Best Ideas For Decorating Your Fireplace Mantel

Best Ideas For Decorating Your Fireplace Mantel

The mantel is one of the most essential details of your fireplace. Much of the decision comes down to aesthetics, although there are some safety considerations as well. Once you've designed and installed your fireplace, however, it's time for the fun part: decorating your mantel! This blog will highlight some ideas and inspiration for making the most of your mantel, from creating a color scheme to playing with symmetry and themes.

Get Creative with Color

Selecting a color theme is a simple way to decorate your fireplace mantel, particularly hues contrasting with the mantel. If you have a black marble fireplace, opt for light or stark saturated colors. Against a white limestone fireplace, almost any color will provide a pop of color.

New designer trends are experimenting with soft palates paired with white natural stone fireplaces (ex., Limestone or Danby Marble). It allows for a room to have many more elements without seeming crowded. 

Others choose a secondary color to carry throughout the decor. If you have a blue vase you'd like to feature, you can add other interior furnishings in varying shades to accompany it. 

Alternatively, you can choose a neutral palette for your mantel décor and add color that complements another part of the room. Try a series of white ceramic items, including a white vase with red flowers to match the red throw pillows on the sofa.

Have Fun with Height

If you have a lot of blank wall space above your mantel, you can display items of varying heights to create some interest. For example, lean a tall mirror against the wall and surround it with shorter potted plants. Or try interspersing tall candle holders with shorter framed photos. If you already have art or photographs hung on the wall above the mantel, use the mantel décor to complement them, such as a garland that resembles the vegetation in a watercolor landscape.

Symmetrical Balance

A simple, classic look for your mantel is a symmetrical design. You can achieve this by placing identical items on either side of your mantel, such as two matching sculptures with smaller similar items in between. Or you can use different items that resemble each other in height or style; for instance, on the right side, place two tall candlesticks, and on the left, place a stack of books of the same height. Whatever items you choose, the key is to create a balanced look between the right and left sides of the mantel.

Asymmetrical Balance

If symmetry is not your thing, you might enjoy a fun asymmetrical design for your mantel - as we've done with this modern fireplace design. Try layering items of different sizes on the right side, such as framed photos, vases, or candles, and then place a single statement item on the left side. When layering items, place the larger items in the back with smaller items staggered in front so that everything is visible.

Try a Theme

Decorating your mantel according to a particular theme is a great way to reflect your personality in your space. If you love to travel, try displaying framed photos, maps, or souvenirs from your trips. If you love the beach, an arrangement of vases filled with sand and seashells will remind you of your favorite vacation spot. Antiques, animals, and books are other great themes to explore when decorating your fireplace mantel.

Go Minimal

Who says you have to have a cluttered mantel? If minimalism is more your style, keep it simple with only one or two items—or nothing at all! It will give your room a classic, sleek, clean look.

Get Started with MATERIAL

If you want to design your dream fireplace mantel, request a consultation with MATERIAL Bespoke Stone + Tile.


Leave a Comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.

* indicates a required field