5 Ways To Decorate Your Mantel Like An Interior Designer

The fireplace mantel can be tricky to design and decorate well. Like anything, you may have picked out the perfect accessories, but pulling it all together can be challenging. Consider this your complete guide to how to make the most out of this small but eye-catching space!

Balance

There are a lot of different ways you can set up a fireplace mantel and still have it look great, but the key is balance. Make sure that art pieces are centered in the space, that candles are symmetrical, and that smaller detailer pieces are arranged evenly on each side of the mantel.

Don’t Be Too Symmetrical

Alright, we’re immediately countering our previous point, but design rules can often be broken if done tastefully. Perfect symmetry is not a universal rule. If you’re going for a very symmetrical and clean look, then, by all means, make things perfectly balanced. However, in most cases, being perfectly symmetrical does not look natural. You want to make something visually interesting above your fireplace, which may involve different accessories on each side of a centerpiece, or maybe even a main piece that is slightly off-center. Your home should feel lived-in, and deviating from symmetry can be a great way to add visual interest.

Do Not Overcrowd Your Mantel

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and this can include all the nick-nacks that you want to display on your mantel. Keep it relatively simple and clean, and try to make a statement with your elegance and simplicity, rather than a lot of big pieces crowded together. In the living room design below, we have chosen to simply display a piece of artwork. Another option for this mantel would be to place a TV over the fireplace because the bookshelves are adorned with other beautiful and personalized home decor.

Try Keeping it Simple

On that note, why not just go for simplicity? Try only using a few small accessories to accent your mantel, but let your fireplace and some nice wall art do the talking. Taking a minimalist approach can help make your space look streamlined and less cluttered. In the example below, four primary statement pieces offer just enough interest.

Put Your Personality into Your Mantel

The fireplace is going to draw a lot of eyes since it’s at eye level. This means that whatever you have adorning your mantel is going to make a big impression on guests. Be honest and open and add a flair of your personality to this space. This can be done with a family portrait, a photo you took, a family heirloom, or something else unique, like a salt lamp or a handmade bowl.

Decorating a fireplace mantel isn’t always easy, but once you get it right you will love the room even more! The mantel is a focal point that draws a lot of eyes, so make sure you put your best on display at all times. If you want more than just interior design inspiration, you can always contact GHID directly for more design tips or quotes on full home projects.