17 Mantel Decoration Ideas That Will Look Stylish All Year Round
This post shows you the best mantel decoration ideas to try today.
Imagine finding a perfect house with a mantel, but you are afraid it will make your house look boring due to its plain structure.
Well, this should no longer worry you because a mantel can be decorated to match your house’s aesthetics making it more homely.
I’ll share with you different decoration ideas that you can apply to your mantel to make it look stylish all year round.
Whether you are looking for modern vibes or cross country, be sure to find something that will work for you.
Keep scrolling to discover various ways to decorate your mantel.
Pin it for later! ⤵️
Table of Contents
1. Add a mirror
A mirror is a stylish way to decorate your space since it does not run out of style. Add a wall mirror on the wall above your mantel.
Compliment it by placing beautiful candle holders for your scented and unscented candles and an artificial plant.
2. Vintage clock and frames
If your house theme is vintage, your mantel area can be changed to match the house by adding rustic frames on the slab above your mantel.
Add a vintage wall clock to match the frames.
You can also add small plants or other small decor items of your choice to compliment the look.
3. Add plants
Plants brighten up spaces.
If you already have a mirror and frames around your mantle area, spice it up by adding a few plants.
Place two small vases at the top slab and one huge vase on the floor area.
4. Mount a wall art
Depending on your color theme, pick a wall art that perfectly blends with the colors around your mantel area.
Get a few decor pieces to match the piece of art.
The black white and gold theme is perfect for a simple classy look.
5. Mount an animal skull
An animal skull mount is stylish and can be used as a decor piece in your house.
Mount a skull of your animal of choice on the wall above your mantle for that rustic farmhouse look.
Add frames, plants, or other decor pieces to brighten the space.
6. Place some hanging plants
Be bold and choose to have a hanging plant with flowers.
Let the plant leaves hang over your mantle for that jungle look.
Choose flowers that blend perfectly with the color of your fireplace area.
7. Place your art instead of mounting
You do not have to drill the wall above your mantel to put your art pieces.
Instead, place your art on the mantel for that stylish look.
Add matching vases to fill the space beside the art.
8. Put a floating shelf
Add floating shelves above your mantel.
Use it as a bookshelf to display your books and games.
A bookshelf or personal library is stylish and can never run out of style.
9. Place your huge artificial fruits
To be creative with your mantel area includes using fruit decor instead of the normal decor items.
Get those artificial fruits and strategically place them on your mantel.
Add artificial plants to blend for a perfect farmhouse theme.
10. Place a sculpture
Sculptures are unique pieces of art that each individual should own for a stylish look.
Place a sculpture on your mantel and add matching decorations like plants and candle holders.
You can place your plants in a ceramic vase to match the sculpture.
11. Put your plant vases on your mantel
You can display your different plant vases on your mantel.
Add a framed plant in the middle of your vases for a unique feel.
Place matching flowers to create uniformity.
12. Use it as a TV stand
Using your mantel as a TV stand may sound common but it has remained stylish over the years.
Mount your TV above the mantle and add the floating shelves on the sides for your decor pieces.
This design gives a modern wall unit vibe.
13. Build gypsum storage
If your mantel is wide enough, build a small gypsum from the wall until halfway.
Use the newly created space as storage for your decor books.
You can add other decor pieces like frames to spice up the space.
14. Decorate using lampshades
If that mirror above your mantel feels plain, you can add light.
Get matching lampshades that are taller than your mirror and place them on both sides of the mirror.
Add a plant and small art pieces or picture frames on the lampshade base.
15. Use the mantel as a display for different small decor pieces
Revamp your mantel using different décor pieces that you have lying around.
Get a long wooden bead chain and hang it on your mantel.
Get matching candle holders, frames, wood art, and vases, and place them strategically on your mantel.
16. Decorate using ceramic vases
Different types of vases envision different looks.
The ceramic vases on top of the candle holders create uniqueness.
The faux plant and flower pot frame perfectly match the vases making it look stylish.
17. Candle Display
Use your mantel to display your candles.
Strategically place your candle holders across the mantel.
Add plants, vases, and frames to brighten the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I create a mantel display that looks stylish throughout the year?
To create a mantel display that remains stylish all year round, focus on timeless elements and versatile decor pieces.
Start with a neutral color palette as your base, which allows you to easily swap out seasonal accents.
Incorporate classic pieces like candlesticks, framed artwork, or a large mirror, which can stay in place all year.
Add greenery, like faux plants or garlands, for a fresh touch that works in any season.
For a polished look, keep the arrangement balanced, using symmetry or an asymmetrical design depending on your style preference.
2. What are some easy ways to update my mantel decor for different seasons without a complete overhaul?
Updating your mantel decor for different seasons doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just a few thoughtful changes.
For spring, introduce fresh flowers or pastel-colored accessories.
In summer, incorporate coastal elements like shells or light, breezy fabrics.
For fall, add warm tones with pumpkins, rustic candles, or autumn leaves.
During winter, bring in cozy textures like chunky knits or festive touches like pinecones and twinkling lights.
By keeping your core pieces neutral, you can easily swap out these accents to reflect the changing seasons.
3. How do I choose the right scale of decor for my mantel?
Choosing the right scale of decor for your mantel is key to creating a harmonious display.
Start by considering the size of your mantel and the wall space above it.
Large mantels can accommodate bigger statement pieces like oversized art or tall vases, while smaller mantels are better suited to smaller items like framed photos or a row of candles.
To create a balanced look, mix items of varying heights and sizes.
A good rule of thumb is to have one central focal point, like a mirror or large artwork, flanked by smaller decorative elements.
4. What are some tips for styling a mantel in a minimalist way?
For a minimalist mantel, less is more. Focus on a few carefully chosen pieces that complement each other in both color and form.
A single piece of art or a mirror as the focal point can be enough, with perhaps one or two small decorative items like a sleek vase or a simple candle holder.
Stick to a neutral color palette and avoid clutter by leaving plenty of negative space around each item.
The result is a clean, serene display that still feels intentional and stylish.
5. Can I mix different styles on my mantel, such as modern and rustic elements?
Yes, mixing different styles on your mantel can create a unique and visually interesting display.
The key is to find a common thread, such as color or material, that ties the different elements together.
For example, you can pair modern geometric vases with rustic wooden accents by choosing items in similar tones, like whites and warm woods.
Balance is important—try placing modern pieces on one side and rustic elements on the other, or interspersing them for a more eclectic look.
Mixing styles allows you to showcase your personal taste while keeping the mantel cohesive and stylish.
If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Home Décor” board.
