Clutter-Free Ways To Dress Up Your Mantel

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Fireplaces often take center stage in interior design. It's hard to miss the giant functional centerpiece, even in the summertime when the logs are left unlit. Since fireplaces and mantels are common focal points, executing their setup well takes diligence. Overdoing the mantel decor makes rooms seem cluttered and poorly designed, bringing down the overall ambiance of a space. With maximalism and personalized decor on the rise, it may be hard to implement new trends while keeping this space looking polished.

Below are eight styling ideas to dress up your mantel without overdoing the embellishments. We've included examples of these ideas done right, so you can better visualize a similar setup in your own living spaces. There are several styling do-nots to remember, like avoiding too many small objects, having too many color schemes, and over-styling the mantle shelf. There are also decorating tips and product recommendations to keep in mind to ensure you know how to decorate a mantel like a pro.

According to experts, mirrors make spaces look bigger and brighter. Set a leaning mirror on a mantel to create an impressive impact. The reflection creates more light and the illusion of more space and decor without actually having to add much else. Make this setting even more elegant and luxurious by adding a single cluster of candlesticks, one or two houseplants, picture frames, or a meaningful heirloom piece. This will help you layer to create dimension without causing clutter.

Picking out the right mirror is half the battle. Make sure it's no bigger than two-thirds the width of your mantel so it doesn't overpower your interior design, but also avoid choosing one that is tiny and won't make an impact. Select a mirror style that complements your intended theme; mirrors with ornate carvings have a more classic, elegant appeal, while simple, glossy mirror frames are more contemporary and modern. For example, the Oujchenghome Retro Palace Style Mirror and HARRITPURE Arched Bathroom Mirror are great fits for completely different interiors. Also, ensure the mirror reflection is a sight you want to be seen. Avoid this decoration idea if the top of a mantle reflects clutter in its visage.

Symmetry is key to sleek minimalism in interior design. It creates a sense of balance and organization and reduces the likelihood of creating a cluttered look. Dress up your mantel following minimalist ideals but still staying trendy with cozy, sustainable decorative embellishments. Put a large piece of decor in the center and put matching plants or statues on either side. In the center, you can reuse the aforementioned mirror idea or use another item with high focal interest, creating a vibrant display without cluttering the mantelpiece.

The trick to executing this design is to keep all of the decor larger in size, even the side pieces. Don't use miniature or filler objects — stick to 8-inch or taller decorative vases or statuettes. For houseplants, aim around the size of these WUKOKU's Artificial Tropical Plants (16 inches in around a 4-inch pot), though make sure the chosen houseplants and statues don't dwarf shorter fireplaces or the centerpiece. Either of the previously mentioned mirrors will do for the mantel's primary decor, or use something like the Deco 79 Metal Plate Statue. 

It doesn't take much to dress up a mantel in a fully furnished room. Try pairing an oversized framed artwork with a slightly smaller one. Lean the larger piece against the wall and set up a slightly shorter framed artwork on top and off-center. Only use two stacked items to keep the look from being cluttered, while adding dimension to a living space. This design method makes great use of "negative space", which is a concept that deliberately leaves empty spaces to emphasize decorative details.

You can layer two artworks, or even go for a mirror and small artwork pairing — but make sure to go for two objects that complement each other. An example would be pairing the Beaded Arched Mirror for Wall and EPHANY Framed Canvas Wall Art Decor. Both decorative embellishments have a similar traditional but classy ambiance, and the rustic wood art frame and brassy beaded mirror frame add natural textures to a living space. The wall art is also about half the size of the mirror, keeping it from overwhelming the bottom layer.

Leaning framed art against a mantel is a great way to add depth and an artistic touch to a room. Keep the room chic but humble by pairing two small artworks and two taper candles. Keep all of the items to one side of the mantel, leaving aesthetically pleasing negative space on the other. This creates a simple but luxurious mantel look that adds instant style to your space. The artwork adds color and dimension to the room through paint, while candleholders serve a functional purpose, keeping this design method minimal as far as clutter goes.

The best way to match artwork and candles is to ensure they complement one another's color schemes. If you use Romadedi's Gold Candle Stick Candle Holders, pick frames with a similar finish, such as HUARCEY's Gold Bamboo Style Framed Floral Canvas Wall Art. When choosing the candles for the candle holders, pick wax colors that match the secondary colors in your chosen wall art or other small accents in your living space to also tie the room together.

It's possible to dress up a mantel without any extra baubles or trinkets. Install colorful statement tiles across a mantel shelf, adding color and dimension without any extraneous decor. Tiles come in various colors, patterns, and textures, ensuring you'll find pieces that fit a space. Use traditional ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles, or for a more temporary and budget-friendly option, try a peel-and-stick material. Peel-and-stick products are safe to use as long as they don't come too close to your fireplace opening, and they are a great option for people who may not be capable of hanging tiles themselves or need a non-permanent option.

If using the traditional tiling method, seek out gauged porcelain or Grade 3 wall tiles (only for an overmantel, not for areas exposed to heat). Since these tiles won't be exposed to any foot traffic and minimal wear and tear, you don't need to invest in anything expensive or heavy-duty. A couple packs of COLOR Y TRADICIÓN's Hand Painted Decorative Talavera Mexican Tiles will add various colors and patterns befitting bold, vibrant, and bohemian interiors. Take this decorating method in another direction by using Alwayspon's Peel&Stick Mosaic Wall Tile Transfers for Home Decor, which also adds a splash of color but with a more consistent palette.

Many professional mantel setups have a common element — potted artificial or living plants. Decorate your fireplace like a professional using a few potted plants and a single hanging artwork. This casual approach to decoration combines natural elements and harmonious artwork to create a relaxing space. Use the plants to flank the centered art piece, opting for a symmetrical design to maintain a balanced look.

Choose artwork that fits your interior, whether a modern abstract canvas or a framed traditional watercolor. You can use virtually any houseplant as long as it can thrive in your location. If your room is poorly lit or your mantel is far from any windows, dress it up with indoor plants that don't need much sun to survive. Finish the look with plant pots that match this theme. In fact, you can elevate the interior to the next level by correlating the pot colors with similar shades in the hanging art.

Another way to dress up your mantel without adding any extra clutter or decor is to install a board and batten accent. This type of paneling  turns your entire fireplace into a work of art. There's no need for extraneous decorations when tall wood panels, in the color of your choice, can dress up a mantel. Opt for neutral colors for a more rustic or modern look, or paint over this project with vibrant shades to create a more eclectic atmosphere. 

You can use wood or MDF paneling for this easy DIY board and batten wall hack to dress up any room. Another option is peel-and-stick wallpaper like NextWall Faux Board and Batten Peel and Stick Wallpaper. Keep in mind that most peel-and-stick looks like it from afar but lacks the same depth and texture, though options like the Millwork Outlet Store's Board and Batten Wainscoting Kit come much closer to the real thing. When building this project, take extra care if you build close to the fireplace opening. Ensure the boards don't come too close to the flames or break any fire codes by keeping them at least a foot away from the firebox.

Or, go freestyle and add a small decorative item to the mantel as a pop of contrast with your paneled overmantel. It's easy to add a corner candlestick, houseplant, or pile of books without cluttering your mantelpiece. These items can be large or small, and you should follow an odd number trick that makes decorating your mantel so much easier. Use either a single object or a trio of similar decorative pieces to create an attractive asymmetrical display.

Sometimes all it takes is one eye-catching piece of art to draw your room together. Keep your mantel clean and free of tchotchkes and random decor, opting instead for a single piece of art as the main event. Once again, a framed painting or canvas can show off your personal interests while dressing up a bland fireplace. It adds a little more interest to a classic or modern living room without overcrowding it. This is also a great method for short fireplaces and compact rooms where too much decor looks busy.

Lighting is important for a design like this. Your household and guests should have a great view of the art in front of them, so make sure it's illuminated by a hanging chandelier, nearby wall sconces, or brightly lit windows. Don't be afraid to swap out lighting for brighter LED bulbs or more sheer lampshades. Once again, pick art that befits your interior and shows off personal preferences or values. A traditional watercolor has a vintage vibe, while a photo-printed canvas of your family makes a space more welcoming and cozy.