Spring Mantel Decor Ideas: A Guide to Effortlessly Styling Your Fireplace Mantel - Come Stay Awhile by Amanda Vernaci | Modern Farmhouse DIY + Home Renovation (2024)

Have you ever looked at a styled spaced and loved how it looked but weren’t sure how to recreate it?! I’ve gotchu 😘 I’m so excited to share some tips and tricks for fireplace mantel styling with you! Sprucing up your mantel and giving it that effortlessly chic vibe isn’t as tricky as it might seem. So, let’s dive in and turn that mantel into a showstopper!

The first step when decorating your mantel is to start with a blank slate and gather the items you plan to use. Select your preferred color palette, I prefer a more neutral vibe and typically I use greenery or canvas wall art for a pop of color. It’s important to have a mix of things of different textures, sizes, and styles. Start with what you have at home before expanding your search to favorite spots like Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and local Thrift or Antique Stores if necessary (they might have really unique items you could find to utilize!)

Your mantel’s decor should encompass things within these categories, tailored for a fireplace setting:

Decorative Boxes & Baskets: Faux decorative boxes and wicker baskets with lids add a touch of elegance and are great for concealing small items, and maintaining a clutter-free look.
Textiles: A chunky knit throw blanket draped over a woven storage basket introduces texture and warmth, inviting coziness into the space.
Books & Candle Holders: Stacking decorative books beside gold and black taper candle holders, accompanied by ivory flameless candles, creates a sophisticated and inviting ambiance.
Accent Pieces: Modern farmhouse lanterns, a decorative wooden knot, and a marble link add character and interest. A brass fireplace tool set can be both decorative and functional.
Wall Decor & Mirrors: Placing canvas wall art, or an arched wall mirror above the mantel enhances the room’s depth and light.
Vases & Florals: Ceramic vases filled with faux floral decor and marble candlestick holders add elegance and a touch of nature.

Got all your stuff? Great! Now, spread it out and group similar items together. It’s like putting together a puzzle — seeing all your pieces laid out makes the next step a breeze.

Styling your mantel is where creativity meets strategy. Balance and spacing are key:

Create Layers: Start with larger items like the arched mirror or canvas art as a backdrop. Layer in medium-sized items like lanterns and vases, then finish with smaller accents like candle holders and decorative books.
Mix Textures and Heights: Contrast the softness of the chunky knit blanket with the hard lines of the marble and brass elements. Vary the heights to draw the eye up and down, creating visual interest.
Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Decide on a symmetrical arrangement for a more formal look or go for an asymmetrical setup for a casual, organic feel. Both can be equally impactful when done thoughtfully.
Visual Weight: It’s important that both sides of your fireplace mantel have similar visual weight. If you have a large vase on one side, balance it on the opposite side with tall candle sticks, a basket, etc. so that the weight is balanced when you view the space as a whole.

This approach to mantel styling is versatile, and suitable for any style from a cozy cottage to a sleek modern farmhouse. Remember, the goal is to create a space that reflects your personality and feels like home.

There you have it! A mantel that’s not just styled but tells your story. Remember, the best part is there are no strict rules — just go with what feels right and what makes you happy every time you glance over.

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More tips for decorating your mantel like Gaines

Wreaths and flowers create a beautiful yet simple focal point that won't distract from your other decorations. Gaines also often adds candles, hardback books, and vases of flowers on each side of the mantel to frame the decorations in the center.

You can spruce up your fireplace mantel with anything from framed art or decorative mirrors to candles, decor objects, dried florals, or real plants. Use your mantel to showcase travel souvenirs, display a favorite collection, or add color, texture, and personality to your space.

I started Come Stay Awhile in January 2019 with the hope of creating a place where people could come to be inspired and uplifted.

For an easy fireplace mantel decorating idea, hang a mirror in the middle and a sconce on either side. Anchor the mantel with a larger vase in front of the mirror and fill in with smaller accessories, such as vases, candlesticks, and decorative objects. Pick up on colors and materials found elsewhere in the room.

Consider placing identical or similar-sized furniture pieces on each side of the fireplace to establish a sense of equilibrium. This arrangement not only distracts from the fireplace's off-centeredness but also creates a cohesive and inviting seating area.

The most common way to decorate a fireplace is by hanging a mirror or art above it and adorning the mantle with sentimental family photos and candles.

All you really need on a minimalist mantel is a few thoughtfully placed trinkets — a small stack of books, a vase, a candle. If items echo the rest of the colors in your room, these pieces can help tie the whole space together while adding a touch of personality.

Embracing an eclectic mix of contrasting objects is a great way to bring eye-catching visual interest to your mantel, and can create a more collected and organic look. From decorating with vases, to trinkets, candles and more, an assortment of contrasting designs will always enhance your mantel with a unique character.

The decorating can begin once you've hung your floating shelves around the mantel space. This is a great place to add smaller artwork, candles, book stacks, sculptures, baskets, and seasonal decor. These items can all be moved around and easily swapped out to help create a space you enjoy spending time in.

Use Symmetry For A Formal Look

Try placing two matching candlesticks, vases, or planters on either side of the large mirror, painting, or plant you have centered on the mantel. You can still layer in smaller, more personal objects around your symmetrically placed duo.

Come Stay Awhile is in Clarkston, MI.

Try colorful artwork or a mirror to use as the main focal point. Use accessories sparingly on the mantel. Use one accessory, like a large plant, as a secondary focal point to connect the large piece on the wall and the mantel together. Make sure to create movement on your mantel as well.

You could balance the look of a TV above a mantel by incorporating shelves or built-ins for decor on either side of the fireplace surround. This will create a symmetrical look that is pleasing to the eye. You can use the shelves to display books, art, or other decorative items to keep the look interesting.

Spring Mantel Decor Ideas: A Guide to Effortlessly Styling Your Fireplace Mantel - Come Stay Awhile by Amanda Vernaci | Modern Farmhouse DIY + Home Renovation (2024)

Product Links

Shop My Mantelmy items

Fireplace Mantel

Faux Leather Decorative Boxes

Wicker Shelf Basket with Lid

Woven Storage Basket

Chunky Knit Throw Blanket

Decorative Book

Decorative Book

Gold Taper Candle Holders

Ivory Flameless Battery Operated Candles

Black Taper Candle Holders

Modern Farmhouse Lanterns

Decorative Wood Knot

Decorative Marble Link

Brass Fireplace Tool Set

Canvas Wall Art

Canvas Wall Art

Faux Floral Decor

Arched Wall Mirror

Traditional Arch Gold Mirror

Picture Frames

Ceramic Rustic Vase

Ceramic Rustic Farmhouse Vase

Marble Candlestick Holders

FAQs

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