How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

In this post, I am going to share how to decorate a fireplace mantel using just four simple steps. In my home, we are fortunate to have a gas log fireplace in our great room. The mantel is fun to decorate, and I often make minor changes to it for the various seasons and holidays throughout the year. Although the mantel is fun to decorate, it can be tricky to make it look right. Fortunately, I have found that a few simple tweaks are usually all that’s needed to make the decorations on the mantel look visually appealing. To learn these no-fail mantel decorating ideas, keep reading. 

1. Start With A Focal Point 

The focal point will most likely be the largest item either sitting on or hanging above the mantel and will act as an anchor for your overall design. It could be a large piece of art, an upcycled window frame, a clock, or a wreath. For a traditional touch, a mirror is a good choice. Mirrors come in many shapes and sizes. They are great for anchoring your changing layouts as you decorate for Christmas and other occasions. If your home is decorated with modern farmhouse accessories, a primitive window frame makes a great anchor. Depending on where your fireplace is located, the focal point might even be a flat screen television. After you have selected an anchor, it’s time to add a few more accessories. 

2. Select Items With Varying Heights

To further accessorize your mantel, use items that have a cohesive look, but come in varying heights, such as chunky wooden candlesticks, decorative plates, or a collection of antique pitchers. Place items on stacks of old books to add more height.

3. Add Greenery

Add an element of nature to your mantel with greenery. As a general rule, select just one type of plant to display. Artificial boxwood urns add a classy touch of green,or you could place dried eucalyptus branches in decorative vases. Although swags are popular at Christmas time, the right one can be used all year round. 

4. Overlap Items to Create Depth and Interest

Don’t just line items in a row on your fireplace mantel. Instead, think of it as a three-dimensional display area. Place smaller items in front of larger ones. By layering items in front of your anchor, it will also help to keep your anchor piece from dominating the mantel.

If you tried all these steps and your mantel still doesn’t like, make sure your not making these common mistakes:

Common Mantel Decorating Mistakes

• Too Many Decorations: Do you have too many items on your mantel? If you have too many pictures, vases, candles, and knick knacks competing for space on your mantel, try eliminating a few items.

• Too Few Decorations: On the other hand, if your mantel looks too plain, you may need to add a few more items. Try filling in the empty spaces by layering more greenery, candlesticks, or other accessories.

• Check Your Proportions: If your mantel doesn’t look right, the proportions of your items may need some tweaking. Is your anchor piece too large or too small? What about the items layered in front of your anchor piece. Make sure you have items with varying heights.

I hope you found these tips for how to decorate a fireplace mantel helpful! If you have any of your own tips to share, please leave them in the comments.