Wondering what to put on your mantel? Or how to decorate it in a fashion that looks "right"? Here are three simple steps that will teach yous how to decorate a mantel like a pro!

Often, a fireplace mantel is a focal indicate of a room and yet we struggle to effigy out how to decorate this beautiful feature.  Should it hold family unit photos?  Or maybe a flat-screen TV?  Nosotros endeavor candlesticks, mirrors, pictures, and plants only nothing feels correct.

Why?

The primal is understanding the shapes and proportions that help pull information technology all together

How to Decorate a Mantel

A fireplace mantel tends to be a prominent feature in a home, so it's important that it reflects your personal style and that it acts every bit a focal point. So you can't just put annihilation upward there. No, there'south a process and some "rules". Read beneath to learn how you lot tin can decorate a mantel like a pro in simply 3 easy steps!

i. Create Layers

Create three layers of décor for your mantel.  Always includes layers 1 and ii.  Layer 3 is optional depending on your decorating style.  Beneath is an analogy using my bedroom mantel.

White fireplace mantel with mirror clock above candlesticks and books

Layer 1 – The Anchor :

Choose a large object that will be the focal bespeak of the mantel for the center surface area, such as a mirror, artwork or even a flat screen TV.  Whatever the object, it will serve as the anchor for the rest of your design and should be the tallest object in your overall pattern.

Also, ensure that its scale is appropriate for the infinite.  The visual weight of this object should adequately balance out the visual weight of the firebox below the mantel and should fill up a large portion of the wall above the mantel.

Layer 2 – The Weight :

Choose objects for the right and left sides of Layer 1 that will add width and visual weight to the overall design.  These items practice non necessarily need to be identical, so long as their visual weight is similar. When choosing these items, make certain that their summit is smaller than that of your Layer 1 object but still proportionate.

If you lot don't love a symmetrical await, here are some tips for creating an Asymmetrical Style!

 Layer iii – The Filler :

Add objects of varying heights to the center of the mantel underneath Layer 1 .  Varying the heights of these objects is of import and so that you lot exercise non create any horizontal lines with your decor which would so detract from the horizontal line of the mantel itself.

You practice non want annihilation to compete with the mantel!  Once again, as you choose these items, keep their scale in mind to brand sure they are smaller than the items chosen for Layer two simply nonetheless proportionate.  If you want a very clean, minimal pattern, you might opt to skip Layer 3.

ii.  Maintain a Triangle of Motility

Post-obit the layering steps above, Layer 1 should exist the tallest, followed by Layer 2 and and then Layer three.  In this way, you lot create a triangle above the mantel with the tallest indicate at the heart working down as yous move out left and right.  This helps our eye focus and allows a smooth transition from the mantel every bit we scan the rest of the room.

Create a triangle of decor above white french fireplace mantel next to antique dress form

iii.  Go along Scale in Heed

It is important to keep scale in mind not only as the objects relate to the fireplace, only also as they relate to 1 another.  All of the items should overlap each other and so that they feel connected to each other and act as a cohesive unit.  Think of information technology equally a step-down upshot from the tallest point in the center of the mantel to the shortest point on the outside edges.  You want to take small, gradual steps without whatsoever jarring height decreases.

Mantel Decor

Here are some of my favorite decor items to utilise when decorating a fireplace mantel.

Fireplace Decor Ideas

Once y'all're comfortable with the process, call up about what you might want to showcase on your mantel and where these items might fit within the layers mentioned above.  Consider using a mantel to showcase art, collectibles, seasonal decor, fresh flowers, or even family heirlooms.

Here are some designs I've created over the years. Observe that when you're comfortable, it's okay to break the rules!

Oversized clock above a white brick fireplace with candlesticks and antique demijohn
clock above a fireplace mantel decorated with a collection of breadboards and greenery
Christmas fireplace mantel with pink gold and white and antique blue shutters

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