Decorating A Mantel

Several of you asked for tips on how to decorate a mantel when it’s NOT holiday season, so I pulled together examples with objects that work well for three different types of installations – under a TV, with a mirror and with art. Also – some great fireplace screens and tool sets, since those really add a nice layer (in my living room above I used this screen and this tool set).

For a mantel with a mirror above (I typically place mirrors above if there is statement art elsewhere in the room, as my living room above has). If it’s a larger square or rectangular mirror, I do like to lean a smaller art piece against it and then layer a variety of objects of different heights – candlesticks, small sculptural objects, candles, etc. If the fireplace is non-working or you’re styling it in the summertime, I love a big stack of birch logs (not a big fan of candelabras in fireplaces myself…)

SHOP ALL ACCESSORIES HERE

I also like to layer objects on mantels with large art above – sometimes with a smaller piece in a different medium (a sketch or photograph if the large art is a painting, for example). Sconces are always preferred, if possible (some fabulous cordless ones here if you can’t or don’t want to wire for them). I also love a little greenery, but understand if you can’t keep things alive (me neither), so I included some great faux greenery items like this papier mache flower.

For a mantel under a TV, your decor is limited to the width of your mantel versus the width of the TV – you do not want object cluttering your view of the screen. Some slim tapers and low objects are a good idea if you have the space. You can see in my family room below, I only have a couple small things to add a little interest, but nothing major, which would feel forced.