The best memories are created around a fire. From outdoor campfires and fire pits to cozy living room hearths, most of us have a handful of special moments that we can trace back to a roaring flame.
If you have a fireplace in your home, have you given much thought to how you’ve decorated it? No matter how simple or elaborate your mantel might be, you can easily dress it up by adding a few special features.
Today, we’re sharing eight of our top fireplace mantel decor ideas to help you get started!
1. Family Photos
Are you still holding onto the long-lost practice of actually printing photographs? If so, we commend you! We may be fully in the throes of the Digital Era, but there’s something beautiful and sentimental about holding a physical print in your hands.
One of the best reasons to invest in a traditional camera? You can display your captures in gorgeous frames throughout your home! If you’re wondering how to decorate a fireplace mantel, this is the first place we suggest to start.
Take a look at the hardware that’s located near your fireplace. Do you have brass or gold doorknobs? What about the handles or knobs on your television cabinet?
If possible, try to use the same type of metal in your picture frames. Or, you may decide to contrast and do a mixed-metal look. Either way, choose between five and seven of your favorite photos and put them out for everyone to see.
While some of the pictures can be posed portraits, we also recommend adding a few natural shots into the mix. In addition, you can also mix full-color images with black-and-white snapshots for a cool, eclectic look.
2. Elegant Candles
If you want romantic and whimsical fireplace mantel ideas, look no further than a few gorgeous candles. While you may light them on occasion (such as when the power goes out), they’re really there for decoration.
That said, look for ones that have sleek and elegant holders. You’ll be looking at them every day, so you want to make sure they not only smell great but look great, too! If you have smaller tea candles or votives, look for stately candleholders and place one or two on each end of the mantel.
3. Oversized Mirror
Is your living room or sunroom on the smaller side? Even if it’s spacious, you can’t go wrong by adding a large mirror above your fireplace! The reflection that the mirror naturally captures will bounce natural light throughout the space, which instantly enlarges it.
An ornate brass mirror is always in style. Look for one with elaborate scrolling around the border and it will become the focal point of the entire room. If it’s looking a little bare up there all alone, you can add in a few smaller candles or votives to balance it out.
Gilded mirrors look especially beautiful sitting atop a simple shelf, such as these fireplace wood mantels. The mix of old and new is eye-catching and can work in a modern or traditional home.
4. Vintage Art
Modern or abstract art can look absolutely beautiful when you’re decorating a fireplace mantel. However, if you want to add a hearty dose of charm and character, we recommend incorporating vintage pieces instead.
These prints and portraits tend to use softer and more muted colors. You can also find soft and tranquil themes, such as forest landscapes or oceanside silhouettes. If you can find one that’s already been framed, then even better!
Another reason to shop for vintage art? You can usually find some great pieces at your local thrift store or secondhand shop! Remember to sort through the entire selection, as some of the best pieces are often hiding in the back! If you know how to look, you can score large, heavy art for a fraction of what you’d pay from a conventional retailer.
5. Kids’ Art
If you were to pay a professional painter for an original piece of their artwork, the bill could be in the thousands or even higher! However, one of the most prolific and unique artists in your town might be sleeping just down the hall.
If your kids bring home artwork on a regular basis, you might be wondering what to do with it. Should you store it in piles in the office drawer? Stash it away in their memory boxes until they’re older?
Instead of putting it up, go ahead and frame it! Then, use it to add a little fireplace mantel color to your home. Once every few months, swap out the piece you’re currently displaying for one of their newer creations.
Not only is this a cool and unique way to make sure no one else on your block has the same decor as you do, but it will also give your children a sense of pride and accomplishment to see their handiwork displayed!
6. Classic Books
Books look great on all types of fireplace mantels! Instead of covering yours with flimsy paperbacks, stick with sturdy hardbacks that will stand up on their own or between two bookends.
When you’re creating your display, choose ones with colorful and classical binding. You can remove the slipcover if the design does not match your personal style. Arrange them so their spines are facing outward into the room, and you’re all set!
7. Faux Flowers
While we love the look of real, seasonal plants on a mantel, it can be a lot of work to constantly refresh the water and replace the stems when they start to droop. Instead, add a vase filled with faux ones!
You’ll never have to worry about the water, and they’ll always keep their color and shape. In lieu of bright, colorful flowers, stick with faux stems of simple greenery. These look more realistic, and they blend well with any type of decor.
8. Baskets
Do you love the modern farmhouse look? This is a type of interior decorating style defined by white or neutral walls, minimalist furniture, and rustic finishings such as shiplap paneling. It’s become popular over the last few years, primarily because it’s accessible and looks clean in nearly every setting.
If you lean toward this design, then add a few chippy, farmhouse-friendly baskets to your mantel! You can even go bold with just one oversized tobacco basket in the center. Use the baskets to hold small trinkets or simply leave them as-is.
Use These Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas
In many homes, the mantel is the focal point of the living room. If yours is looking a little sparse, it’s time to dress it up! Check out these eight fireplace mantel decor ideas, and choose the one that best aligns with your personal style.
Looking for more tips and inspirations to help you live, work, and play in style? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Lifestyle section for additional guides!