The mantel is the focal point of a room, so the decor you choose for your mantel or fireplace will set the tone for the whole space. You want the room to be inviting and uniquely you. There are so many options for the kinds of items you can display. You may choose to display art and photographs as well as home decor like candles or sculpture.
Then there are decisions to be made about how you orient them in relation to one another. Are you going for a tighter, more bountiful look? Or something simpler and spacious? Whatever you choose, you want items that work in harmony with the space and each other. What materials are you working with? Is your fireplace brick? Does your mantel have white moulding? The “bones” of your room will determine the decor pieces you choose as well.
The decor you choose will also be determined by the room. Is your mantel or fireplace in the family room or den? In the living room? What the room is used for will determine the mantel decor you choose. While there’s much to consider, the good news is that you don’t have to make decisions on your own. You can always text with a Minted stylist if you’re stuck. Here’s our essential style guide, to help you find the right mantel decor for your space.
Nothing sets the tone for your mantel like the color of your mantel decor. Bold and contrasting colors will make for an eye-catching mantel that pops. Leaning on hues that are already a part of your room will create a subtler look that ties the space together. It’s common for fireplaces or mantels to be lined with red brick or white molding, so you’ll want to consider these materials when selecting mantel decor. Here are a few color schemes to keep in mind when selecting mantel decor:
Fine art prints or framed artwork on canvas are elegant options. You can place fine art prints above or resting on your mantel (see more on this below). The artworks you choose will create a unique atmosphere, so you want to think carefully about which pieces work best for you. There’s a lot to consider and you want to pick the right art for your room. A great rule of thumb for choosing mantel art is to trust your first instinct. As you scroll through your art options, is there one that stands out to you and gives you a good feeling? Go with that one. Sometimes it’s easiest to start with a piece you feel strongly about and then find other items to accent it. If you’re still not sure, check out our featured artists, our limited editions, new arrivals, and our art styling advice services. You can text us a photo of your room and a Minted stylist will help you sort out your design questions by text. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 and can be done entirely from your phone.
All of our artwork at Minted is created by our community of independent artists from around the world. Get to know the inspirations and methods behind their work. Find the artist that most speaks to you. And don’t forget that you can shop by style, medium, or even by season. Here are a few things to consider when choosing fine art prints:
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Custom photography is a popular option for mantel decor. Since the mantel is the focal point of the room, it makes sense to feature family photographs. Whether a family photograph is at the center of your mantel decor, or just plays a part, there are so many chic and sophisticated ways to do this.
Plants and floral arrangements are also gorgeous mantel accents. You can leave a particular vase on the mantel and rotate in fresh cut flowers. You can also choose a potted or dried plant if you want an option that is more static and requires less maintenance.
Sculpture is another wonderful and sophisticated accent element for a mantel. By placing it on the side of a mantel, it can add a dynamic shape to your mantel decor and your whole room!
Books are another lovely touch to the focal point of your room. It creates a library feel, which is especially nice if you have a fireplace. Some people like to color coordinate their books. Others prefer a more natural, less orchestrated look. You can also consider laying the books flat and stacking them.
There are so many styles to consider when choosing decor for your mantel. Here are a few categories or “looks” to keep in mind:
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There are so many options for how to place decor around your mantel or fireplace. Some people like to hang artwork or photography above the mantel. Others prefer a more “laid back” look where you lean your artwork against the mantel. With both options you’ll want to think about spacing. Putting your mantel decor closer together will create a busier, warmer feel. Placing the pieces further apart will emphasize each individual piece more and is less likely to feel cluttered. The good news is you can try out each option and see how it feels in your particular room. Sometimes you don’t know until you see it!
These days a lot of people have a television hanging above their mantel. The key to a stylish mantel that incorporates a television is not to compete or overwhelm the space. You want the accents to be on the sides of your television (think candles, or a tasteful plant). Televisions can look like dead space in your home, so adding some warm elements (but not too many!) around the TV can help liven up the space.
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