multiple colors from the room into one cohesive piece."

  Continue to 35 of 51 below

• 35 of 51

  Showcase Natural Elements

  

  Decorate your mantel with things that remind you of happy memories or favorite vacations in the sun. "For a coastal touch, we love using a natural shell," says Young. "Place on top of a stack of vintage blue books or decorative boxes for a subtle coastal nod."

  Continue to 36 of 51 below

• 36 of 51

  Brighten With Bold Art

  

  Pair a bright wall color with a large-scale painting that has contrasting colors to create drama above the mantel.

  Studio Peake paired vibrant yellow walls with an abstract painting in shades of red, green, and black that wake up this traditional London living room. The mantel itself is layered with candlesticks and small postcards of favorite works.

  Continue to 37 of 51 below

• 37 of 51

  Layer It Like a Pro

  

  You don't need to invest in gigantic art pieces if you prefer collecting a few smaller framed works and grouping them together.

  "Layering is always a goodidea—I love leaning large pieces of art, and then mixing them with smaller objects in the front. This will create depth and dimension," Arditi says. "Be carefulnot to over-layer, and make sure to give the pieces room to breathe. You always want pieces to stand out and not blend in together."

  Continue to 38 of 51 below

• 38 of 51

  Try a Maximalist Mantel

  

  Take a maximalist approach to your mantel by grouping baskets of all shapes, sizes, and styles together, then layer in extras like books or bottles. "If yourmantelneeds more to make it look filled, but not cluttered, try a vase with real or fake flowers, a stack of books witha plant on top and a grouping of candlesticks," says Silveri.

  Continue to 39 of 51 below

• 39 of 51

  Add a Conversation Starter

  

  Grab those portraits and lean them on the mantel top—then ask guests to make up a story about each individual when they come over. Vintage portraits have a way of livening up a room immediately and are a classic decor must.

  Continue to 40 of 51 below

• 40 of 51

  Hang a Vintage Poster

  

  A large framed vintage poster will add colorful graphics to complement a traditional interior like this space from Studio Peake.
  

  Continue to 41 of 51 below

• 41 of 51

  Display a Mix of Plants

  

  Topiaries and small plants look delightful on this mantel and prove that simple green touches can liven up any area in no time. Display a variety of plants in similar vessels for a cohesive look.

  Continue to 42 of 51 below

• 42 of 51

  Try a Pop of Blue

  

  If you prefer a neutral look, you can still experiment a bit with pops of color in the form of practical pieces like ginger jars, which can double as vases. Just remember to leave some space between them to let the display breathe.

  "Don't be afraid of open space," says Kuhn. "It is tempting to fill the entire length of themantelwith accessories, but the most successful arrangements come when there is space between each decorative element. This allows each item to shine on its own, while ensuring that the fireplace as a whole doesn't look cluttered."
  

  Continue to 43 of 51 below

• 43 of 51

  Pair Black and Gold Items

  

  A globe atop a stack of books isn't just for the classroom. Stick to shades of black and gold for a timeless and cohesive feel.

  Continue to 44 of 51 below

• 44 of 51

  Display a Decorative Plate

  

  There's no reason that our favorite china has to hide away in our kitchen cabinets and only see the light of day once a year. Prop a favorite plate up on a stand and let it serve as a piece of mantel decor.

  Continue to 45 of 51 below

• 45 of 51

  Add Warm Earth Tones

  

  Modernize a mantel with geometric art prints and warm earth-toned terracotta vases filled with pampas grass. This setup would be excellent for a boho-style space and is super easy to DIY (the art is homemade).

  "Decorating with natural accents such as tall branches or fluffy pampas adds just the right amount of drama to yourmantel," says Chiprut. "I love the organic shapes and texture that these pieces bring to the design, it helps to balance out all of the harder elements used fordecor."
  

  Continue to 46 of 51 below

• 46 of 51

  Try a Floral Theme

  

  Try matching your mantel decor to the art you have hanging—especially when the theme is florals. Two vases flank this vintage painting for a symmetrical display.

  "If you don't like layering, creating symmetryis the most classic way to style a mantel," Arditi says. Designer Kim Armstrong agrees: "A simple symmetrical design keeps you focused on the architecture of the mantel—which if done correctly, should really be the star of the show."

  Continue to 47 of 51 below

• 47 of 51

  Show Off Vintage Teacups

  

  Use your mantel to display a collection of colorful vintage teacups.

  "Another key design element is the use of repetition," says Armstrong."A mantel is not a large area, and if you repeat similar objects in your design, that is a surefire way to help you create harmony on your mantel space."

  Continue to 48 of 51 below

• 48 of 51

  Reflect Your Surroundings

  

  Celebrate your home's location by decorating your mantel with items that pay tribute to your surroundings. A lakeside home isn't complete without boat-themed accessories, for example.
  

  Continue to 49 of 51 below

• 49 of 51

  Mix Modern and Classic Art

  

  Modernize a period fireplace with a mix of modern pop art and classical sculpture for a kitschy feel, like this 1920s Tudor home living room from Brexton Cole Interiors.
  

  Continue to 50 of 51 below

• 50 of 51

  Add a Small Table Lamp

  

  Try a tiny lamp atop the mantel—both to brighten up your space and as a sweet piece of decor. Little lamps come in all colors and styles, so have fun choosing the one that speaks to you.

  Continue to 51 of 51 below

• 51 of 51

  Try Hiding the TV

  

  Designers love hanging the Samsung Frame TV above a mantel.

  "I love theSamsungFrame,as it looks like a piece of art," says Young. "There are hundreds of options for digital art to choose from, and you can change the look and feel of a room easily for each season."