Are you ready to learn how to decorate your mantle. I want to keep these styling tips brief and basic because decorating should be fun and creative – not stressful.
In the past, my mantra was when “you buy it you need to know where it is going”. But then my very close friend introduced me to her mantra, “if you like it buy it and believe me you’ll find a place for it”. I’m was a slow learner but have to admit she was right.
Don’t you just hate when you see something you like, you don’t buy it at that time, you go back and it’s gone. What do they say, “the early bird gets the worm.”
So for my mantle, I started with some thing that meant a lot to me, my mantle clock. My husband bought me that as a gift, and since his passing it has even more meaning to me. It is a constant reminder of the “time” we spent together. However short time it was…
Having moved to this home rather quickly and cross country, last year, I was almost starting with a clean slate. I worked with a lot of things that I had brought with me and it was Christmas time so everybody gave me gift certificates for Kirkland’s and Hobby Lobby. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t like Hobby Lobby and Kirklands. So off I went a shopping…..
I had several ideas for above the mantle; I had brought several large Mirrors with me in the move and they just overpowered the mantle. So I chose a (Kirkland’s)
After seeing the sconces on the wall they were just too plain, even with the lights. So I shopped my house and found a bunch of hydrangeas. I liked the concept of the flowers and the minimal light casting off of the wall.
Focal Point
I had several ideas for above the mantle; I had brought several large Mirrors with me in the move and they just overpowered the mantle. So I chose a (Kirkland’s) window pane, wall frame, and boxwood wreath in the center. So now I am working with the mantle clock and the window frame.
Anchor Piece
The definition of an anchor piece would be: the key item in that room. Where do you want the eye drawn to. This piece is usually larger, more substantial and has some purpose or function in that room.
My anchor piece, in my case, it was the window pane. You can also use a mirror that is the lock you’re trying to achieve. It is your room, the techniques always stay the same for sure, but the decorations can be flexible.
Symmetry
We are not gonna get all technical here. Symmetry simply means Balancing groups of Decor equally on either side of the Mantle. Just think of your mantle as a seesaw. It is the same principle.
Odds or Even
The “Rule of Thumb” is: groups of three or any odd number combination. Depending upon how large or small your mantle or furniture top you are decorating.
Stacking
This is the part I love the most. I love books And this is the easiest
After seeing the sconces on the wall they were just too plain, even with the lights. So I shopped my house and found a bunch of hydrangeas. I liked the concept of the flowers and the minimal light casting off of the wall.
Please feel free to share your ideas on your mantle. It is always nice to share with others.
I had a vision in my head of what I wanted the mantle to look like. I added a wavy hurricane lanterns on either side. The waviness gave it interesting dimension and then I added pussy willow stems. This helped for height. This is the picture of the mantle today and it has had several different layouts in the past.
I hope this has inspired you to not be afraid of trying different things and again I stress, decorating is a personal choice. Decorate with what you like, what you find and create a place that you love and call home…
Shop My Home
As I always try to do… I broke it down into easy too handle steps to decorating and re-decorating your mantle.
Also, it is always about your style and you’re Vibe you are trying to achieve. No 2 mantels will ever be the same. That’s what makes Us “Unique “.
Happy Decorating! 
Thanks again for being a part of The City Cottage family. I love when we can visit together.
Until next time….
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You are right decorating is a personal choice that is always changing from time to time.