How to Style a Mantel in 6 Steps: Mantel Styling Tips

A mantel—also known as a fireplace mantel, mantelpiece, or mantel shelf—is the decorative shelf above a fireplace. Depending on the fireplace, the mantel may be a part of a fireplace surround or a single shelf mounted to the wall above the fireplace. The mantel was originally used in medieval times as a hood for catching the smoke emitted from fires. Today, mantels are primarily decorative, helping add visual interest to the focal point of the room. Mantel styling is an interior design technique that involves placing artwork, greenery, candles, and other decorative objects on or above the mantel.

Styling your mantel is an easy way to give your living room a home decor makeover. Consider these mantel decorating ideas to add visual interest to your mantel.

1. 1. Create a focal point with one large piece. Hang a round mirror, a large piece of art, or a TV above the mantel. Be sure to leave enough space for styling the mantel with smaller pieces of decor items.
2. 2. Decorate with decor items of varying heights. Candlesticks, vases, and picture frames help create visual interest by drawing the eye to objects of different heights. Pillar candles often come in various sizes and are perfect fireplace mantel decor. A stack of books can help elevate a candleholder or sculptural figurine.
3. 3. Decorate in odd numbers. Grouping decor items in groups of three or five on either side of the mantel is an effective interior design trick for creating a visually pleasing mantelpiece. For example, you could group three glass vases of varying heights and widths to obtain the desired effect.
4. 4. Add some greenery. Dried flowers, eucalyptus, pampas grass, and faux topiaries are all attractive additions that will add a bit of life to the space above your fireplace. Keep in mind that dried plants are flammable and should be placed a safe distance away from an open flame.
5. 5. Choose paint colors last. Once you’ve chosen all of the decor items for your mantel, now is a good time to choose a paint color to bring it all together. White walls provide a blank canvas for both muted and colorful decor, but depending on your style, it may be more appropriate to experiment with a more adventurous color palette. Painting your fireplace wall in an accent color is a great way to emphasize the focal point of the room—particularly for homes decorated in a boho style.

Consider these styling tips for decorating a mantel.

1. 1. Be careful with flammable materials. If you’re installing a DIY fireplace mantel, it's important to keep in mind that a wood mantel or fireplace surround can pose a fire hazard if improperly installed. Wood mantels should be installed at least twelve inches above the fireplace. An additional inch of height should be added for every inch that the mantel protrudes from the wall. For example, if your mantel is six inches deep, it should be hung at least eighteen inches above the fireplace. This is less of a concern for electric fireplaces because, while they emit heat, they don’t produce a real fire.
2. 2. Know your mantel's weight limits. A brick fireplace with a stone or brick mantel is likely to have a higher weight capacity than a wood mantel installed on drywall or masonry. If you're not sure of the total weight capacity of your mantel, err on the side of safety by choosing lightweight decor items.
3. 3. Focus on one decor style. Whether you prefer a boho, glam, or farmhouse style, there are endless decor possibilities, but mixing and matching elements of these themes can create an incohesive look. For example, if you have a rustic wood coffee table in your living room, mirror those farmhouse-style elements on your fireplace mantel.
4. 4. Experiment with minimalism if you’re unsure of your style. A minimalist approach to styling a mantel is all about symmetry and scaled-back decor, and it works well with just about any style. Consider placing two equally sized pieces of art above the mantel and leaving the mantel itself bare.

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