by SARAH LYON
Image Credit: Katherine Medlin
Image Credit: Sara Syrett
No matter your style preferences, we've got tips to create a mantel setup that speaks to you. And the good news is you can probably find most of the objects you need to create a striking tableau in your home already.
Credit: Bre Bertolini
Blogger Bre Bertolini went for a simple boho effect. For a similarly minimalist mantel, place just a few thoughtful trinkets—a small stack of books, a vase, a candle.
1. Be Selective
Neutral pieces give a Scandinavian feel to blogger Jessica Nickerson’s mantel. A stack of books always makes for easy, affordable decor—just raid your shelves. You can also grab branches and greenery from your backyard.
2. Create a Scandi Vibe
Credit: Jessica Nickerson
Blogger Jude Green kept her mantel styling simple and cozy to welcome the season. Fit the idea to any time of year with a new quote, and swap the pinecone garland with something seasonally appropriate.
3. Add a Letter Board
Image Credit: Jude Green
Blogger Courtney Browning made an oversized piece of abstract art the main focus and placed her television off to the side on a chest of drawers.
4. Display Artwork Front and Center
Image Credit: Courtney Browning
This renter in this Brooklyn apartment mounted a TV above her fireplace and then kept the mantel sparse, housing only a lamp and plant. The whole look is very mid-century modern and streamlined—but not sterile.
5. Keep It Utilitarian
Image Credit: Andrew Bui
Blogger Melissa of Winter Daisy designed a darling nursery display, with a sweet pennant and space-themed accessories. You could adapt this to an adult room with more sophisticated pieces and graphic artwork.
6. Introduce Playful Touches
Image Credit: Melissa
Blogger Sarah Gibson layered 3 different art pieces to create a cohesive, modern display. To recreate this look, vary the pieces’ size and frames, but make sure there’s a common thread so it all feels unified.
7. Layer Favorite Prints
Image credit: Jacqueline Brown for Room for Tuesday
Blogger Jennifer Griffin used a collection of succulents to liven up her outdoor mantel, and the little line of plants, as well as their stunning blue pots, go a long way in sprucing up this space.
8. Style Your Succulents
Image Credit: Jennifer Griffin
Blogger Sara Syrett set up her spring mantel display using a $6 thrift-store woven basket. She then added her own accent pieces to finish off the farmhouse-inspired look.
9. Get Thrifty
Image Credit: Sara Syrett
Blogger Katherine Medlin shows us how it’s done with topiaries, fresh and dried flowers, and colored candles. Of course, her gold ornate mirror is the real star (make sure your focal piece is equally visible).
10. Be a Maximalist
Credit: Katherine Medlin