The mantel is usually the focal point in a room so let’s make it count! Here are my styling tips for how to decorate a mantel in a few easy steps.

Steps to decorate a mantel:

When decorating your mantel you want to use the same basic formula as when you decorate any shelf which I shared in my post 10 Tips for Decorating Shelves Like a Pro.  You’ll use a “triangle” to frame it out and always start with a clean slate.

1. Choose a color story.

Keep things either monochromatic or stick to only 2-3 colors. Too many colors makes it look busy.

Here she used plum, orange and brown and it’s soooo pretty! 

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You can also choose neutrals:

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Or monochromatic…

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2. Place your “anchor piece”.

What should I put on my mantel? Whether you like a symmetrical or asymmetrical look, start by placing largest or anchor piece on the mantel first. This is what grounds the space and you will build everything else around. This can be a large piece of art, a mirror, basket, wreath or old window frame to name a few. I also like to use architectural pieces and wood elements like the one below.

The chippy white backdrop I used here is part of an old door…

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Get the look – brass candlestick holders, gold framed chalk board, tall white pitcher, tall white pitcher

Keep in mind the proportion of the piece to the rest of the fire place. You want it to be no bigger than two thirds the width of the mantel.

The anchor piece can be centered or off to one side.

TIP: If your anchor is a TV, this will obviously change things a little bit. You don’t need to do anything in the middle and minimal pieces on the sides.

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3. Place your side or middle weight pieces.

These will be smaller/shorter than the anchor piece and go on either side. This will help create that “triangle”. If you have the anchor piece to one side you may not need as much on that side in order to balance the other side out.  My favorite way to do this is with art which also helps determine your color story.

Decorating with garage sale finds

How to decorate a mantel with a mirror above it? Mirrors are great because they add light to any room. You can simply continue with the layers like this…

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Get the look – Gold mirror, black candlesticks, stoneware pitcher, stoneware pitcher

Or keep it very minimal.

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Get the look – round silver mirror, tall dried wheat stems,

You can even layer mirrors. I’m loving this look!

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Get the look  – tall iron candlestick holders, amber bottles, round vintage inspired gold mirror

4. Place your smaller pieces.

The smaller pieces will fill in some of the space in between the end pieces and the anchor piece. If you want something more simple, you can actually skip this step.

Vintage and Antique books are my favorite thing to add along with candlestick holders, pitchers and faux flowers or greenery. 

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Get the look – round gold mirror, clear glass jug, clear glass jug

5. Vary height and texture.

  How do you style a fireplace?  I love to use books for height, color and texture.

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6. Use layers to add depth and interest.

Place items in front of each other as well as vertically.

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7. Don’t forget the hearth

This is a bit more challenging for me as we actually use our woodstove to heat the house but during summer months and if you have a gas fire place, little touches like this look so pretty! 

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Of course, how you accessorize the mantel should be all about you and you can really use your imagination. It can be very busy with lots of layers…

One of my favorites!!! I love the neutral colors and all of the layers!

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Or very simple and elegant. 

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How do you decorate a fireplace mantel on a budget?

I love mixing in thrifted finds on my mantel because they add a bit of character. From art to brass candlestick holders and pitchers. You can also find great buys at Target, Walmart and Etsy.

I would love to decorate our hearth but we actually use the woodstove to heat our house. 🙂

I hope you found some inspiration for decorating your mantel for everyday, Fall or Christmas. 

1. Choose a color story
2. Add your anchor piece
3. Add your side, middle weight pieces 
4. Add your smaller, filler pieces
5. Use layers to add depth and interest
6. Vary height and texture 
7. Don’t forget the hearth

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