Leo Martínez
Decorating a fireplace mantel can be a fun way to add a personal touch to your home. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant look or something more whimsical and colourful, there are endless ways to style your mantel. Flowers and paintings are a great way to bring life and beauty to your mantel, and there are several ways to incorporate them.
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What You'll Learn
Use flowers and plants to add height
Flowers and plants can be used to great effect when decorating a fireplace mantel. They can be used to add height, colour, and texture to your display.
Firstly, consider using tall vases or candlesticks to bring height to your mantel display. A tall vase with a single stem or a group of flowers can be a simple yet effective way to add height and elegance to your mantel. You could also opt for a drapey indoor plant that hangs over the fireplace, just be mindful of the length to avoid creating a fire hazard.
Another way to add height is by using books. Stack a few hardcover books and place a vase or plant on top to elevate it. You can also place books vertically and horizontally to emphasise the height difference and create a simple, sleek look.
If you're looking for a more natural look, consider using fresh flowers or eucalyptus branches. A vase of fresh flowers can add a pop of colour and a touch of nature to your mantel. Eucalyptus branches, either real or faux, can also add some height and a natural, organic feel to your display.
For a unique touch, consider using a large glass vase with a palm tree or a tall plant. This can create a statement and a memorable focal point for your mantel.
Flowers and plants can be used in a variety of ways to add height, colour, and interest to your fireplace mantel. Whether you choose fresh or faux flowers, tall vases or books for height, these natural elements will bring life and beauty to your mantel display.
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Create a cohesive look with colours
Colour is a great way to create a cohesive look when decorating your fireplace mantel. Here are some tips to achieve a stylish and harmonious look:
Firstly, consider the paint colour of the walls in the room and how it will coordinate with your mantel decorations. For example, if you have a white mantel, adding blue and white porcelain jars and vases can create a cohesive and elegant look, as seen in Mia Reay's home in England. Alternatively, a white mantel can provide a sleek backdrop for colourful flowers and small decor, ensuring the mantel fills the space without clashing with the rest of the room.
If you want to add a pop of colour, consider choosing flowers in a vibrant shade that complements the wall colour, like pink flowers against pale pink walls, or yellow flowers against purple walls. You can also play with colour by pairing fun paintings with fresh flowers to add cheer to a white mantel, as suggested by Laurey W. Glenn.
For a bold statement, don't be afraid to experiment with darker shades. A deep charcoal paint colour and decorative mantel moulding can create a dramatic backdrop for a beautifully framed oil painting and an oversized bunch of flowers. Similarly, a white fireplace can add a bold contrast to dark blue walls, creating a striking and modern look.
When decorating with colour, it's important to create a balanced look. Mix and match different textures and heights to add depth and visual interest. Incorporate various decorative items such as vases, candles, and books to create a stylish and effortless mantel display.
Finally, when working with a large painting above the mantel, consider the colours in the artwork and try to coordinate them with your mantel decorations. You can draw inspiration from the painting's colours when choosing flowers, vases, or other accessories to create a cohesive and well-put-together look.
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Lean art against the wall
Leaning art against the wall above your fireplace mantel is a great way to create a focal point in the room. When considering the artwork, it is important to think about the size and style of the piece in relation to the mantel and fireplace. The artwork should proportionately fill the space—if a piece is too small, try arranging it with other hanging pieces or accessories.
To create a cohesive look, pair like with like. For example, a traditional mantelpiece might work well with a classic fireplace and whimsical decor. Alternatively, a neutral backdrop, such as a white brick fireplace, can provide the perfect canvas for pops of colour or seasonal changes.
When leaning art against the wall, consider the dimensions of the fireplace mantel, including the width of the mantel shelf, the width of the wall, and the vertical distance above the mantel. The artwork width is the key dimension to focus on, with height being secondary. As a rule of thumb, aim for 6-8 inches of empty wall space or "breathing room" around the artwork.
In addition to the artwork, you can layer smaller items on the mantel with a mix of asymmetrical looks and structured balance. Flowers, plants, and greenery can add a pop of colour and a touch of life to the space. Candles, books, mirrors, and vases are also great accessories to include.
By incorporating these elements and paying attention to the size and style of the artwork, you can create a stylish and cohesive look for your fireplace mantel, making it a true focal point in the room.
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Use mirrors to create symmetry
Mirrors are a great way to create symmetry on your fireplace mantel and make the space appear larger and more open. When selecting a mirror, consider its size and shape in relation to the mantel and the room. The mirror should complement the mantel rather than overwhelm it. For a traditional look, opt for an oval or rectangular mirror with a soft frame. For a modern appeal, a geometric, round, or abstract mirror with a sleek frame can be ideal.
When placing the mirror, it is usually positioned in the centre of the mantel, serving as the anchor for symmetry. You can then place items of varying heights and sizes on either side to create a visually pleasing arrangement. For instance, you can place a tall vase on one side and a stack of small, decorative books topped with a smaller ornament on the other. Candlesticks, vases, and lanterns of the same size can also be used to create a symmetrical arrangement.
To enhance the look, consider hanging the mirror above the mantel, with its longest side being about two-thirds of the mantel's length. This creates a balanced look and ensures the mirror does not appear too large or too small in comparison to the mantel. Additionally, ensure that the mirror captures a flattering view of the room. Avoid placing the mirror where it reflects a TV screen or cluttered bookshelves.
By using mirrors to create symmetry, you can make your fireplace mantel a focal point of the room, adding depth and interest to the space.
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Display meaningful items
When decorating your fireplace mantel, it's important to remember that it's an opportunity to make a statement and inject your personality into your home. A great way to do this is by displaying meaningful items that reflect your interests, hobbies, and memories.
One idea is to showcase a collection of items that pay tribute to your surroundings or local area. For example, if you live by the coast, you could hang a collection of straw hats above the mantel or display ship figurines. Alternatively, you could display framed antique maps, especially of areas that hold a special place in your heart.
You can also use the mantel to display family heirlooms, antiques, or vintage items that have been passed down through the generations. These items add a sense of history and character to your home. For example, you could display vintage binoculars, an antique mirror, or a stack of vintage books.
Another way to make your mantel meaningful is to display artwork that holds a special significance to you. This could be a painting by a local artist, a piece that reflects the home's story, or even drawings by your children. If you prefer photography, you can create a gallery wall of framed photographs or Polaroids that evoke happy memories.
Don't forget to add a touch of nature to your mantel with fresh or artificial flowers and greenery. You can choose flowers that reflect the season, such as soft-hued peonies and roses for spring or brightly coloured tulips and dahlias for summer.
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Frequently asked questions
Flowers are a great way to decorate a fireplace mantel. You can use a single type of flower or mix different species. Play with height by using a combination of shorter and taller vases or vessels. If you want to avoid vases, you can hang a garland of flowers or place small jars of flowers across the mantel.
When decorating a fireplace mantel with a large painting, consider the relationship between the artwork and the mantel in terms of style and size. The painting should proportionately fill the space. If the painting is too small, consider arranging it with other hanging pieces. You can also add a frame to the painting to make it look more finished.
There are many other decorative objects you can put on a fireplace mantel, such as mirrors, candles, books, vintage items, plants, and small sculptures.
When decorating a fireplace mantel, it is important to not overcrowd the space. Choose decorative elements with intention and leave negative space. Mix different textures like wood, ceramic, and metal to add depth. You should also consider the colour of the walls and how your decorations will coordinate with the mantel material.
