Styling a mantel is fairly simple and is a quick and cost-effective way to give your room a little refresh. What I love about styling a mantel, besides the instant room refresh, is that it doesn’t take much to make it look amazing. The formula is straight-forward and once you have a few go-to mantel styling tips, you can update yours with the seasons and enjoy a space that always feels just right.
How to Style a Mantel with the Seasons in Mind
In our case, our mantel is movable, meaning it’s just decorative. For many years it was in our living room, but I recently moved it to the main bedroom. I love it there, because once styled, it adds interest to a larger wall, without having to put holes in the wallpaper. I like to style it out with the seasons or when I’m needing a little bedroom refresh.
Right now, our mantel is styled for Spring, however once the season changes, I could easily have it styled for fall. For a quick change I could simply swap out the greenery and white spring flowers for fall stems. The colors are already fall like, with the dark brown frame around the vintage picture and the antique green books. If I added brown stems, it would instantly be a mantel styled for fall. And for Christmas? Add some pine stems, a simple garland or wreath, and hang a few knit stockings—and it’s holiday-ready.
These small, thoughtful swaps are part of what makes mantel styling tips so helpful: they give you a repeatable, seasonal formula that doesn’t require starting from scratch every time.
Mantel Styling Tips Using Vintage & Salvaged Decor
One of my top mantel styling tips is to layer in pieces with character—especially vintage or antique finds. They don’t necessarily need to be antique, but what is needed is a focal point or something larger in size that adds interest. Next, layer in supporting elements to help balance out the larger focal point. Here are some of my favorite items when it comes to styling a mantel:
- A Vintage Portrait: A statement piece like an antique portrait or painting can add charm and a unique focal point.
- A Large Mirror: I love a good mirror! There are so many options out there, new and antique. The one I have here, we made from an old window. It’s on the smaller size so I layered it with an antique portrait.
- Books: : I use books (old and new) throughout my house. When out antiquing or thrifting, I’m always looking for books.
- Aged Vintage Items: Think corbels or aged/chippy paint architectural items you can find at salvage yards or antique stores.
- Candelabras: You can find interesting and varying in height candelabras everywhere.
- Lamps or sconces: When we had this mantel in the living room, I had two antique sconces on either end. Here in the bedroom, I sometimes add a small lamp or two to the mantel. A cute little rechargeable lamp would work great as well – no obtrusive cord to hide!
Add Greenery & Florals to Soften the Look
I like to add faux stems, greenery and florals when styling a mantel to bring all the items together. To bring life to the mantel, mix in your favorite plants, stems, wreaths and florals. They help soften the look and as mentioned, can easily be swapped out with the seasons.
Creating Balance When Styling a Mantel
When styling a mantel, balance is key. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s one of the simplest mantel styling tips: begin with your focal point and build outward. Gather your items: books, candelabras, vases, salvaged items, etcetera and play with it until you get a look that feels right. Add whatever greenery and stems you have to help bring the items together and soften the look.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Personal
Styling a mantel doesn’t have to be overly complicated or expensive. By incorporating vintage elements, greenery, and found items, you have an instant room refresh. Start simple, use what you have, and layer it up!
