stylish fireplace mantel decor ideas

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.


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COLOR

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:

  • Black and white: This is a bold and modern look. It pairs nicely with black and white photography, whether it’s an artistic piece or family portraiture. We have so much photo art to choose from.
  • Bold and Bright: Striking colors like deep reds and bold blues will create a stunning focal point for your room.
  • Pastels and neutral colors: Pastels will create a harmonious atmosphere that is gentle on the eyes. Art prints with neutral colors, light grays, and faded shades can also make a room serene.
  • Metallic hues: This is an elegant, modern look. Maybe you’ll opt to include some metallic candlesticks or a metallic vase. Perhaps your artwork or frame choice incorporates metallic hues as well.

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TYPES OF 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:

  • Size: One piece of large artwork can really make a statement. Many of our art prints are available in large sizes. You can also choose to have a variety of smaller pieces that work together to create your room’s mood above your mantel. When looking at the size of the print or artwork, you’ll also want to consider what’s beyond the mantel. How big is the room as a whole and how will this size strike you when you walk in? How does it work with the other decor you have in your room? At Minted, you can choose the art print size from 5” x 7” to 40” x 54”.
  • Color: The artwork above your mantel or fireplace might create a bold pop of color. Or it could play more of a “supporting role,” offering a gentle accent to the colors already at play in the room.
  • Style: The style of the mantel art you choose depends on your personal preferences and the look you’ve created in the rest of your home. Is your home modern? You’ll want a fine art print or a painting to match. Same goes if you have a more traditional home. Do you prefer a bountiful, full room? Or a simple, minimalist one? You’ll also want to think of subject matter. Do you want a nature-based landscape artwork or something more abstract? You can explore all your fine art options by filtering by subject.
  • Type: There are so many options for the type of art you can feature above your mantel. Photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, and graphic arts are just a few. And what will your subject be? Portrait and figures, abstract, landscape, botanical and floral, and graphic are a few of the options you’ll want to explore before deciding. Don’t forget to use your filters when searching!
  • Framing: A frame can really change how artwork is received. Think both about the print itself, but also the style of your space when choosing the right frame for you.
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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.


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Abstract line 1

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STYLE

There are so many styles to consider when choosing decor for your mantel. Here are a few categories or “looks” to keep in mind:

  • Modern and Chic: If your home has lots of clean lines and smooth surfaces, the modern and chic mantel is for you. Like the minimalist mantel, remember that less is more.
  • Warm and Inviting: Color will be particularly important for this kind of mantel. You’ll want to choose warm colors: yellows, oranges, and reds. You may want to have lots of different decor on this mantel so there’s more activity, “inviting” the eye. This is a great idea if you have a brick fireplace. The red tones of the brick are already warm and inviting, so why not amplify this effect?
  • Minimalist: Don’t like cluttered spaces? A minimalist mantel can be a breath of fresh air. Your mantel might only have one or two very simple decor items on it. This is a striking and bold option.
  • Elegant and sophisticated: Perhaps your room is more formal and you want mantel decor to match. Cool colors like blue, white, and metallic tones are excellent choices for this kind of mantel. If you have some luxe items (think vases, sculpture, high end art), displaying just a few will create a jaw-dropping mantel.
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ORIENTATION

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!

WORKING AROUND A TV

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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