How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel by Using Pinterest.. The Right Way!

Learn how to decorate a fireplace mantel by using Pinterest the right way and turn your fireplace mantel from drab into fab!

All fireplaces are unique, reflecting different architectural styles. Whether it’s the material it’s made of (such as a wood or brick fireplace), the height, the location, real or fake, all fireplaces differ from one another. They are like snowflakes! No two fireplaces are a like! This can make decorating your mantel shelf difficult to do!

Do you ever go to Pinterest to find inspiration but end up feeling overwhelmed, thinking your house is ugly and wanting to move? We’ve all been there! Don’t worry, you’re not the only one that doesn’t live in one of those Pinterest mansions. You’re just using Pinterest wrong.

Which is why I wanted to show you how I use Pinterest. Pinterest isn’t about copying the photo, but looking for inspiration instead. Use what you have instead of buying everything you see in the photo. So, I am going to show you how to decorate a fireplace mantel by using Pinterest.. the right way, incorporating decorative elements and a cohesive color scheme.

This post is all about how to decorate a fireplace mantel!

How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

I scrolled Pinterest to find some good fireplace mantel decor ideas. Now, you may find you love all these or only some of these fireplaces. That’s okay. To be honest, there are some fireplaces and stylings I’ve included that I don’t care for, but I am sharing them to point out one minor detail that you could duplicate for your own fireplace. Just because the overall mantel look isn’t your taste, doesn’t mean you can’t pull inspiration from it. Ready to dive in? Lets go!

How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel with a TV Above it

Some may turn their nose up at the idea of putting a TV above your fireplace mantel, but I am not that person! Sometimes you have to choose function over fashion and that’s what I did with our TV placement, creating a balanced mantel look between functionality and aesthetics. Check out this post about our DIY fireplace mantel that we built for FREE!

Add Candles with the Same Color Palette as the Material of the Fireplace

I love how this person added candle holders with the same color palette as the shiplap of their fireplace. These little things add visual interest and allow the space to look complete, but not cluttered. A very fun but easy way to decorate a space.

Make your Own Sign to Fit the Space you Need

Make your own sign to fit the space you need. I don’t know if this person made this “gather” sign, but if you are having trouble finding a sign that is the right size, check out my DIY Canvas Tutorial and learn how to create custom frames.

Go Long! Use Decor that is Long to Mimic the Length of the Mantel

Go Long! Use Decor that is tall and long to mimic the length of the mantel. This long vintage-looking planter box is a great way to fill the space between the TV and mantel, adding visual interest with different heights.

We love a Good Dough Bowl Moment

We love a Good Dough Bowl Moment around here! A dough bowl is a great decorative item to fill that long space. Check out my How to Decorate your Dough Bowl tutorial for some inspiration.

Split the TV with Decor on Either Side or Above the TV

Split the TV with decor on either side or above the TV. Instead of focusing on the entire mantel, maybe you would rather “split” the TV, but adding picture frames to either side. Or You might even choose to decorate above the TV and skip the mantel all together.

Garland Makes for a Great Filler

Garland makes for a great filler anywhere in your home, and that includes your fireplace mantel. I love using fall garlands with eucalyptus or maybe you can try a strand of lamb’s ear to add natural elements and different textures.

How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

Here are some best tips for those of you that don’t have to place a giant television above your mantel. I am so jealous by the way!

Add a Vintage Windowpane Above your Mantel

Add a vintage windowpane above your mantel to complement the existing paint color, adding height and texture, and contributing to a cohesive look. You can then layer it with other decorative elements or hang a cool wreath from it too. Check out some of my DIY wreaths here.

Decorate above your Mantel with a Chalkboard

There is just something so cozy about a chalkboard, right?! Decorate above your mantel with a chalkboard and add a fun message to share with your family and guests. I also love the ideas of using a collection of candlesticks too.

Decorating with Mirrors add the Illusion of Space

There is just something so cozy about a chalkboard, right?! Decorate above your mantel with a chalkboard and add a fun message to share with your family and guests. I also love the ideas of using a collection of candle sticks to enhance the decorative elements.

Think height when Decorating a Tall Space

Think height when decorating a tall space to appropriately cover the space and add visual interest. Use tall items like candlesticks, mirrors, frames, lamps, a tall vase, faux stems, or lanterns to create a balanced and cohesive look. Anchor pieces in various sizes can serve as a great foundation piece to enhance the mantel display.

Customize the Space by using a Kraft Paper Sign

Customize the space by using a kraft paper sign like this one. I love these rolled paper signs because you change up your doodles to go with the season, adding decorative elements that reflect the time of the year, such as snowflakes in the winter and fresh flowers during spring.

When in Doubt, Layer!

When in doubt, layer! Your fireplace mantel is a great place to layer a few decorative items together for a customized look. Incorporate little things like sculptural elements or smaller items to add unique touches. You can layer things like window panes, empty vintage frames, family photos, art, or prints. This layered look will add depth to your mantel display, making it a perfect example of a balanced decorating style. Have fun with it!

Clocks are Practical and Pretty

Clocks are practical and pretty! I love the clean look and simple style of this clock above the fireplace, serving as both a functional and decorative object. Adding pillar candles alongside can make a bold statement while maintaining a cohesive look.

You can Never go Wrong with a Family Photo

You can never go wrong with a family photo. Maybe you can try my $2 DIY poster hangers to display your more recent family photos above your fireplace. Incorporating fresh flowers or miniature pine trees can add a touch of nature and color to your mantel display.

Go with a Monochrome Look

This mantel has a lot on it, but it doesn’t look super cluttered because all of the pieces are within a few shades of each other, , creating a cohesive monochrome look. I love a good vintage monochrome collection. Well done!

Share How you Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

Decorating your fireplace mantel is a wonderful way to add beauty to your entire space. By incorporating  decorative objects of different heights and various sizes, you can create a balanced look that complements your home. . Whether you have a brick fireplace or a modern electric fireplace, these mantel ideas offer a cohesive look that serves as a focal point of any room, perfectly adapting to any season or decorating style.

As always, thank you for following along with me in my creative journey. Be sure to tag me and use #meagannicholedotcom when sharing how you decorate a fireplace mantel! Thanks for stopping by MeaganNichole.com

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