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How to Style a Fireplace Mantel

Give your hearth a fresh new look with these chic ideas for topping a mantel

Jess Chamberlain
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Shelf help

When surface space is at a premium, use the mantelpiece as you would a bookshelf or window ledge. In this living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, vases mingle with framed photographs above the fireplace.

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Favorite things

Showcase favorite artwork and keepsakes on the most prominent real estate in the living room. Here, a pet portrait and historic home photograph sit with small framed landscape paintings and stoneware.

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Elevated collections

Instead of using a display shelf, congregate collections on the mantel. Here, charcoal paint and gold leafing create a display platform for collections of white ceramics and volumes of colorful books.

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Seasonal stage

Arrange season-specific decor on your manteltop for an artistic vignette your holiday guests will covet. Here, a collection of glassware and ball ornaments compliment an evergreen wreath propped against the wall.

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Addition

No mantel? No problem. Add a mantel ledge to an existing fireplace. On this floating shelf of a mantel, heirloom and global finds blend for an eclectic look.

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Sanctuary

If you're blessed with a fireplace in your master bedroom, arrange objects that encourage peace and tranquility on the mantel ledge. Go further: Paint the fireplace the same hue as your walls so the fireplace and mantel don't interrupt the flow of the space. Here, white keeps the space—and mood—light.

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Mirror magic

Displaying a large mirror (or multiple) helps a small space live large. Here, large twin mirrors fill the tall wall space above the mantel and serve double duty as both space expanders and art.

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Temporary display

For quick and transient decoration—for a birthday party, celebration, or holiday—tack a piece of ribbon above the mantel with strong (but removable) double-sided tape and affix lightweight photos and memorabilia with accents from your garden.

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Gallery space

Install wall-mounted lighting above far sides of the mantel top and prop or hang statement artwork center stage. Switch out artwork with the seasons or as desired.

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Less is more

Keep it simple with a trio of objects: a tall pant, a framed piece of art, and a memento.