What should I put on my fireplace mantel?

You can put anything you want on your mantle. Mirrors and candles are popular because they increase the light in the room. Pictures and art are popular because they add color and visual interest. Try to pick up the colors that are in the rest of the room for a cohesive look.

What kind of wood should I use for a fireplace mantel?

Walnut is a popular wood for fireplace mantles because it’s heavy, hard, and incredibly durable. The rich and dark color makes it stand out and look beautiful. Hickory is another wood that will be durable and look beautiful.

How do I style my mantel?

Create balance with your display so that it has the same amount of visual weight on the left and right sides. This does not mean making the left and right sides exactly the same; this is too symmetrical and will look overly styled and dated. It’s better to have a few larger pieces of the decor than many small pieces. It’s also good to add at least one living element to the design.

16 Fireplace Mantel Ideas

“I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer.” – George Matthew Adams

Having a fireplace in your home is a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because it’s a natural focal point and centerpiece to your decorating. It’s a curse because everyone will look at it when they enter the room.

Have the wrong mantle decor, and you bring down the style and vibe of the entire room. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can fake it by building a faux fireplace with a mantle.

Fireplace mantel ideas will help you figure out what you like and what will look best in your home. Look for decor that will enhance the look and feel of the room where the mantle is located. Don’t resort to the standard generic lineup of family picture frames.

1. Marble Fireplace Mantel

A marble fireplace mantel serves as a stunning focal point, exuding timeless charm and adding a touch of grandeur to any room. The smooth and polished surface of the marble reflects light, creating a luminous ambiance that elevates the entire space.

Showcase your favorite artwork, family portraits, or stylish decor pieces on the mantel to add a personal touch.

2. Flagstone Fireplace Mantel

Whether your design aesthetic leans towards traditional or modern, a flagstone fireplace mantel blends seamlessly with various styles, offering versatility and timeless appeal.

Use it as a display area for cherished family photos, art pieces, or decorative accents that reflect your personal taste.

3. Fireplace Mantel With Decorative Tiles

One way to add a unique touch to your fireplace mantel is by incorporating decorative tiles. Choose tiles with intricate patterns, bold colors, or interesting textures to add visual interest and personality.

Arrange the tiles in a pattern that suits your aesthetic and complements the overall design of your space.

Fireplace mantel with decorative tiles — Source: @lorimers_at_home via Instagram

4. Fireplace Mantel With Victorian-Style Carvings

The intricate carvings of a Victorian-inspired mantel bring a sense of elegance and timeless beauty to any space.

You can choose from a variety of designs, such as floral motifs, intricate patterns, or ornate details, to create a focal point that exudes sophistication and charm. Pair it with a collection of antique candleholders, vintage photographs, or a statement mirror to complete the look.

Fireplace mantel with Victorian-style carvings — Source: @victorianreno_withjandj via Instagram

5. Stucco Fireplace Mantel

The texture and depth of a stucco mantel add a unique charm to your fireplace, becoming the focal point of the room.

Dress it up with antique candle holders, intricate sculptures, or even a vibrant piece of artwork to create a captivating display. The stucco texture adds depth and character, making your fireplace mantel a conversation piece that exudes both elegance and history.

Stucco fireplace mantel — Source: @madelinemamarobison via Instagram

6. Brick Fireplace Mantel

A brick fireplace mantel adds a touch of elegance and sophistication while creating a focal point that draws the eye. The beauty of a white or black brick fireplace mantel is its versatility, as it seamlessly blends with various design styles, from rustic to modern.

You can personalize the mantel by displaying cherished photos, artwork, or decorative items that reflect your unique style and personality. The neutral color of the white brick allows you to experiment with different color schemes and textures, making it easy to change the overall ambiance of the room.

White brick fireplace mantel — Source: @mybffjules via Instagram

Black brick fireplace mantel — Source: @white.desert.farmhouse via Instagram

7. Roman-Style Fireplace Mantel

With its timeless design and elegant details, a Roman fireplace mantel brings a touch of sophistication to any room.

Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, the versatility of a Roman fireplace mantel allows you to incorporate it seamlessly into your existing design scheme. Display your favorite artwork, sculptures, or cherished family photos on the mantel, turning it into a showcase of your personal style.

8. Glass Mirror Modern Fireplace Mantel

Whether your style is modern, classic, or eclectic, glass mirror trimming complements any design aesthetic. Adorn the mantel with an artful arrangement of candles, vases, or cherished trinkets to create a captivating display.

Let the glass mirror fireplace trimming elevate your decor, adding a touch of luxury and creating a visually striking statement that will leave your guests in awe.

9. Fireplace Mantel With Minimal Trimming

This sleek and contemporary design choice creates a seamless and clean aesthetic that complements any modern interior. The absence of excessive ornamentation allows the focus to remain on the beauty of the fireplace itself, while still providing a functional space to display decor.

Embrace the simplicity and let the clean lines of the mantel speak for themselves. Add a carefully curated selection of art pieces, vases, or candles to create a chic and sophisticated look.

Fireplace mantel with minimal trimming — Source: @kaylarleal via Instagram

10. Black Fireplace Mantel

When it comes to creating a statement piece in your living room, a black fireplace mantel is the epitome of masculine elegance. This bold choice instantly adds a touch of sophistication and drama to your space.

Pair it with a contrasting wall color or let it stand out against a neutral backdrop for a striking effect. The black fireplace mantel serves as a focal point, drawing attention to the heart of your home. You can showcase your favorite artwork, photos, or stylish decor pieces on the mantel, adding a personal touch to the overall design.

11. Shiplap Fireplace Mantel

If you’re going for a farmhouse-inspired look, consider adding a shiplap fireplace mantel to your space. The horizontal wooden planks instantly bring a cozy and rustic charm to the room.

Whether it’s a seasonal wreath or a simple greenery wreath, it adds a touch of natural beauty and serves as a focal point. You can also decorate the mantel with a curated collection of vintage finds, family photos, or decorative accessories to personalize the space and create a warm and inviting ambiance.

12. White Fireplace Mantel

A white fireplace mantel is a versatile and timeless choice that brings a clean and sophisticated look to any space. Its neutral color allows for endless styling possibilities, making it easy to adapt to different design aesthetics.

Whether your style is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, a white fireplace mantel seamlessly blends in while adding a touch of elegance.

Display a collection of art pieces, place a mirror for added depth, or adorn it with greenery and candles for a cozy ambiance.

13. Polished Wood Fireplace Mantel

The beauty of a polished wood fireplace mantel lies in its versatility, as it seamlessly complements various interior styles, from traditional to modern. Its smooth surface provides the perfect canvas for showcasing an array of decorative objects, such as framed artwork, vases, or even a collection of cherished family photographs.

14. Brick-Stone Fireplace Mantel

The beauty of a brick-stone mantel lies in its versatility, as it can complement various interior styles, from rustic and farmhouse to industrial and contemporary.

The rough texture of the bricks adds depth and visual interest, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Brick stone fireplace mantel — Source: @cottagemillfarmhouse via Instagram

15. Stonewall Fireplace Mantel

The natural texture and earthy tones of the stonewall provide a captivating backdrop for your fireplace, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Decorate the mantel with carefully curated items, such as art pieces, sculptural elements, or a collection of cherished objects, to further personalize the space.

Stonewall fireplace mantel — Source: @somethingbluefarmhouse via Instagram

16. Board & Batten Fireplace Mantel

Whether your home leans towards traditional or modern aesthetics, a board and batten fireplace mantel can effortlessly complement any interior.

The clean lines and architectural details create a sense of sophistication, while the versatility of the design allows for various decor options. Display your favorite artwork, vases, or decorative objects to add a personal touch. You can also experiment with different textures and finishes to enhance the visual interest of the mantel.