5 Simple Mantel Decor Ideas

Looking for some simple mantel decor ideas? Get 5 foolproof fireplace mantel decorating ideas for the perfect, easy combination!

sailboat art above mantel with brass candlesticks | Maison de Pax

I had such a great response to my post on 5 Simple Decorating Ideas for the Kitchen, that I decided to continue the concept… Starting with 5 simple decorating ideas for your fireplace mantel!

As a focal point of many living rooms, the mantel is such an important spot to define your style. It’s also an easy spot to change up for the seasons and so fun to decorate for Christmas and other holidays… You can see many other mantel decorating ideas here if you need more.

For today, I wanted to share some super simple formulas that can make a beautiful mantel decor for the spring or summer months, no matter what style decor you prefer. Something that is simple yet elegant and not holiday oriented.

five simple ways to decorate your mantel | Maison de Pax

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5 simple mantel decor ideas

If you followed our brick fireplace remodel in our living room a few years ago, then you know that we actually have a double sided fireplace with a wood mantel and built-in shelves, which makes for double the fun in mantel ideas! I only styled one side specifically to share these ideas with you, but I’ve mixed in a few views of our other side where it seemed helpful to give you even more fireplace mantel ideas and inspiration.

Here are my easy 5 ingredients for a beautiful, simple mantel.

Mirror

Mirrors are always an easy focal point above a fireplace. I chose this simple round mirror for today’s post, but arched mirrors and rectangular mirrors are great options, as well!

round brass mirror above mantel with trailing philodendron | Maison de Pax

GET THE LOOK:

You can see a more unique convex mirror on the other side of my fireplace works well, too. Mirrors bring more light into your space and create an elegant, neutral mantel decor.

brick fireplace with white molding and built in bookcase | Maison de Pax

Vintage Art

If you’d like something with a little more personality than a mirror, though (or maybe the reflection is a problem), then a piece of artwork is a great option. You can see a bunch of my favorite vintage art resources here.

large art piece (vintage: beach scene) and potted succulent above mantel | Maison de Pax

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For this summer mantel, I found a few public domain pieces (which means they are not under any copyright) that had beach or water scenes, which complemented the brick of our fireplace surround and seemed appropriate for these warmer months.

Plants

Confession: I’m a bit of a house plant junkie. And mantels are one of the perfect places to display greenery, especially in the warmer months when you won’t be lighting the fire very often.

round mirror above mantel and fiddle leaf fig on hearth | Maison de Pax

If you are concerned about keeping house plants alive, check out these favorite low-maintenance houseplants. Succulents are also a wonderful, user-friendly option; get my succulent care guide here.

Or, better yet, consider using faux plants if you like. I’ve certainly done so!

brick fireplace with white wood molding | Maison de Pax

Vases

If you’re feeling extra simple, then skip the plants and just layer a collection of pots and vases. Keeping a simple color palette but varying heights and textures draws the eye without overwhelming the space. Don’t worry about symmetry, just create an organic collection.

vases and baskets on mantel decor ideas | Maison de Pax

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And speaking of texture, baskets bring wonderful texture, and filling them with turkish towels lets them double as decor and storage.

Candlesticks

During cooler months, I love to fill my mantels with candles, but I try to limit the number of candle holders on my mantel for warmer months.

jade plant on fireplace hearth | Maison de Pax

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Still, a small trio of brass candlesticks pop against with fireplace without feeling too heavy.

The perfect formula for mantel decor

As an efficiency freak, I love the idea of finding helpful interior design “formulas,” if you will. Something to help you find a beautiful result without tons of work or money. So here’s my simple formula and tips for creating a simple mantel…

  1. Start with a large piece of art or mirror
  2. Add to it 1-2 of the following accents: plant, vases, candlesticks

Combining these items can also give a little asymmetric interest. If you have a hearth, balance an accent on one side of your large scale frame with accessories on the hearth on the opposite side.

More Fireplace Decorating Ideas

I hope you found these fireplace mantel decor ideas helpful today! And thanks to Krista at The Happy Housie, I actually have even more mantel decorating ideas for you. She’s rounded up a collection of bloggers who are sharing diy fireplace mantel ideas. Be sure to pin this for later and visit a few of these gorgeous posts below!

summer mantel decorating ideas

The Happy Housie // A Pretty Life // Modern Glam // Cassie Bustamante

Rambling Renovators // In My Own Style // Finding Silver Pennies // Dans le Lakehouse

Craftberry Bush // Maison de Pax // She Gave it a Go // Hallstrom Home

Deeply Southern Home // My Sweet Savannah // Willow Street Interiors

   

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14 Comments

  1. Great post! I love the simplicity and scale of each of your choices, perfect for the summer time!
    I also want to comment that I am so happy you have candlesticks in your candleholders! One of my pet peeves, and I see it often, is when decorators use candles holders without candles in them! If just looks so odd to me. 🙂
    Thank you for all your posts, always a pleasure to read.

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