Styling your mantel is a superb decor space to flex your creativity muscle, for the reason that mantel is a component that’s comparatively simple to vary up at any time when the temper strikes. Consider this area as one the place you possibly can showcase any mementos, items of paintings, and trinkets which might be particular to you. I really like each packed, maximalist mantels and tremendous minimal mantels—it’s in the end as much as you which of them route you’re taking.

Right this moment I’m sharing a few of my suggestions for styling a mantel all 12 months spherical. If you happen to don’t have a mantel at house, concern not, as a result of the solutions under may apply to any open shelf!

My Ideas for Styling a Mantel

1. Begin with a big piece of artwork, which can act as your focal piece.

This focal piece ought to play with the dimensions of your area and might be something from a tapestry to a mirror to a framed print. It may be held on the wall or leaned in opposition to the wall—whichever you like. If relevant, think about using a dialog piece that’s a bit sudden or units the tone of the room. 

Each of the mantels on the principle flooring of our house characteristic a big focal piece; there’s an vintage mirror within the inexperienced household room and a bit of artwork within the peach room, above our Escape fuel fire insert from Warmth & Glo.

2. Overlap your focal piece with a number of smaller items of artwork.

Whereas I’m not at the moment using this styling tip on our mantels, I really like the look of overlapping items to create visible depth. If going this route, I counsel beginning with two or extra objects in numerous sizes. I like to consider the focal piece because the papa bear measurement and the overlapping items because the mama bear and child bear sizes—they’ll routinely work nice as a set in relation to at least one one other.

With the biggest focal piece on the again, overlap the medium-sized piece to at least one aspect of it and the small piece to the opposite aspect. (Head to this video for an instance of how I overlap paintings of assorted sizes.)

3. Add in decor accents in various textures and mediums, like wicker, stone, or brass, and in various heights.

On the subject of accent items, choose ones in a fabric (or supplies) that provides one thing completely different to your area. If the room has lots of wooden, choose one thing shiny. If it already feels smooth and vivid, go along with one thing pure and earthy. I really like to usher in objects of various heights too, so as to add much more visible curiosity. Combine and match till you attain a consequence that feels pleasing to you.

4. Add a reside component with a plant.

Crops immediately carry vibrance to an area. Choose one thing with mass—both mild and feathery like a fern or structural like an aloe vera plant. And don’t overlook the pot! It will possibly carry a zing of shade or sample to the combination.

5. Swap out objects and artwork seasonally (or everytime you significantly really feel prefer it).

A mantel is a residing, respiratory instance of your tastes and pursuits. Whereas many people beautify ours through the vacation season, there’s no purpose we are able to’t additionally give it just a little further love the remainder of the 12 months too. As we method Valentine’s Day, take into account styling yours in a manner that’s extra romantic with a combination of vases and flowers. When autumn arrives, chances are you’ll wish to carry in additional rustic textures like reclaimed wooden and a sprig of golden leaves introduced in from exterior. Get artistic and have enjoyable with the method!