If you are lucky enough to have scored a home with a fireplace or nabbed the perfect antique mantel for your home at a local antique shop, just know that we are insanely jealous, but we are also here to help. So whether it’s for the holidays or all-year-round, today we’ll be discussing tips that will have you decorating your mantel like a pro in no time. Let’s get started!
Create Depth and Dimension
Mantels can be an interesting space to work with, and the best thing you can do as you start to collect items for the top of your mantel is to make sure you’re mixing heights, as well as balancing items that are vertical and horizontal. For example, if you’ve got a hobnail milk glass vase full of greens, next you’ll want to incorporate a horizontal piece such as a stack of horizontal vintage books. You’ll want to keep up this momentum throughout the length of your mantel, and at the very last, you’ll be able to go in and squeeze in small pieces where you notice spaces are appearing empty. As for creating depth, a healthy amount of layering pieces will do the trick.
(image via: grace in my space)
Lean With It
If you have larger pieces such as prints or mirrors, lean these against the wall rather than hanging them over the mantel. Leaning them creates a more relaxed feel and a more modern look.
Don’t Shy Away From Simple
Some people just don’t like the look of a lot of things, and that’s totally okay. We love and appreciate minimalism all the same. If the minimal look is more your jam, consider nabbing a couple of prints, some natural wood accents like candle holders or canisters, and maybe some earth-toned flora, and call it a day. There is so much beauty in simplicity.
(image via: the lily pad cottage)
Shop Your Home
You may surprise yourself with the number of items around your home that would fill up a mantel. If you’re feeling a little uninspired or unsure about the look you’re going for, take a look at what you’ve already got. Favorite books, old family photos, vases, and novelties from those random antique shop visits all make for great mantle decor. Once you’ve got it arranged, top it all off with a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Get Seasonal
The mantel serves as a focal point, so as the holidays approach, go all out if you like! Or keep it minimal. Either way, get those pumpkins out at fall and drag the pine garland out at Christmastime. Oh, and the stockings! You have to. But of course, if you’re just not the holiday type, it’s ultimately your mantel and you can do with it as you please. Just have fun and enjoy this beautiful piece!
(image via: industrial farm co.)