Classy Mantel Design Ideas: Beyond The Traditional Fireplace
British houses used to rely on fireplaces for heat, but today, having an open fire in the living room has become more of an aesthetic choice for many homeowners.
Having a fireplace can create a relaxing ambiance and a feeling of cosiness and nostalgia in your living space, and this is likely the reason why 55 percent of UK homes still have a working fireplace and a chimney. To cut down on smoke, homeowners would install a mantle above the fire grate to contain it and prevent it from spreading.
A mantle can add some protection while using the fireplace, but it can also enhance the look of a room.
What’s more, it's the ideal place to display favourite possessions and keepsakes, and just like any other part of your home, you'll need to decorate your mantle so it looks great throughout the year.
Here are some unique and classy mantel design ideas to boost your home's aesthetic appeal.
Add Gold Accents
Before decorating your mantel, consider giving your fireplace a makeover to improve its overall look. One easy way to do so is by installing tiles around the fireplace's opening.
Choose tiles that go with your decor scheme for a cohesive look. For instance, if you have a midcentury-style living room, choose patterned tiles for the fireplace.
If you prefer a classic look, pick white subway or stone-look tiles. Installing new tiles can refresh the look of your whole fireplace and it also makes decorating your mantel a lot easier.
For an instantly elegant look, try adding gold decorative items or pieces with gold accents on your mantel.
Start by placing a circular mirror with a gold frame at the center, then add two candlesticks or tiny succulents in golden pots on each side of the mirror. Next, place two golden miniature animals like deer, giraffes, or elephants beside the succulents or candlesticks.
Finish by placing two small, leafy potted plants on the ends of the mantel. Add some fairy lights around the mantel to create a glowing display.
Display a Large Art Piece
If you don't want your mantel to look too busy or cluttered, think about just having one statement piece on top of it. An oversized abstract painting will work well, especially if your living room is decorated in a contemporary or modern style.
Alternatively, you can place a medium-sized sculpture on your mantel, but see to it that it's not too heavy. Keep in mind that high-quality mantels can only support up to 50 pounds on average, so if your art piece weighs more than that, you may have to rethink its placement to keep everyone in your home safe.
If having just one item on your mantel looks a bit boring, add two more paintings or framed prints in different sizes. You can also place a vase on one side of the painting, and a modern candelabra on the other side to balance the look of your display.
Decorate with Books
For a low-cost way to decorate your mantel, consider using books, particularly ones with neutral or vintage-style covers. This is a great way to enhance a Norwegian-style or vintage living room, and you can buy old books from a vintage store or use ones that you have hidden somewhere in your home.
Stack a few books vertically and place them near one end of the mantel, then stack three or four books horizontally and place them in such a way that the books are slightly leaning on the vertical stack. Place a small trailing plant at the other end of the mantel, then add a vintage or retro print behind it.
Add two more decorative items to complete the look. Something like a vintage chalice will look great beside the books, while a miniature golden or brass birdcage placed near the center can add some interest and drama.
Decorating your mantel can enhance the look and feel of your living room. Try these decorating ideas to beautify your mantel and create a gorgeous display in your home.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024.
When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
