Hearth of the Home: Fireplace Mantel Decor

With the right mantel décor, your fireplace will stand out as the focal point of the room.

A fireplace mantel display needs a certain amount of balance and proportion. Combine artwork, mirrors, vases and other accents. If you’re lucky to have a mantel with character, minimize your accessories and let the mantel do the talking.  Overlap artwork with varying height and width. Be sure to vary the size and scale of the objects to create a balanced display. Layering creates depth and that is important in every kind of vignette. 



Items in the foreground should overlap those in the back so that no item is buried. Play with objects of different heights.  Start with taller items at the back and use smaller items as you work your way forward. Scale is key.

Pick items that fill the space and are relative to one another.  Start with a large object in the center, then place pairs of objects on either side. They don’t have to be identical, just related. Find items that complement each other either in colour, style or theme. 



A collection of leaning artwork, sculptural branches or scattered potted plants bring life and dimension. When using multiple items, always use an odd number of them and avoid overcrowding.  When too many items are forced together, they get lost and don’t stand out. Use accessories that pull from colours found in the room such as your accent pillows and throws or a wood framed mirror that repeats the finish of the floor and furniture pieces.



I love a round mirror because it provides contrast to the plenty of straight lines throughout the room.  Now TVs naturally find a home above a fireplace, but the look can disrupt the decorative façade of the fireplace.  Consider recessing the unit into the wall behind the fireplace and enclosing it with bifold doors. Nothing kills the vibe of a floating tv quite like dangling mess of electrical wires. Hiding the cords behind the wall is well worth the extra planning and execution.



Dress up a cookie cutter fireplace by painting the surrounding wall creating a beautiful accent wall.  If you want to emphasize a rooms height display a tall frame, mirror or large art piece on the mantel.  Varying heights of candles draw the eye to the mantel where books bring a warm, comforting feel. Remember no display is permanent. You can always move things around and switch it up seasonally!

tips from the expert herself . . .