How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

Instinctually, first time guests in a home will gravitate toward the fireplace. The warmth is inviting, with or without fire. This makes the fireplace mantel a cornerstone of the home. Just like pictures and invitations on the refrigerator, we can glean a sense of who it is that lives there. Our things tell stories about us, and décor on the mantel make easy conversation starters.

Consider the Present Colors

When you begin to decorate any space in your home, it helps to see the empty space. If you truly want to change an existing space, remove everything possible and see what is already there. What colors are present?

My mantel is about as earth toned as can be. It has grey on the wall and in the tile. The tile also has reddish and brown tones.

Is the color on your wall bothering you? Many people decide to paint accent walls in their homes now. Bold choices work sometimes, but can be difficult when you want to change up your scenery. My advice is to stay neutral with wall paint. Bright white is a classic choice to make your home feel fresh and clean.

Note: The wall around my fireplace is painted in Swirling Smoke from Lowe’s Olympic One collection. The mantel is painted an off white chalk paint. The tile is American Olean Bellaire Earth Beige Ceramic Floor and Wall tile.

Consider the Colors you Love

Is there a color that makes you happy? Or one that gives you peace and calm? For me, the end all color is emerald. As a gardener and outdoor enthusiast, nothing puts me at ease like the loveliness of green. It reminds me of the first days of spring, and the coolness of a shaded area in a forest. It’s easy for me to achieve this color in my home by raising house plants. House plants also clean the air in your home. You’ll see notes of emerald everywhere in my decorating!

Visualize

When I was real estate shopping last summer, I visualized the fireplace mantel at every house as my own. I could clearly visualize that on my new mantel, in my new home, there would be a house plant growing across. My mantel would support life, a home in itself. And I knew that there would be books, beautiful antique books that had stood the test of time by the might of their knowledge. They would be held by equally lovely bookends. There would be a picture of my mother. Because I love her and I look just like her. And there would be a clock so I could count the hours of my life. There would be other items, things that I held dear, things that had changed me, and mementos of fond memories. 

Tell a Great Story

This is a photograph of my mother. It was taken on the beach in Hawaii, when she was 17 years old. I love it because people often think it’s a photograph of me. Recently, even my grandma wasn’t sure which of us it was! The silver toned photo goes beautifully against the grey wall. The plant running across is a pothos (epipremnum aureum). It is the easiest indoor plant to grow. This is a cutting from my mother’s plant.

I bought this gorgeous cast iron statuette off Amazon. A few days later I saw it on Modern Family, on Jay’s side table. The prop master had painted it gold. I’ve never been much of a horse person but I do find them quite beautiful to look at, especially in this classical style. It was the first time I had bought a new “thing” in years. It became a catalyst for me; an impetus to get my own space where I could have my own things. If you like it, you can get one view the listing on Amazon.

These owls came straight from Hogsmeade Village inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Hollywood. The one on the left is Pigwidgeon, and the one on the right was simply labeled great horned owl. I’ve named him Sir Elderberry Owlington. My dear friend Kate and I are huge Harry Potter fans. These owls remind me of the trip we took together. They also do double duty as toys when my niece and nephew come to visit!

Keep it Open

The fireplace usually takes up an entire wall in the living room. It’s important to keep the space around the fireplace as open as possible. Let it be the focal point when you are entertaining. (Don’t let the TV outshine it.) The photos below are from my New Year’s Eve Party and 30th Birthday Party.

Notes on Decorating your Mantel

When you are considering redecorating your mantel, keep in mind that it’s a cornerstone of your home. Its colors should match effortlessly. The things you display should evoke positive feelings and memories. They should be things you are proud of; like souvenirs, heirlooms, and photographs. The decor you choose will be conversation topics you can use for guests to get to know you better. Most importantly, you should love to look at it, because the person who will look at your mantel most is You!

Welcome, honored guest, to my home! I also write about sewing, gardening, and travel. Check out my about page to learn more about me. And Subscribe for more like this!