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Decorating the Mantel: Create a Fireplace Focal Point
If the "haphazard disarray" school of style has your mantel as a student, consider these techniques for a more artfully balanced arrangement
Decorating a mantel doesn't sound hard, until you actually try it. Although the mantel is a small sliver of space, it starts to feel gigantic when you have no idea how to accessorize it.
The key with creating an eye-pleasing mantel display is to enhance visual interest as much as possible. No, this doesn't mean cramming it with every little knickknack in sight. Instead, focus on creating a look that allows the eyes to travel and focus on more than one object.
The key with creating an eye-pleasing mantel display is to enhance visual interest as much as possible. No, this doesn't mean cramming it with every little knickknack in sight. Instead, focus on creating a look that allows the eyes to travel and focus on more than one object.
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One of the more well-known ways to decorate a mantel is to implement the "three-plus-one" trick. This design technique relies on layering objects of different heights to create visual interest.
Find three similar objects and place them on one side of your mantel. Try not to line them up — layer and stagger them. Play around to find what looks and feels best for you.
Once you've done that, find one larger object and place it on the other side of the mantel. The general rule is that this object should be at least twice as large as the other three, but this doesn't need to be exact. Try to have a unifying element for all of these objects — whether it's color, texture or a theme.
Find three similar objects and place them on one side of your mantel. Try not to line them up — layer and stagger them. Play around to find what looks and feels best for you.
Once you've done that, find one larger object and place it on the other side of the mantel. The general rule is that this object should be at least twice as large as the other three, but this doesn't need to be exact. Try to have a unifying element for all of these objects — whether it's color, texture or a theme.
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Of course, the three-plus-one rule is just one of infinite ways to decorate a mantel. For some, more is more, and a mantel is the ideal place to proudly display a collection. Try organizing things symmetrically so your mantel feels balanced, but don't forget to layer and mix up height.
A mantel display is a great opportunity to integrate new colors into your home decor too. Choose a favorite color that you weren't able to work into your home and highlight it in your mantel display. Try picking something that contrasts with your mantel, or paint your mantel to make your display stand out.
A mantel display is a great opportunity to integrate new colors into your home decor too. Choose a favorite color that you weren't able to work into your home and highlight it in your mantel display. Try picking something that contrasts with your mantel, or paint your mantel to make your display stand out.
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| Playing with repetition of objects is a sophisticated way to add a splash of style. Try leaning photos of similar images against your fireplace surround for an easy display. Decorating your mantel symmetrically is another good design tool. It's automatically pleasing to the eye. Try basing a mantel display around a mirror if your fireplace is in a smaller room. It'll reflect light, open up a closed space and provide another vantage point in the room. Mix up your style in your display to give the room a different vibe. Have a rustic-looking living room? Add a piece of slightly contemporary art above the fireplace for visual depth. |
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| One of the easiest ways to decorate your mantel is to start with a big piece and center it above the fireplace. Pick something you love — whether it's a mirror or a piece of art — and then base the rest of your design around that. Play with movement by adding in light and height — candles and items of differing heights allow the eye to move up and down along the display. Add visual weight to the display with a secondary focal point, like a vase or sculpture. This will relieve the weight of the other pieces. Starting with a single large object achieves a look similar to the three-plus-one rule — a visual triangle that allows the eyes to travel up and down, creating a display that you'll never tire of. |
Comments
Mandi Smith T Great post! wonderful examples illustrating your point too. M.
7 months ago · Like
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houseweeks1 Thank you for this piece. I have one ugly mantelpiece which is the only part of the house that I didn't like when we came to live here. It's one of those golden oak affairs where the builder has continued up the wall to the ceiling with a large wood panel. I am going to paint it and was thinking of a light cream color with a stone undertone. I would be grateful for any suggestions to help with this project. Thanks!
7 months ago · Like
Texas Lightsmith Thank you Vanessa! Making homes more beautiful... one lesson at a time! Kudos!
7 months ago · Like
Texas Lightsmith of course it never hurts to have a cool fireplace screen... 
7 months ago · Like
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frenchdecor houseweeks1, it depends on how whole fireplace is constructed, if your mantel is accross whole protruding part ? and more features should be considered. Do you think wood could be taken off and (or) re-covered with drywall? Painting it could be an option. I would paint in other than wall color, trim panel's edge and hung a big picture or mirror (or combination of both) over wood, simulate double frame. Depends on your style. You can cover panel with solid color cool fabric (or coarse textured) make a nice backdrop, or cover with pretty pattern fabric. Cover whole wall, including wood panel, with wall paper. From my experience, if I really didn't like something, quick fix didn't work for me. Good luck.
7 months ago · Like
houseweeks1 Thank you Frenchdecor for your comments - lots of ideas. Removing and replacing with drywall is an option; however, the wood itself is rather beautiful and so it would feel somehow wrong to destroy it. My wall color is grey-blue so I am going to paint the fireplace soft white-cream. I will maybe post some before and after photos. I love the idea of fabric but it would be tricky in this situation. Again, many thanks for your comments.
7 months ago · Like
oldred Great info, thanks!
7 months ago · Like
creativecarol So what do I do with a "mantel" that is behind a stove pipe? Do I ignore it and put nothing on it? (The mantel is about 5" deep). 
7 months ago · Like
karelina I love all of the ideas. I'm going to try them. I have a new to me fireplace to work with. One thing to think about is that over a fireplace may not be the best place to hang valuable art work - smoke and heat could both cause damage.
6 months ago · Like
karelina I forgot to ask, I love the screen in the horse picture. Can you tell me where you found it? Thanks.
6 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Oct. 16, 2012.
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