As classic fireplace mantle can be one of best areas to do some fun styling. I am so sad we don’t have a fireplace in our apartment, simply because I love playing around with the mantle. My bedroom in Savannah had a massive non functioning fireplace and I went to town arranging my art and accessories and changing it up seasonally. Many of you have asked for some good fool proof recommendations that give this space more life. Here, I am breaking down my top four favorite styling formulas to make your fireplace look brand new!
The best part about mantle styling is there really are no rules. So much of it is determined by the surface material you have, the size and shape and if you have contributing factors like a narrow mantle or wall scones nearby. You can mix and match a lot of these formulas below. Have fun with it and don’t overthink it too much!
Oversized Wall Mounted Mirror: This is great for almost all fireplace types, especially when you have high ceilings. This also works great if you don’t have a traditional mantle. A cool mirror can work so well on its own, but if you have the space a simple arrangment of greenery and a small stack of books can help add a little contrast.
Leaning Mirror + Leaning Artwork: This set up is ideal for a chunkier fireplace such as brick that goes all the way up or heavy stone. Anything with an uneven surface can function better with the leaning method and will still help you achieve a cool look. You can anchor the pieces using the proper anchor specific to the material you have. I love the look of an oversized mirror paired with a smaller pice of art and large greenery. Greenery not your thing? To balance out the the smaller artwork, try placing two candlesticks or a mini lamp on the opposite end.
Sconces, Frame One, Frame Two, Vase
Leaning Artwork With Sconces: If you happen to have hardwired scones next to your fireplace you are usually pretty limited on size parameters. Instead of squeezing a single pice of art or a mirror between the scones – I often love the look of two (or more) leaning pieces of artwork paired with a unique vase. Keep in mind vases don’t need to have flowers in them to create interest. If you find a ceramic piece with a cool shape or color it will almost serve as another piece of artwork.
Large Wall Mounted Art: A single cool piece of art paired with a bevy of fun mantle accents is likely what I would gravitate towards if I had a fireplace. I love the mantle serving function almost as a shelf and housing everything from a weighty bust to small stacks of books and a pretty candle.
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Love this post! Do you have any suggestions with respect to sizing a mirror above a mantle? Is only allowing 5-6β of space above too little?
Thanks so much Malerie. I don’t think there are any rules for sizing. I love a mirror mounted 6″ off the mantle or even leaning on the mantle top and mounted to the wall at the top of the mirror. It all looks good!
Hi, Chrissy!
I’ve been using lots of your tips to style the new house π I have a mantle that is 102″ long – do you have any tips about how to use these seem techniques on a long mantle without it looking too crowded or sparse? It’s cream brick! Thanks in advance for your response π Love your style & tips!!
Sara
Thank you so much Sara! I would implement the same ideas even with an oversized mantle. You don’t have to bring the accessories all the way out to the ends to keep it from looking too empty and definitely don’t need to fill the entire space with little decor pieces. You can also focus on one side and leave the other open. Hope this helps!!
Hi! Do you have any advice for styling a hearth that doesn’t have fireplace (been blocked up)? Thinking of adding a mantel shelf but not sure what to put underneath (eg. grill as if fireplace behind?). Thanks!
Hi Vivienne!
I think that sounds like a great idea. You could also do the shelf, style that out and add a pretty basket or something more simplistic underneath!
Any tips for choosing mirror shape? Round vs. arched vs. rectagle?
Hi Eliza,
I think the existing architecture (i.e., trim, ceiling height, fireplace style) has a lot to do with choosing the right mirror shape. I think rectangle can be the most versatile and tends to go with a variety of styles!
Hi! Do you have any advise for styling a mantle if you have a tv mounted above it? I want to put something on our mantle but also want to be practice and donβt want to block the tv!
Hi Kristen!
Anything low for minimal mantle styling works great in this situation. A low bowl or small stack of books. Even a little plant or a single sprig of greenery in a bud vase!
This is great! Thank you Chrissy!
Thank you so much Sally!