Long mantel decor ideas


51 Mantel Decor Ideas and Tips from Experts

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Updated on 04/05/22

Fact checked by

Jillian Dara

Fact checked by Jillian Dara

Jillian is a freelance journalist with 10 years of editorial experience in the lifestyle genre. She is a writer and fact checker for TripSavvy, as well as a fact-checker for The Spruce.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Many people hear the phrase "decorating a mantel" and immediately think of the holiday season—hanging stockings, dressing it up with garland, and the like. And while this spot in the home definitely gets a lot of attention come wintertime, truthfully, the mantel is tons of fun to jazz up all year long. What's wonderful is that the possibilities when it comes to decor are truly endless. Whether you love travel, plants, books, or something entirely different, you can easily spruce up your mantel top to reflect your passions, all while displaying some of your favorite artwork and trinkets. And there's no need to buy new, either—many pieces that look fantastic on a mantel are things that you most likely already have in your home: vases, small prints, candle holders, and other decorating basics.

Because determining the best direction in which to go when styling can be a bit daunting, we're sharing 51 stunning mantels that will inspire you to take yours to the next level. And because we could all use a little guidance from the pros every now and then, we've included useful hints from design experts that will help steer you in the right direction as you decorate, too!

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31 Mantel Decor Ideas That'll Make the Most of Your Mantel Year-Round

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Decorating

by Sarah Lyon

updated Aug 12, 2022

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If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace mantel in your home, you know just how much fun it is to style it with new and different mantel decor whenever the mood strikes. Whether you want to decorate it for the holidays, to welcome a new season, or to use it as a spot to showcase your favorite art or collectibles, there’s just something so satisfying about arranging and rearranging until you get it just right. 

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 If you’re a fiend for finding that perfect look for your mantel, you’ve come to the right place! Our roundup of 30 mantel decor ideas will have you booking it to the craft store right away. 

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1. Try a vintage design.

Instagram user @linenandtwigs nails the vintage look with bronzed items like mirrors and bowls in various sizes. Pretty greenery and a stylish hat complete the mantel decor in this classy scene. 

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2. Make it warm and welcoming.

A welcome sign is nestled among other mantel decor in this scene by @meg.inthemoment. She’s pulled several coordinating pieces and topped it off with a string of whimsical white pom poms.  

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3. Cheer things up with bright colors.

We love how @courtneysemplinerdesigns chose to top this mantel with a few bold, bright works of art. They’re the perfect accent for this otherwise stark white space. 

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4. Just a TV, please.

If you’re the Netflix and chill type, there’s a good chance the only mantle decor you need is a good quality flat-screen TV. The Samsung picture frame TV shown here by @masanastone is the perfect way to add a touch of visual interest to your mantel when you’re not watching your favorite shows. 

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5. Pay homage to family.

Sometimes, the best mantel decor is that which features your family name. It’s certainly something to be proud of! Grab some inspo from this cute mantle from @cowhideandcakeplates.

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6.

Celebrate the seasons.

If you’re the type who loves to ring in each new season with decor, don’t forget about your mantel! There’s an endless variety of seasonal mantel decor you can play around with, like this pretty fall scene from @dogwood.farm.charm. 

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7. Opt for clean and modern.

A few pieces of chic artwork and touches of gold make the mantel in this sleek West Hollywood abode look picture-perfect. This set up also creates balance throughout the rest of the room, since the shades match the rest of the space’s palette.

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8. Rustic done right.

Exposed brick and lots of charming old wood are part of what makes this stunning New Orleans home the gem that it is. A few small but intentional decorative touches added to the mantel only make it that much more jaw-dropping, letting the interesting architecture speak for itself.

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9. Throw a plant party.

It’s almost as if the space above fireplaces was made for housing your ferns and philodendrons. Case in point: the collection of greenery on the mantel in this plant-laden home.

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10. Try a double decker.

One mantel is great but two? Talk about dreamy! This artsy Australian home shows how you can make this concept work. Visitors will marvel at this interesting set up, which includes two rows of cute pictures, but it won’t feel too busy visually for you.

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11. Be selective.

Blogger Bre Bertolini opted for simple boho mantel decor in her home. She installed the shiplap backing above and below the mantel herself, and by keeping decorative accessories to a minimum, the walls truly shine. All you really need on a minimalist mantel is a few thoughtfully placed trinkets—a small stack of books, a vase, a candle. If items echo the rest of the colors in your room, these pieces can help tie the whole space together while adding a touch of personality.

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12. Create a Scandi vibe.

Blogger Jessica Nickerson decorated her mantel with neutral pieces that she hoped would give off a Scandinavian vibe, and this composition certainly delivers. The final display is warm and welcoming without being overpowering. A stack of books always makes for easy, affordable decor—just raid your shelves and pick out a few titles that speak to you. You can also grab branches and greenery from your backyard (if you have one), and create different levels in your design scheme by using books to prop different pieces up at different heights.

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13. Add a letter board.

Blogger Jude Green kept her mantel decor simple and cozy to welcome the new season into her home. However, think this space would look lovely just the way it is throughout the rest of the year, too—all you have to do is style a letter board with a new quote and replace the pinecone garland with something seasonally appropriate. Propping up a letter board with a fun quote is a great way to welcome guests into your home and show off your wit. We also like the addition of a small lamp and mirror, which can help throw light around a space.

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14. Glam up your mirror.

Blogger Jessica Litman of The Organized Mama styled a modern farmhouse themed living room as part of the One Room Challenge that many bloggers take part in. Hanging a wreath over a mirror atop the mantel adds a cheerful pop of green to the space that will look lovely year round. Decorating with florals here—either real or faux—is always a good choice. You can go the garland route, or display a bouquet or a single stem in a sculptural vase.

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15. Display artwork front and center.

While it’s often common practice to hang a TV above a relatively low mantel, that certainly isn’t a requirement! Blogger Courtney Browning opted to make an oversized piece of abstract art the main focus in her space and placed her television off to the side on a chest of drawers instead. The beautiful black, gray, and white swirls mix in perfectly with the neutral shades she’s decked out the rest of the room in.

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16. Keep it utilitarian.

In a small space, sometimes less is more. This renter in this Brooklyn studio apartment mounted a TV above her fireplace and then kept the mantel decor sparse, only placing a lamp and plant on top of it. The whole look is very mid-century modern and streamlined—but not sterile because of the soothing pops of green and blue these couple of pieces add.

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17. Add seasonal charm.

Spring is in the air, and blogger Shannon Fox’s seasonally themed mantel decor is oh-so-sweet! Decorating the mantel in honor of a season or holiday is an especially fun idea if you have little ones at home—they’ll look forward to the tradition each year, and your home will feel extra festive thanks to all of the thoughtful touches scattered around the rooms.

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18. Go all out with greenery.

Decorating a mantel for the winter holidays doesn’t have to be challenging, either! Blogger Rebecca Celhar explains how to create a gorgeous setup in just five steps. A little extra garland can go a long way in make a space look especially merry and bright. And the best part of this setup is that, if you subtract the lights, stockings, birch logs, and bottle brush trees, you have a base of greenery and golden candlestick holders that you can build on for any season really.

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19. Introduce playful touches.

Mantels aren’t just for living rooms—many bedrooms feature them, too! Blogger Melissa of Winter Daisy designed the most darling display in her client’s son’s nursery, complete with an adorable pennant and some space-themed accessories to match the room’s theme. The end result couldn’t look more chic. You could definitely execute this sort of idea in an adult room as well with more sophisticated pieces and equally graphic artwork.

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20. Layer favorite prints.

Hanging or leaning artwork above a mantel is a popular choice, and you really can’t go wrong when it comes to styling out this setup. Blogger Sarah Gibson decided to layer together three different art pieces to create a cohesive, modern display, and we love this idea as an alternative to showcasing just one large piece. For best results, be sure to vary the size of pieces and the finish of your frames, but make sure there’s one common thread between what you display so the look feels cohesive. Here, it’s the use of black that helps all of these pieces hang together.

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21. Camouflage your TV.

Brooke Larsen actually purchased her mantel for $250 and then styled it to make it look built in. She did a wonderful job of incorporating her TV into the design, thanks to the faux window panels that flank it and the greenery that sits below it. Candles are always a great finishing touch for a mantel, whether you light them or not.

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22. Style your succulents.

We love displaying succulents all over the house—they’re affordable, add a little bit of color and life to a spot, and look fantastic when grouped together or on their own. Blogger Jennifer Griffin used a collection of succulents to liven up her outdoor mantel, and the little line of plants, as well as their stunning blue pots, go a long way in sprucing up this space.

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23. Or create a mini jungle.

The row of plants idea works well indoors, too! A little jungle is on full display in this Brooklyn apartment, which helps to create a calming, natural feel that’s well-removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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24. Keep it classic with a clock.

Add a traditional touch to your space by displaying an oversized clock above your mantel like blogger Stephanie Watkins did. Framed family photos, artwork, and some floral touches help this classic tableau feel more personal and pulled together.

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26. Let a mirror do the talking.

You can’t go wrong placing a mirror above the mantel—it’ll beam natural light across your place and make it feel a little bigger in the process. Robert and Christina Martinez of the New Darlings chose a beautiful brass piece that would complement a number of design styles. Once again, this setup exemplifies how nicely books can double as affordable decor. Add a mini bust, a few feathers, and a plant, and you’re good to go.

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27. Round up a collection.

A mantel can be an excellent place to display a collection, as seen in this Chicago home. Whether you’re partial to pottery, sculptures, vases, or you name it, go to town. Your favorite pieces deserve to be arranged front and center! Just make sure that everything you choose is small enough as to not overwhelm the mantel. This area is only so big, after all.

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28. Get thrifty.

Blogger Sara Syrett set up her spring mantel display using a large woven basket that she purchased at a thrift store for just $6. She then added her own accent pieces to finish off the farmhouse-inspired look.

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29.

Try a symmetrical setup.

A little symmetry can make a major statement, as evidenced by blogger Michelle James’s space. Whether decorating for the holidays or not, this is a great tactic to swear by if styling has left you feeling a bit stumped.

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30. Find versatile accessories.

Blogger Ashley Stringfellow designed a simple mantel with warm, rustic touches. Classic accessories like the candlesticks, glass cloche, and mercury glass vase will be easy to carry over—and refresh—from one season to another.

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31. Be a maximalist.

Prefer a maximalist display? Blogger Katherine Medlin shows us how it’s done with her collection of topiaries, fresh and dried flowers, and bright colored candles. Of course, her gold ornate mirror is the true star of the show. So if you want to create a display like this, make sure you can still see enough of your true focal point piece.

Here are some Christmas decoration ideas for classic portals

It would seem that everything in the Christmas decor for classic portals has long been invented. But fashion does not stand still, offering fresh ideas. To decorate the New Year's living room with an antique fireplace, we will consider 8 options with a photo.

New Year's decor for the fireplace in the portal

nine0002 Wish #1. I want the Christmas fireplace to look royal: elegant and solemn. It will definitely come true at the owners of electric fireplaces in portals with carved finish: marble, wood or MDF.

New Year's socks on the fireplace in the elite living room replaces the classic decor of candles and pine needles. Funny boots for gifts can be hung on the stairs or in the nursery. Instead of shiny tinsel, we choose satin ribbons, real fruits and plants, or their high-quality imitation. nine0005

New Year's decor for the fireplace in the antique portal should not obscure the carvings on the facade.

Low-hanging garlands should be replaced with floor candles and gift boxes. Miniature cypresses or arborvitae with soft needles will save you from cleaning prickly needles.

Wish #2. I want a cozy electric fireplace for a summer residence to turn into a Christmas miracle. Good luck will smile on the owners of portals in the style of country and Provence with artificial stone trim. nine0005

Home party by the fireplace will become even warmer if you decorate it together with your children. Traditional inscriptions "Merry Christmas" are easy to do with your own hands. You can cut out the letters and stick on cardboard, as in the photo on the left. Or write them with crayons on a slate board, as in the right picture.

A home party by the fireplace in country style allows for many decor options

A small room will not seem cramped if you choose decorations of the same color. When choosing, we start from what is already in the interior: furniture, pillows and blankets. nine0005

New Year's living room with a Provence-style fireplace also does not like shiny synthetic tinsel. An ideal decoration for needles is Christmas balls of 1-2 shades.

Unusual decor for country and retro fireplaces

Wish #3. I want the “old” electric fireplace to surprise the guests and become an unusual backdrop for photos. The dream will come true for everyone who is ready to approach the decoration of the portal creatively.

Unusual decor for an electric fireplace in the portal needs to match the interior

Photo frames with hooks for hanging New Year's socks will complement a cozy "village" hearth. A retro-style fireplace mantel will be decorated with an elegant composition of flowers and live fire.

Helpful tips to effectively decorate the fireplace with your own hands:

Read about decorations for a modern electric fireplace in one of the following articles.

Living room design with fireplace: the best interior design ideas

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Articles and reviews

A living room with a fireplace is a real dream for many people. But not every person decides on such a design decision. Although fireplaces fit perfectly into the interior of such a room, giving it luxury and comfort. This also applies to classic hearths with a burning live fire, and more modern models that imitate a flame. Let's try to consider various design options for a living room with a fireplace. nine0005

What types of fireplaces are there?

To plan the interior of a living room with a fireplace, you first need to figure out what types of fireplaces exist at the moment:

Already a preliminary analysis of the available options helps to make a choice. In a private house, you can install any model you like, and in an apartment you will have to limit yourself to an electric fireplace or a biofireplace.

Living room design with fireplace

If a living room with a fireplace is planned in your house, the design of this room should set off the fireplace favorably. Only in this case, he will be able to give the interior a special charm and look organic. There are many styles of fireplaces, so everyone can choose the option that will be ideal for him. Let's try to figure out what the design of a living room with a fireplace in the house could be:

Arrangement of furniture

The design of the living room with a fireplace in the house provides for a harmonious arrangement of furniture. At the same time, it is important to place interior items so that the fireplace remains the main detail of the room, the central part of the composition. There are several options for furniture arrangement:

If you like to gather around the fire for a pleasant pastime, it is worth creating a cozy corner: arrange chairs and a sofa opposite each other, and place a table for drinks in the central part. Directly by the fireplace, you can symmetrically install two identical bedside tables or neat shelves. nine0005

Remember that TV does not look good in a room with a fireplace. The free space above it should be ennobled with a picture or a mirror, and in the style of minimalism, it should be completely left unchanged.

LeoCeramika online store will come to the rescue when decorating a living room with a fireplace. On our website you can order everything you need for repairs - building mixes, floor coverings, materials for wall decoration and lighting design.


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