Styling a Fireplace Mantel

When you walk into your living room, do you see a dazzling fireplace that takes your breath away? Or instead, do you see a dull fireplace that could use some primping and pampering? If your fireplace doesn’t quite make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, or it lacks in the design field, there’s good news - you can easily add some décor, props, and pieces that elevate your design aesthetic and create the perfect architectural focal point in your home. 

Whether you want a casual, composed look, or want to make it bold, you can get started by taking a look at some of the fireplaces we picked out and following our fireplace styling tips below. These basic steps will have you on your way to creating a fireplace that makes your space feel effortless and beautiful. 

Make it Symmetric 

Design: Traci Zeller  Photography: Dustin Peck Photography 

No matter the size of your room or your fireplace, making it symmetric is a great way to go when styling your fireplace. Symmetry draws your eyes to the fireplace’s simple yet stunning architecture, while the symmetric design pieces balance the overall appearance. 

To achieve this look, choose two sconces, two large candles, or even two decorative pieces of décor like vases, and place them on either side of the fireplace or fireplace mantel for a symmetric look. Have a larger mantel? Go for four or six of one type of element and add two or three of each on each side. As long as you choose an even number of items and place them on either side of the mantel, you’ll be on your way to a beautiful, classy, and symmetric fireplace. 

Layer It Up 

Design: Kalu Interiors  Photography: Julie Row Photography

Layering décor on a fireplace tends to make it feel chic and refined without going over the top. It also allows you to express your personality since you don’t have to choose a smaller number of pieces, which is perfect if you love candles, vases, mirrors, potted plants, and books, and want to use them all!

For an elegant but still casual interior design, layer on some décor. Be sure to grab a few things that aren’t the same size or shape. For example, tall vases and large rectangular mirrors work beautifully with smaller, more dainty items like short candles and flower pots. A double dose of photography, art, or mirrors can easily be leaned on the top of the fireplace mantel and placed in front of one another for even more layering. Also, you’ll want this layering to feel cozy, not cluttered, so place the items you chose near each other but not in line. 

Make it Cozy and Add Some Seating

Design: Dvira Ovadia 

A fireplace is the perfect spot in your home to increase the amount of warmth you have in your room. It’s also an excellent place to add some seating, especially if you don’t have the space for extra chairs in your living room. 

Choose an ottoman, a pair of footrests or poufs, or a bench to accomplish this - there’s almost no better place to put them than in front of your fireplace. Not only do these pieces fit well and add to the overall texture and interior design; they are also functional. Moving extra seating from in front of the fireplace and using them when guests come over can give you as much as three to four extra seats for people without taking up a large amount of space. Couple your increased seating with a throw and a pillow that can be used on the chilliest nights, and your fireplace will be stylish, cozy, and comfortable for any occasion. 

Go Minimalist 

Design: Kalu Interiors  Photography: Provoke Studios

If your fireplace doesn’t have a mantel or your design style leans toward minimalist chic, then it only makes sense to keep your design simple but artfully tasteful. With this fireplace styling tip, less is more! 

Add only the pieces of décor that you need, and leave ample space. You may be surprised at just how important the extra space is to the overall design, and when finished, it’s truly the key element. Opt for a few cozy pillows, a rug, or some books, and place it around the fireplace or on nearby shelving. When you’re done, take something away. Ask yourself if the item you removed adds to the design or takes away from it. By asking yourself this question, you’ll be able to achieve a truly minimalist design by appreciating each and every item and its purpose. 

Are you looking to see more beautiful fireplaces? Check out fireplaces that inspire on our Beautiful Design Made Simple blog, where we dive into a few of our favorite fireplace designs.