I haven’t changed up our mantel in a while and am getting the itch to do a little rearranging. Right now, it’s simple and straightforward, with a pair of ginger jars flanking the DIY art I made. Here’s the way it looks currently, along with two more mantel decorating ideas I like.
See the before/after pics and how I painted the brick white here.
If you struggle with accessorizing, this look is the easiest to accomplish. I’m obviously a fan of blue and white jars (with some beads and a green leaf thrown in), but a pair of topiaries or ceramic birds or vases can work, too. The focus here is more on the art.
photo source: Park and Oak
I’m a fan of the collected look, but the trick is to make it look as effortless as possible. Mix things up by using different frames (hang one, lean some, mix in a canvas, etc.) and keep accessories minimal. I like how they’ve used a couple of substantial pieces on the ends and nothing else. Another tip: If you’re worried about a collection looking too busy, keep the art neutral.
photo source: Emily Henderson
A gallery above the mantel is a great solution if you have higher ceilings and don’t want to invest in one huge piece of art. Etsy is a good source for affordable sets (many that you can even print and frame yourself). To balance out the clean lines of a grid, I’d keep the accessories minimal and asymmetrical using one larger piece on the end.
All great ideas! Thanks, Emily.
I highly recommend painting the inside of the firebox black, using a high heat paint. Before painting mine, the inconsistencies in the color inside drove me nuts. Now that it’s black, I don’t even notice the inside anymore. I have gas logs and use them almost every day in the winter. I thought the black paint was a little shiny at first, but after using the fire for a few months it mellowed out.
Emily, do you have any advice for a mantle that has a huge mirror above it? It’s a dated look, I know, and kind of a trend in colonial homes in my area. Many people got rid of the mirror but I don’t mind it or more tobyhe point, the thought of removing it scares me. Any special tips for working with or around that pre existing factor?
I don’t think a mirror is dated, but you could also lean a framed print or two in front of it to change things up.