Because the mantlepiece is oftentimes a focal point of the living room,
the right decor can really enhance its qualities. Kelly's mantlepiece is colorful, charming and best of all--affordable. A handful of ways to add a bit of oomph to your mantle while keeping your budget in mind, after the jump.
- Bring the season indoors. Kelly's grandmother sends her pressed fall leaves from Illinois that she uses to decorate her mantle. She's also got some driftwood which can easily be found on a trip to the beach. We love going for long walks around the neighborhood, which is a great way to build up (and collect) inspiration for your home's decor.
- Insert colorful objects. Whether they're glass plates or well-designed vases, color is the way to brighten up your mantlepiece and add a bit of playfulness to the space. Glass vases and plates can be found at thrift stores and swap meets at an inexpensive price. We love the use of glass as mantlepiece decor because it adds warmth to the space without looking cluttered.
- Use vintage family photos. Not only will you have a blast going through your families photo archives, displaying them incorporates added charm to the spot. String on a an inspirational wire or group a few with frames for a more polished look.
Apartment Therapy readers--what do you use when decorating your mantlepiece with affordable decor?
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(Images: The Inspired Elements)
Simple, personal, colorful... lovely.
view mirandabee's profile
The glass vases against the white wall are lovely, but I think the other objects add too much visual clutter in a small space.
Hanging artwork or pictures from a string looks fine in the right setting, but I don't think it works here. For one thing, I think the snapshots are too small to have them hanging that high--who could really see them? Wouldn't they look better somewhere lower, within the line of vision?
view MansardRoof's profile
I have a similar wire that I have hung over the front of my fireplace so when I receive thank you notes, birth announcements, etc., I clip them onto the string to display them for a few months, and switch out when I get new ones. I keep the rest of my mantle decor neutral so no matter what color the cards come in, they'll look good! I love it.
view lovelyrita's profile
did you perchance mean "mantel"? i see no mantles anywhere!
view the polish chick's profile
I have a small living room with a mantlepiece, and I keep the decor on it very simple. I have a large mirror that was given to me that stands (rather than hangs) at the back, with a couple of candles in gorgeous hand-carved candlesticks on one end, and on the other end a simple family photo. It keeps the space uncluttered and the mirror makes the room feel bigger, bouncing light around the room.
view gwylan's profile
I really like the use of the glass and driftwood. The glass eggs add a nice contrasting touch to the leaves. The photos make the mantle or mantel more personal and make it your home.
P.S i would have used a different picture maybe one with siblings to give it that added family feel.
view Dantheman's profile
I love the clothesline concept for various uses: http://tiny.cc/Mrh7W
And driftwood has been a long time fave: http://tiny.cc/bVxEC
I know people are split on painted brick, but I LOVE painted, white brick!
view MODERnestS's profile
I love those metal clips used to hold the photos onto the string - does anyone know where to get those? I've been looking everywhere with no success.
view madsciencechik's profile
Madsciencechik: they're a variation of binder clips that appear to known as "bulldog" clips. There are lots of online vendors, including:
http://www.rapidsupplies.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=86875
view Kalakala's profile
This is so well edited!
view HopelessChestBlog's profile
Thanks, Kalakala!
view madsciencechik's profile